Thomas Joe Cunningham was the only son born to Joseph and Louise O'Leary Cunningham on October 16, 1943, in Charlotte, North Carolina.  He attended Piney Grove Baptist Church in Waxhaw, NC where he accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior.  Thomas was vocal about his relationship with Jesus and unashamedly shared his faith with his family, neighbors, and friends.

He began his educational journey at Plato Price School and graduated from York Road High School in 1962.  He furthered his education at Winston Salem State University where he was a four-year letterman for the Rams basketball team from 1962 to 1966. Chosen by his teammates and coaches as captain of the men's basketball team, Thomas helped to lead the Rams to the 1966 CIAA championship receiving numerous honors and honorable mentions.  The Rams were also the recipients of the NAIA National Title in 1967.  One of his greatest honors was given in 1997 when he was named one of the CIAA's top 50 players in history for his contributions to two WSSU CIAA championship basketball teams.  He was recognized for his prowess as a rebounder and shot blocker.

Although he achieved noteworthy success and could have pursued a career in the National Basketball Association, that was never his goal.  His childhood dream was to play with the Harlem Globetrotters.  As fate would have it, he was invited to a tryout for the Globetrotters during his senior year at college.  Shortly thereafter he was drafted as a member of the Harlem Globetrotters and was an active team member from 1966 to 1973, traveling the world and inspiring millions. Although his role as a team player ended and he entered the private business sector, he rejoined the Harlem Globetrotters in 1979 serving in an off-court capacity as an inspirational speaker and mentor to young and old alike.

Some of the Globetrotters described him as a role model, mentor, protector, and most of all a great friend, as he fulfilled their mission statement by spreading game, and bringing family entertainment to the world. During the summer months he was the Director of basketball camps at the Patterson Avenue YMCA, where he taught youth ball- handling techniques.

Not only was he active in the sports world, but he also shared his talents and gifts throughout the community as a motivational speaker, teacher, and trainer.  In 1978, he returned to Winston-Salem State University and completed his studies to earn a Bachelor of Science degree.   Thomas was highly industrious and enjoyed gainful employment in the airline industry, retiring from American Airlines formerly Piedmont Airlines after 33 years of dedicated service.

Thomas was also well-respected in the community and made an impact on countless lives.  One of his greatest joys was his affiliation with Olympic 795 Mason Lodge.  More importantly, Thomas was a great friend.  For over thirty years, he was a part of a Saturday morning breakfast club with close friends who became brothers, Postmaster Leroy Trotman and Postmaster James Travis.   The life and legacy of Thomas Joe Cunningham is rich and those of us who knew him were blessed to have shared time and space with him.

He was preceded in death by one son, Johnathan David Cunningham; his father and mother; stepmother, Geneva Craig Cunningham; two sisters, Hattie Johnson and Shirley Cunningham; and three brothers, Roscoe Cousart, Billy Cousart, and Larry Cunningham.

Left to cherish his memories are his daughter, Tracy Blackwell Tanner; grandson, Lance Tanner; two sisters, Sarah Stradford and Betty P. Holloway; brother, Jim Cousart; sisters-in law, Helen Cousart, Edna Cousart, and Michelle Cunningham; Godchildren, Kahadijah Brown, Ava Carter, Apollo Carter, and Austin Trotman; and a host of devoted nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.   He loved all of his family from youngest to oldest, and each person had a special place in his heart.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Saturday, July 29, 2023 at Russell Funeral Home. The family visitation will be held from 5:00pm until 7:00pm Saturday, July 29, 2023 at the Russell Funeral Home Chapel.  Funeral services will be held at 2:00pm Sunday, July 30, 2023 at New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church. The family visitation will be held from 1:30pm until 2:00pm on Sunday at the Church. Private burial will be held in Parklawn Memorial Gardens.

A special thanks to his caregivers Mrs. Laverne Herriot, Ms. Bridget Potts, the staff at Forsyth Medical Center, Trinity Glen Rehabilitation Center, and Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home- Trellis Supportive Care. The family would also like to acknowledge the many testimonies, stories, and love shared during this time of bereavement.