Charles Richard Cunningham

Charles Richard “Ricky” Cunningham, 79, of Alexandria, Virginia, passed away peacefully on June 10, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Ricky was born on December 20, 1946, in Jenkin Jones, West Virginia, to Lorelle Edith Hall (Cunningham). He was lovingly raised by his mother with the support of his grandmother, Bessie Cunningham, and his uncle, Bryce Cunningham. Ricky graduated from Gary High School in the Class of 1964. After graduation, he moved to Alexandria, Virginia, where he worked for Western Electric as a telephone repairman until 1966, when he was drafted into the United States Army. He proudly served his country in Vietnam and was honorably discharged with the rank of a Specialist 4. On October 14, 1967, Ricky married his wife of nearly 59 years, Patsy Ann Cunningham (Farmer). Together they built a devoted family and raised three children: one son, Charles Richard “Richy” Cunningham II, and two daughters, Denise Annette Cunningham, and Tania Dawn Pinkoske (Cunningham). In 1971, Ricky began a long and dedicated career with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), where he worked as a Metro bus driver for 34 years until his retirement in 2006. Known for his strong, independent work ethic and friendly nature, he took pride in his accomplishments. In retirement, Ricky enjoyed working on his antique cars, vacationing with his wife and children, and spending cherished time with his granddaughter. His strength, humor, and steady presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Ricky is survived by his devoted wife Patsy; his children, Richy Cunningham, Denise Cunningham, and Tania Pinkoske (Cunningham), and her husband, Michael; and his beloved granddaughter, Nadia Dawn Pinkoske.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Lorelle Hall (Cunningham); his sister, Patricia Moor (Hall); his grandmother, Bessie Cunningham; and his uncle, Bryce Cunningham.

Visitation will be held at Cravens-Shires Funeral Home, 3431 Coal Heritage Road, Bluefield, WV 24701, on June 19, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., with a graveside service and burial immediately following at Woodlawn Memorial Park. Military honors will be performed by the Mercer County Veterans Honor Guard.