Larry Dean Cunningham Jr.'s Obituary
Larry Dean Cunningham Jr. passed away on March 17, 2025, in Memphis, Tennessee. He was a beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend, whose warmth and adventurous spirit touched the lives of many.
Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Larry spent his childhood playing sports and forming friendships that lasted a lifetime. At seventeen, he moved to Memphis to attend Rhodes College, where he played basketball, joined the SAE fraternity, and grew to love the city that would become his home. After graduating, Larry remained in Memphis, building a successful career as a product manager with International Paper, Packtiv Evergreen, and CFS Carlisle FoodService.
It was in Memphis that Larry met and fell in love with his wife, Michelle Grabowski. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure. A devoted father, Larry made it his mission to ensure that every weekend was spent making memories with his children, Claire and Larry III—whether at the zoo, the Children's Museum, or simply at the playground. His outgoing personality and ability to connect with anyone made him a friend to all who knew him.
Larry was preceded in death by his sister, Helen Marie Cunningham, and his grandparents, Cecil & Helen Cunningham and George & Mary Geers. He is survived by his loving wife, Michelle Ann Cunningham (Grabowski); his cherished children, Claire Jennifer Cunningham and Larry Dean Cunningham III; his parents, Larry & Martha Cunningham; and his sister, Mary Catherine Price (Cunningham) and her husband, Justin Price. He is also survived by his aunts and uncles, Pat & Linda McMillan, George & Anna Geers, and Dan & Christine DeBold; as well as his cousins, Michael McMillan, Scott McMillan, Danny DeBold, Rachel DeBold, Andrew DeBold, and Emily McElhaney.
Memorial Contribution: In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Claire and Larry III’s 529 college fund. Larry was extremely passionate about education and wanted his children to have all the options that he did. A fund has been set up through the TN Stars College Savings program to benefit Claire and Larry III. To donate at any time, go to ugift529.com, and type code W6J-E5F for Claire, and R3P-H3V for Larry III.
Larry’s kindness, enthusiasm for life, and unwavering love for his family will be deeply missed but forever remembered.
The Family invites friends to gather Saturday March 22, 2025, at 3:00pm for a visitation followed by a Celebration of Larry's life at 4:00pm at Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery 5668 Poplar Ave Memphis, Tn 38119.
To view services online, click link below.
https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/110935/hash:DA39B7E213A83137
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