Michael Graden Cunningham

Michael Graden Cunningham, 67, wonderful husband, father and grampa, passed away Friday, April 10, 2015 at the Elizabeth House.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Graden and Dorothy Cunningham, and by his ìuncle-daddyî Grady Cunningham.

He was a beloved teacher/coach at Etowah Elementary, Rugby Middle and West Henderson High before his 34-year employment at Carolina Log/Timberpeg.

Michael leaves behind his wife, Susan Allison Cunningham; son, Cory Cunningham (Heather) of Asheville; daughter, Candice Granger (James) of England; stepdaughter, Allison Carr (Shane) of Knoxville; stepson, Cyrus Ashbrook (Whitney) of Asheville; brothers, Richard Cunningham (Carla) of Etowah and John Cunningham (Beverly) of Hendersonville; ìaunt-mamaî Juanita Cunningham of Shelby; ìcousin-sistersî Jeanie Long (Russ) of Fletcher and Cindy Drake (Burney) of Shelby; and many nieces and nephews as well as dear friends whom he felt were family.

He also leaves behind a lot of young ones who call him Grampa, Jae and Nate Carr of Knoxville; Finnian, Darcy and Caelyn Granger of England; Riley and Emily Baker of Knoxville; Isaac Blanton of Hendersonville; Taylor and Addison Devereux of Knoxville; Ariana, Kayla and Michael Pasto of Knoxville; and Jaden and Skyler McChristian of Knoxville.

A memorial service and celebration of Michaelís life will be held at 1:30 PM Saturday, April 18, 2015 at Mills River Presbyterian Church, 10 Presbyterian Church Rd., Mills River, NC. Visitation and reception will follow in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Michaelís honor to Four Seasons Compassion for Life, 571 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.