Dr. Richard. Wayne Cunningham of Gainesville Florida, passed away Monday, August 29, 2010 at Haven Hospice surrounded by his family and friends.

He is survived by his loving wife Pat who was also his caregiver through his many illnesses and life long friend of 46 years, his 4 daughters, 1 step-daughter and 3 sons-in-laws, Cyndi Kirts of Gainesville, Lisa Wall (Willie) of Deltona, Eleanor Pojer (Raul) of Madrid Spain, Debbie Cunningham Blair (Johnny) of Madison, Donna Kaye Miller (Andy) of Denver, Co. and three granddaughters, Michelle and Nicole Pojer and Meghan Kirts, and his sister and bother-in-law Hilda and Russell Alderman of Jennings, FL.

Richard Wayne Cunningham was born on the family farm in Hamilton County, Florida on December 15, 1933, He graduated from Jennings High School where he lettered in football, basketball, baseball, and was valedictorian of his class. He worked on the family farm and at the age of 15 he leased and operated a farm himself

He attended the University of Florida and graduated with honors with a Bachelor's Degree in Science in 1958. He was active in the student government and his fraternity, Sigma Chi as well as working at several jobs to help pay his way through school.

He spent 2 years on active duty in the United States Navy serving during the Korean conflict.

He graduated from the University of Florida School of Medicine in 1962, followed by his Internship, and Residency in Internal Medicine as well as a year of Neurology Fellowship there.

Dr. Cunningham then joined Dr. John Andrews in private practice in Gainesville in 1966. Together they established the highly successful and respected Gainesville Medical Group. They were also instrumental in attracting Hospital Corporation of America to build North Florida Regional Hospital in 1973. Dr. Cunningham then served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for 15 years and the entrance to North Florida Regional Medical Center and Physicians Office Park was re-named Cunningham Drive in his honor. He also served 9 years on the Board of Governors of Hospital Corporation of America.

He was a member of the American Medical Association, Florida Medical Association, Alachua County Medical Association and the American College of Physicians.

Dr. Cunningham also served the community in a number of non-medical capacities. Those included Santa Fe College Board of Trustees, Sun Bank Board of Directors, University of Florida Foundation Board, Director of the Gainesville Chamber of Commerce and the Advisory Board of the Performing Arts Center.

He was an avid sports fan, a Bull Gator as well as a member of the Quarterback Club and a lifetime member of the Florida BIue Honor Fraternity.

He loved the outdoors and went on a number of memorable hunting and fishing trips with close friends and family to Alaska., Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Costa Rica, South Dakota, Arkansas and the Amazon River.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Luna Cunningham and his sisters, Bonnie Shadrick and Mary Martha Lambert.

Dr. Cunningham's final arrangements are being handled by the Neptune Society Crematorium.

Memorial Services were held September 18, 2011 at Santa Fe Community College in the Art Hall.

Obituary placed on this website in memory of Dr. Cunningham in appreciation for his dedication to the people in this community.