Roosevelt Cunningham

Roosevelt Cunningham, born to Rosie Lee (Julius) and Wence Cunningham, Sr, in Simsboro, Arkansas, on June 17, 1944 ,flew away to be with the Lord, peacefully, on Sunday, March 23, 2025. He was surrounded by his wife, Leslie, daughter, Carmen, granddaughter, Brittany, and sister-in-law Marcia Keys.

It was his prayer and his family’s prayer that God’s will be done, and it was. God granted him mercy and released him from his pain. Roosevelt knew God’s word to be true in Ecclesiastes 12:7, “And the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.” He was unafraid and ready to release his sick body.

Roosevelt was baptized in his youth at Union Baptist Church. He attended Jackson and Washington Grade Schools and graduated from Danville High School in 1962. He served in the 101st Army Airborne Division (Screaming Eagles) and was deployed to Viet Nam in 1965. After returning from Viet Nam, he attended Danville Area Community where he received an Associate’s degree. He joined the Danville Fire Department in 1968, and served his community for 32 years, retiring in 2000.

Roosevelt married Leslie Randle on November 15, 1965. His favorite memory to share was his “imperfect love story” about meeting his wife and falling in love with her. He was a fascinating storyteller; he had the ability to transport you to the scene. Roosevelt said it was love at first sight, as he was captivated by her smile, and her sparkling eyes. He was never afraid or embarrassed to speak his truth about anything. He would tell his children and others about trials and growing pains in his life and in his marriage. He exclaimed to anyone who would listen, “I got lucky” choosing a spouse. In talking to three of his hospice nurses one day, he said, “Les is the light of my life and always has been, she takes great care of me”. When he was in Viet Nam the song “My Girl” by the Temptations became his anthem as he longed to be home with his girl. Mrs. C played that song for him many times in the last few months. Of course, he would sing along and smile.

He was a wise, loving father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Each time they called or visited he would tell them how proud he was of them. He was a father figure to many nephews and nieces. They will forever remember his humor and his love for them. He was a hard worker and often worked two jobs to provide for his family. He said his steadfast work ethic was modeled by his dad who worked at General Motors for years and never missed a day. Roosevelt was undeterred by misfortune and continued to focus on positivity, and his family.

He was a bookworm and always carried one with him even during his hospitalizations.Though his strength was waning, he could only read a page or so a day, he still read. He said it was his security blanket.

He had a passion for cooking, was excellent at it, and cooked most of the meals for his family until his illness. One of his dreams was to market his succulent barbecue sauce and open a restaurant. He opened the Smoke Shack BBQ Restaurant in 1988 with Augustus Scott , Jr. but sadly, the business closed after a major fire and street closing. He continued for years to make his legendary sauce for friends and family. He passed the recipe to Jason, Leonard, and Eboni. Watch for it in the marketplace.

He was a hilarious comedian and impersonator. He kept his children, grandchildren, neices, and nephews rolling on the floor laughing with his stories and antics. Spearheading family reunion planning with his brothers, Wence and Nate, was a joy. He dearly loved his siblings. He had a passion for sports; he loved and played baseball until he broke his ankle. He coached his daughter, Carmen’s, undefeated softball team, the Bad News Bears, with his brother-in-law, George (Spanky) Jimson. He enjoyed listening to music and dancing. His favorite genres were, blues, jazz, and R&B.

Roosevelt leaves to cherish his memory, his love of 59 years, Leslie, daughters, Stacey (Leonard) Scott, of Indianapolis, IN, Carmen (Clifton) Lovelace, of Lee’s Summit, MO, and son, Jason Roosevelt (Steffany) Cunningham of Flossmoor, IL. Ten grandchildren, Kyle Scott, Sr., Eboni Scott, Brittany Reed, Justin Lovelace, Tyler Lovelace, Lesley Lovelace, Jai Cunningham, Nia Cunningham, Jason Israel Roosevelt Cunningham, and Freeman Galloway, Jr. Five great-grandchildren, Emerson Roosevelt Leffall, Kyle Scott, Jr., Luciana Fresia-Lovelace, Derron Galloway, and Leo Lovelace.

Roosevelt was the 7th child born into a family of 21. He leaves five loving sisters to celebrate his life, Ernestine Boards of Detroit, MI, Emma (Ronald) Singleton of Canton, OH, Rosetta Cunningham, Elizabeth (Steve) Carruth, and Patricia Joann Cunningham all of Danville, IL, one brother, Wence H. Cunningham, Jr. of Brandon, FL who was Roosevelt’s confidant, bookend, and best friend. Also, Herman Cunningham, dear friend, and spiritual brother.

In addition to his parents, Roosevelt was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Lisa Georgette Cunningham and son Freeman Galloway, Sr.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, April 5, 2025, at New Life Church of Faith, 1419 North Bowman Avenue in Danville. Visitation is from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, with a celebration of life at 11:00. Burial will immediately follow the service at Sunset Memorial Park, 3901 N. Vermilion, Danville, IL. The repast will be held at New Life Church of Faith Banquet Center which is adjacent to the New Life Church of Faith. The service will be live streamed

via Leek and Sons Facebook page.

The family welcomes donations to Roosevelt’s favorite charity, Over the Rainbow Ministries (501C nonprofit).

Please mail C/O Marcia Keys, President & CEO at 305 W. 9th St., Georgetown, IL 61846.

Gratitude Rising to God I could not have offered my beloved Roosevelt impeccable around the clock care without the help of my family. I am grateful to God for the loving kindness of my children, grandchildren, children-in-love, Leonard Scott, Clifton Lovelace, and Steffany Cunningham, sisters-in-love, Patricia Joann Cunningham, Elizabeth Ann Carruth, Rosetta Cunningham, my sisters, Marcia Keys, Charlene Randle, Marilyn Jimson, Corrine Jeanette Reed, my brothers Lloyd, and Michael Randle. To God be the Glory! May He abundantly bless each of you.

To my family of friends, thank you for your love and support during my beloved’s illness and since his passing. Your prayers, cards, messages, texts, emails, telephone calls, dinners, and every act of kindness you have offered is a blessing to us. Thank you for being love in motion. May God meet all your needs as you have met ours.

I thank the Veterans Administration Medical Center, VA Primary Home-Based Team, VA Palliative Care, Carle Clinic, and Transitions Hospice Nurses for offering us their gifts of loving care and the best of everything we needed. May God bless each one of you for your generosity.

-Mrs. C

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