Gary Franklin Cunningham, 71 of Grandview went home to be with Jesus on Thursday, March 11, 2021 being surrounded by his family.

Born on May 18, 1949, Gary was a lifelong resident of Rhea County.  He was a member of the Grandview Baptist Church and graduate d from Spring City High School; lettering in basketball.  Gary worked at Southern Silk Mill in Spring City for numerous years, eventually working for and retiring from TVA; Watts Bar and Sequoyah .  His greatest passion was raising and showing his chickens.  Gary's other loves were his family and gardening.  He was a beloved husband, daddy, papaw and great granddad .

Gary was preceded in death by his father and stepmother Frank ( Clara ) Cunningham, his grandparents and numerous aunts and uncles.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Vickie H. Cunningham of Grand vi ew , his mother Evelyn Heath of Spring City , his two children Symanatha (Peter) Milana of Spring City and Kevin (Tiffany) Cunningham of Crossville, his grandchildren Caleb (Tiffany) Wilson, Curtis (Paige King) Cunningham, Shelby Riggs, Ethan Cunningham, Kassidy Cun ningham, Bradley (Raven) Morgan, his great grandchildren Ellsie Cunningham, Augustus "Gus" Wilson, Jaxon and Madax Beene, Joy Norwood, Violet Miller, his loving brother Mike (Pat) Cunningham of Alabama, his half-sister Vivian (John) Riggs of Spring City and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, March 14, 2021 at 3:00 pm in the chapel of Vaughn Funeral Home with Chaplain Marv Eskew officiating.  Interment will follow in the Spring City Memorial Gardens.  The family will receive friends Sunday from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at Vaughn Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to Hearth Hospice, 2700 Executive Park Dr., N.W., Cleveland, TN  37312.

Vaughn Funeral Home, Spring City is in charge of arrangements.  Please visit our website at www.vaughn-funeral-home.com to share memories and condolences with the family of Gary Franklin Cunningham.