- Date Of Birth: August 29, 1922
- Date Of Death: November 1, 2016
- State: Georgia
Turner “Holmes” Cunningham, age 94, passed away peacefully at his home in Newnan surrounded by family on November 1, 2016. He was born on August 29, 1922 at home in Shellman, GA to the late Velma Holmes Cunningham and Robert Douglas Cunningham Along with his parents Holmes is preceded in death by his loving and caring wife Gerry Cunningham whom he was married to for over 67 wonderful years. Holmes was the second oldest of 5 children, brothers Doug and Harold along with sister Edna Claire have also passed on. His surviving sister Carolyn “Shug” Walton just celebrated her 88th birthday and resides in Eatonton. Survivors include his proud children, Bob Cunningham, Cathy Cunningham, Mark Cunningham and his wife Patty and Craig Cunningham and his wife Jill.
Holmes was granddad “Papa” to grandchildren, Courtney, Rob, Jackson, Lindsey, Brooks, Kelly and two great grandchildren, Julia and Evie were all a great joy to Holmes. During his enrollment at North Georgia Military College he was proud to answer his country’s call to duty after the attack on Pearl Harbor. During his WWII duty in Panama and Guatemala he served with the U.S. Army. He was then called up during the Korean conflict as an Air Force Officer. He remained in the Air Force for over 25 years and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Air Force reserves. In 1947 he got his first degree from the University of Georgia and began his teaching career in Tignell, GA.
While furthering his educational career, Holmes made stops in Wheeler County, Laurens County, Carroll County, Houston County, DeKalb County and on his final stop he was principal of Newnan High School from 1970 until 1983. During his time, as principal of Newnan High school Holmes had the privilege of watching all four of his children graduate and served two terms on the board of education. Holmes was a sport model grandad and loved entertaining and spending time with all of his grandchildren. Holmes was an avid tennis player and enjoyed playing all the way up until his early 80’s. He was a veracious reader of non-fiction and loved watching and pulling for his beloved Georgia Bulldogs in any sport. His kind, loving spirit will be missed by all who knew him.
