Eric Cunningham

Birth: November 1, 1963 | Died: December 8, 2024

Eric Doarn Cunningham was born on November 1, 1963, to Miles & Gladys Cunningham in Detroit, MI. Eric graduated from Highland Park Community High School where he was the co-captain of the school's track team specializing in the 800-meter race. He was also a permanent fixture on the one-mile relay team. He won several medals and commendations at the local, regional and state level. Eric continued his education by graduating from Oakland University, Rochester MI, where he was a member of the Black student union and university student congress. Eric, along with 11 other young men, were proud founding members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Omicron Mu Chapter.

While attending Oakland University, Eric began working at DuPont de Nemours, Inc. in the chemical and paint department. He later worked as a manager for Grow Automotive / PPG Automotive Paint. In 2000, Eric moved to Orange County, CA and began a career as project manager at Corix and Direct TV. During his employment at Corix, in July 2011, he met the love and joy of his life, Joyce Raphael and they remained together until his departure.

Eric was a culinary maverick and food critic in everyone's kitchen. He also enjoyed reading, drawing, writing, working out and traveling. Some of his most joyful moments were spent with his niece Ebony Cunningham and his grand-children Isaac, Wyll and Wysdom as he was affectionately called "Grampa E"

Eric made his transition on Sunday, December 8, 2024. He is survived by his life partner Joyce Raphael; bonus children Valyncia (Alex); Krystal (Bryan); Glen (Erin) and Lindsay-Janae (Thomas). His siblings Earl (Twin Brother), Kim (Eugene), Joel "Joey", Timothy "Tim", Gerald "Fuzz", Rhonda (Paul), Cheryl, Gina (Michael) and Donna. A host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Eric was preceded in death by his parents Gladys & Miles and brother Ricardo "Ricky".

Services are with Hilgenfeld Mortuary of Anaheim CA. Memorial services will be at College Park Church, Long Beach, CA on Saturday, December 28, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. and New Beginnings Fellowship in Detroit, MI on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 1:30 p.m.

Eric adored and cherished his many nieces and nephews whom he treasured as his children both past and present.

HONORARY FLOWER BEARERS

• Ebony Cunningham
• Tunisha Cunningham * (preceded in death)
• Maia Goode-Bragg
• Kimberly Lamptey
• Carmen Williams
• Britany Lovin
• Kim Richards
• Jody Childress
• Znahriyah Cunningham
• Nichole Nelson
• Brittney Berry
• Blair Berry
• Jiva Jimmons
• Dasia Jimmons
• Nalani Jimmons

• Charles (Chuck) Morgan * (preceded in death)
• Arris Harris
• Zion Cunningham
• Earl Cunningham Jr.
• Eric Lovin
• Aaron Lovin
• Brandon Berry
• Men of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Omicron Mu Chapter