The Honorable William “Pete” Cunningham was born November 7, 1929, to the late Mrs. Jonsie Patterson and Mr. John Wallace of Monroe, North Carolina. He departed this life at home on Tuesday, December 21, 2010, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Mr. Cunningham was married to Mrs. Carla Rorie Cunningham.

The body will lay in state, Monday, December 27, 2010, 12 Noon-6:00 p.m. The Family will greet friends Monday, 6:00-7:30 p.m. with funeral service, Tuesday, December 28, 2010, 12 Noon, First Baptist Church-West. Interment immediately following at Hillcrest Cemetery, Adams Street, Monroe, North Carolina.

In 1986, Cunningham was elected to the North Carolina General Assembly State House of Representatives, 107th District for 21 years. When he retired from the General Assembly, he was the longest serving member of the Mecklenburg County legislative delegation. He was a member of the Legislative Black Caucus from 1987 – 2008; he served as Minority Whip of the House from 1995 – 1996; and as an Ex-officio Member to all Committees from 2002 – 2008. He would continue his legacy of service by working with Governors Jim Hunt and Mike Easley to bring about diversity in hiring practices for the state of North Carolina.

Mr. Cunningham served his country in the United States Army in the Third Battalion 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 82nd Airborne Division. In 1966 he enlisted into the Navy serving as Radioman 1st Class on the USS Barracuda stationed in Charleston, South Carolina. After 20 years of honorable service, he retired from the military in 1986.

He graduated from Winchester Avenue School, Monroe, North Carolina in 1945 and received his B.A. in Business Law from Johnson C. Smith University in 1956.

Cunningham embarked on numerous and diverse entrepreneurial occupations to include real estate investing, automobile and insurance sales, owned a restaurant and gas station. In addition, he was president and co-founder of Cunningham and Hatchett Associates, a personnel agency. Cunningham became the sole owner of the historic Excelsior Club in 1988-2006, Charlotte’s first African-American social club and gathering spot.

Mr. Cunningham understood the importance of service to community. He used his talents, resources, creativity and skills to either found or co-found organizations that still impact the lives of individuals in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community. He was founder of The Charlotte Business League, a leader in The Black Political Caucus of Charlotte-Mecklenburg (BPC), and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). His active status with the NAACP in the 1950’s and 60’s propelled him to become a life member. Through the NAACP, he continued to advocate for fairness and justice for African Americans. As a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Pete advocated for Veterans, the mentally disabled, and senior citizens.

His compassion for children led him to the Anita Stroud Foundation where he served as the chairman in the 1990’s of its volunteer board for several years and remained an active member of the Foundation until his passing. Out of his commitment and dedication to the Anita Stroud Foundation, he encouraged the Excelsior membership participation which lead to the founding of the Excelsior Club Humanity Organization (ECHO).

Spiritually grounded, Mr. Cunningham was a member of First Baptist Church-West where he served on the Board of Directors.

“A legacy is what we leave outside ourselves.” We can say with certainty that Mr. William “Pete” Cunningham’s has left a legacy—a legacy of dedication, sense of responsibility, commitment, service and advocacy. He was a servant of the common man. Anyone could reach out to him and he would listen and assist. His family and friends knew that he was dependable and loyal. Many individuals here in Mecklenburg County and across the State of North Carolina are beneficiaries. Even in his last days, Mr. Cunningham continued to be a shoulder on which others could lean and an ear to which others could vent their concerns. Though he is no longer on this physical plane, his legacy shall live on forever.

He leaves to cherish fond memories his devoted wife, Mrs. Carla Rorie Cunningham; three children, Ronnie Cunningham (Penny) of Charlotte, North Carolina; Peter Cunningham (Tabitha) of Dallas, North Carolina; and Khristina Cunningham of Charlotte. He is also the stepfather of KaMesha Rorie of Atlanta, Georgia and Kyle Rorie of Charlotte, and has eleven grandchildren and two great grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and many special life-long friends. Sons, Gary Cunningham and Kenneth Cunningham preceded him in death.

In lieu of flowers, and in memory of Mr. Cunningham, donations can be made to The Anita Stroud Foundation, P. O. Box 16490, Charlotte, North Carolina 28297.

Special thanks to Dr. Jerry A. Jones, Dr. Aamer A. Qureshi, Hospice and Pallative Care Charlotte Region, and Ms. Penny Anthony.

Services are entrusted to Long and Son Mortuary Service, Charlotte, North Carolina.
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