Larry Hugh Cunningham

Larry Hugh Cunningham was called home by the Lord on September 3, 2008. He uncomplainingly and courageously fought the good fight with the terrible disease of lung cancer. Visitation will be Saturday, September 6th from 4-7 at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, 2827 N. Oakland Avenue Decatur, Illinois 62526. Funeral services will be held at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 352 W. Wood St, Decatur, IL at 2:00 PM Sunday September 7, 2008. Graveside services will be at 11:30 AM Tuesday September 9, 2008 at Grandview Cemetery, Maryville, Tennessee. Memorials may be made to St Paul's Lutheran Church, Baby Talk or Scovill Zoo, Decatur, Illinois. He was born on January 13, 1944 in Maryville, TN to Glenn & Norma Cunningham. A 1961 graduate of Maryville High School and a 1965 graduate of University of Tennessee. He married the love of his life, Sarah Ann Beatty on June 12, 1965 in Maryville, Tennessee. They moved to Decatur, Illinois where he began a long and successful career with A. E. Staley Manufacturing Co. He held many positions with Staley, culminating in his selection as president. Following his 25 year career at Staley, he joined Archer Daniels Midland, eventually becoming Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs. He retired in March 2003, ending a 35 year career in the food industry. He was recognized throughout his career for his leadership, work ethic, innovative ideas and most of all for his kindness. Larry was very active in civic affairs in the Decatur community and has served on the boards of directors of agribusiness and financial companies as well as civic organizations, including Lindsay Manufacturing, Millikin University Board of Trustees and James Millikin Trust. Many of his services to his community and fellow citizens were in the manner he preferred.quietly and without publicity. Larry leaves behind him his most treasured possession, his family. He and his wife Sarah were married for 43 years and were the parents of Rachel Cunningham Garretson of Rio Rancho, New Mexico and Jeff Cunningham of Atlanta, Georgia. A special love, as only a grand parent can feel, was for the children of Rachel and her husband, Scott Garretson. He was Papa to his little "goofies", as he affectionately called them - Zach, Bailey, and Molly. Another special joy was Jeff's fianc�e, Marcy Martin, and their upcoming marriage in October. Larry's parents, Glenn and Norma, passed away 3&4 years ago respectively. Larry leaves one brother, Jerry of Maryville, Tennessee and numerous adoring nieces and nephews. Joining the family in their loss are friends too numerous to name. All were special to Larry. Most special was the person who was like another brother to him, Tim Toney. Many thanks and sincere gratitude to Dr. Fritz and Dr. Wade and their staffs for their great support and compassion during a difficult time. Sometimes during a storm a giant oak tree will fall. The loss of the tree is sad, but if we look upward, the fallen tree opens the forest canopy for an unencumbered view of the heavens. Larry was our oak tree and through his life we see heaven more clearly. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Larry Hugh Cunningham please visit our Sympathy Store.