Wilbur Paul Cunningham, 79, was born July 11, 1936, in Big Spring, Texas, and died June 6, 2016, in Lubbock surrounded by his loving wife and family. Friends will be received from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Nalley-Pickle and Welch Funeral Home in Big Spring, Friday, June 10. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Memorial Park, in Big Spring, Saturday, June 11.Wilbur graduated from Big Spring High School in 1954 and entered Howard County Junior College where he played on the golf team. Wilbur continued his education at the University of Texas in Austin where he was an active member of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Education degree in 1961, Wilbur began a 36 year teaching career in Big Spring ISD as a sixth grade teacher, high school math teacher and golf coach. As a teacher, coach, and mentor, Wilbur influenced thousands of students over his illustrious career. He helped to shape the future of many young men and women as he taught them math skills as well as life skills. Wilbur will be remembered as a hard-working individual who was dedicated to being a positive influence on those around him.Wilbur enlisted in the Army National Guard in February 1959 and was called into active duty during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He was honorably discharged from the Army National Guard in 1962.On November 21, 1964, Wilbur married the love of his life, Donnita White Cunningham. The two were inseparable for 51 years and enjoyed life as teachers, friends, and mates. They built many special memories with friends and family, and life was always wonderful as long as the two of them were together. On August 19, 1986, they adopted their only child, Weldon Dale Cunningham.In retirement, Wilbur was active in the Mobile Meals program where he delivered meals to those less fortunate than himself. He was a Silver Life Master bridge player who loved to play bridge with his treasured friends at the Big Spring Bridge Club. He also enjoyed years of competing in bridge tournaments with his brothers, Grover, Jr. and Joe Bruce, his wife, and his special friends, Carlos and Willene Humphrey. In recent years, he enjoyed having breakfast on Wednesdays at Dell’s Café with a group of high school friends–Doyle Maynard, Paschal Odom and Joe Dawes.In addition to his parents, Wilbur was preceded in death by his twin brother, Weldon Elliott Cunningham, his two older brothers, Grover Bennett Cunningham, Jr. and Joe Bruce Cunningham, and his niece, Carol Noble. Survivors include his wife, Donnita, son Dale, nieces Cherri Collins, Linda Vigness and husband Richard, Susan Morris and husband John, nephew Robert Bruce and wife Patti, and numerous great nieces and nephews.The family suggests memorials be made to local charities such as: Mobile Meals, P.O. Box 765 Big Spring, Texas 79721, Big Spring Symphony, 808 Scurry Street, Big Spring, Texas 79720 or the Heritage Museum, 510 Scurry Street, Big Spring, Texas 79720Arrangements under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Big Spring. Online condolences may be made at: www.npwelch.com ,
