Nathaniel Cunningham Sr.

Nathaniel Cunningham Sr. was born to Rosie Lee and Wence H. Cunningham, Sr. on April 1, 1947 in Blytheville, Arkansas.  Theresa O.  Davis (Tree) and Nathaniel Cunningham, Sr. were joined in holy matrimony on April 12, 1965.  Nate had three children – Nate Jr., Nina (Givner) and Yanette (Pedersen).

Nate retired in 2007, after thirty-two years of teaching, coaching, and mentoring in many communities.  He taught and coached in both public and private schools from shining sea to shining sea.  Starting in his hometown of Danville, moving to the college level at his Alma Mater of Indiana University and then to his first head coaching job in Beverly Massachusetts.  He coached in Massachusetts, Texas, California, Georgia, Illinois, and Michigan.  He taught everywhere he went.  He loved his hometown of Danville.

Nate was a three-sport athlete at Danville High School.  Lettering in football, basketball and baseball.  He was all state in high school and All -Big Ten in college.  He was a member of the one and only Indiana University Rose bowl Team.  He took great pride in his university.  He also took great pride in educating children and changing communities for the better.  He never did it alone, however – he was a great teammate.  Whether he lead or followed, he always found a way to win for us all.

Nate leaves to his memory, his wife, Theresa, son – Nathaniel Jr. (Chicago), two daughters, Nina Givner (Cincinnati), and Yanette Pedersen (Atlanta). Seven grandchildren, Three great grandchildren, Five sisters Ernestine Boards of Detroit, MI, Emma Singleton of Canton, OH, Rosetta Cunningham, Elizabeth Carruth, Joann Cunningham all of Danville, IL, Two Brothers, Roosevelt Cunningham of Danville, IL, Wence Cunningham Jr. of Brandon FL, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Nate was preceded in death by his parents Rosie and Wence H Cunningham, Sr., four brothers, and six sisters.

A Public Visitation will commence on Monday, April 18, 2022 from 1-5p.m. at Leek & Son’s Funeral Home 304 E. Williams St. Danville. Burial Spring Hill Cemetery. 

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