Thomas Cunning Obituary

Thomas Michael "Mike" Cunning

Jan 11, 1946 - Feb 26, 2026

Beloved father, grandpa, and friend, Thomas Michael "Mike" Cunning, of Clemmons, N.C., passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at the age of 80 years. He was born in East Liverpool, Ohio, the second son of the late William James "Buzz" and Mildred Pethtel Cunning, and grew up in Miami, Fla. The family later moved to Charlotte, N.C., where he married Susan Scott Cunning on March 1, 1967, and soon after started a family of his own. Mike earned a degree in Sociology from Belmont Abbey College, and followed his father into the early days of computing at Eastern Airlines. His career in airline and hotel mainframe systems would take him back to Miami, then on to Memphis and Atlanta before finally settling in Clemmons, N.C., making many lifelong friends along the way. Mike was known for his warmth, humour, kindness, and love. He had a wide variety of interests including astronomy, archaeology, and genealogy. He had a huge heart and rescued many senior shih-tzu's, knowing they had a loving home in their final days. He especially enjoyed attending Holy Family Catholic Church, and spending time with his beloved companion, Patricia Pecore. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Susan; brother, Jim, and stepsister, Anne. Mike will lovingly be remembered by his three children, Eve Cunning (Thomas, deceased) of Orlando, Fla., Cindy (Chris) Craig of Clemmons, N.C., and Chris Cunning of Stafford, Va. He is also survived by his stepmother, Barbara Larko Cunning of Charlotte, N.C.; stepbrother, Rusty; four grandchildren, Mary DeGroof, Lea Craig, Grove DeGroof, and Jason Craig; and several nieces and nephews. The family extends thanks to Miller Dialysis Center, Holiday Forsyth Court, Harmony at Brookberry Farm, and Hospice of the Piedmont for the thoughtful care Mike received there. In lieu of a formal service, please celebrate Mike's memory in your own way. The family appreciates your love and support, and requests any donations be directed to Forsyth Humane Society, 4881 Country Club Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27104, in his memory.

Hayworth-Miller Lewisville Chapel

6685 Shallowford Road, Lewisville, NC 27023