Clifton Delano Cunningham

Our beloved Clifton Delano Cunningham was a devoted and loving father, grandfather, son, brother and uncle. He gained his wings unexpectedly on Saturday, April 27, 2024, in Waynesville, Missouri at the age of 63. Clifton was born in Waynesville, Missouri on June 21, 1960, to Dora Beverly (Jones) Cunningham-Greene and Van Cunningham Jr., where he spent most of his life. Clifton was a great student and exceptional athlete while he attended school in the Waynesville R-VI School District. He was very popular in school participating in chorus, football, wrestling, basketball, marching band, track and cross country. He made a name for himself in the 100-, 200-, and 400-meter races but elevated himself representing at the Missouri State Championships in the 400-meter dash, 1-mile relay and 2-mile relay. Clifton loved the relay races where he and his teammates dominated the field and won countless medals. Clifton also competed in State Band competitions where he won several trophies playing the trumpet as well as the tuba. After high school Clifton wanted to fulfill his civic duty by serving in the military. He joined the United States Army in 1979 and was honorably discharged in 1982. Shortly after, Clifton was faced with a wonderful opportunity to join the State Trooper Academy. Although he passed on the opportunity, that became one of his biggest regrets in life. He decided to move to St. Louis, Missouri in 1985 where he worked in the Food Industry, in a management role, for several years. He aspired to move up to a GM role, however he decided to transition to Potosi, Missouri where he worked as a Prison Guard at the Correctional Center. Clifton soon realized he preferred a different path, so he headed back to his hometown in Waynesville, Missouri where he worked as a builder, carpenter, landscaper, and electrician. Clifton loved his family dearly and was overjoyed with the birth of his first daughter, Sharezza Cunningham. He truly enjoyed being a father and after some time, he welcomed his second daughter Shamiah Cunningham and then his third daughter, Shariah Cunningham. Although he did not see his daughters as often as he wanted, he loved them tremendously and wanted the best for each of them…they were “daddy’s babies.” Clifton was carefree, even at a young age. He lived life the way he wanted to live it…always enjoying the moment. As a boy, he dubbed himself, “CC Chocolate Drop,” and the girls loved it! He was charming and handsome, breaking hearts at an early age. As a man, it was no different. He was still a smooth-talking guy, cruising through life. Clifton was the comedian of the family, poking fun of everyone in a playful manner. He loved getting together with friends and family, often enjoying the food more than anyone. He was a chef on the grill and a handyman around the house. He was smart, strong, athletic, confident, kind and very down-to-earth. He really loved sports, especially football (Arizona Cardinals), tinkering with tools and equipment, animals, music, fishing and discussing world news. Clifton had the biggest heart. In fact, he loved hard and had no regrets about it. He could light up a room with his quirky jokes and hearty laughter. He was an amazing and loving son, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. Our dear Clifton will be sadly missed but lovingly remembered by all those who knew and loved him. He leaves to cherish his memory, his children: Sharezza Cunningham; Shamiah Cunningham and Shariah Cunningham; his grandchildren: Zaiyra and Yanis; his siblings Beverly Greene of Arlington, VA; Vannessa Arnett (Devodie) of Mount Holly, NC; Van Cunningham III (Faith) of Carson, CA; Sherry Moore (Willie) of Waynesville, MO, and Stephanie Holt of Rock Hill, MO; several nieces, great nieces, nephews, great nephews, cousins, other relatives and a great deal of friends. He also leaves in special memory: Shannon Vanderhoof, Jenna Cloutier, Caroline Jennings and Andrea Cunningham. He was preceded in death by his parents: Caleb and Dora Greene and Van Cunningham Jr.; his sisters Shanlanda F. Cunningham-Hill and Carolyn D. Cunningham. Although Clifton aka “CC Chocolate Drop,” has gained his wings, his wonderful smile, infectious laughter and most of all his unwavering love will forever live on in our hearts. We will forever be “The Great Eight” – Steppy (Oofengoggle), Laney, Kellogg, Buckwheat, Lynn-pig, Fitzgerald, Jellyhead and Lil Pea. ❤️ Visitation will be held at 12:00 p.m. Friday, May 3, 2024 with a funeral service to follow at 12:30 p.m. in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert. Burial with military honors will follow in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery of Waynesville, MO. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Clifton Cunningham and may be left at Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert.

Clifton Delano Cunningham

June 21, 1960 - April 27, 2024