Date of birth:

June 15th, 1906 (Cherokee County/Alabama, United States)

Date of death:

January 4th, 1980 (Cherokee County/Alabama, United States)

Nationality:

American (1776 - present, Republic)

Bill was born on June 15, 1906 in Cherokee County to John G. Cunningham and Frances Kidd. He lived in Centre his entire life and would reside on the family farm for several years with his parents and siblings: half sister Nina (Culberson), full siblings Jean "Gena" (Ray), John W Cunningham, Norma Lorene (Horsley) and Pauline "Polly". Audrey Mitchell (a classmate) was the girl Bill chose to marry and they would be wed on January 23, 1932 in Cherokee. They welcomed one child: Billie Frances Cunningham on July 5, 1932.

The world went to war once again in the forties and Bill would answer the call to serve his country, enlisting on April 3, 1944. He served in the European Theatre in France and Germany with the First Division of the First Army of the Infantry and the 274th Infantry Regiment of the 70th Infantry Division. He was awarded a Bronze Star (having engaged in "heroic or meritorious achievement or service"), a Purple Heart (wounded in action in Germany), a Combat Infantryman’s Badge (which is awarded for having engaged in active combat) and two battle stars. After returning home, his career path would change drastically from farmer to Circuit Clerk for the county from 1947 to 1971. He performed his duties well and was much beloved in the county and by all who knew him. The citizens of the county held great trust in him and re-elected him several times throughout his life. Even after retiring, he served as supernumerary circuit clerk until his passing on January 4, 1980 at Cherokee County Hospital. He is buried in Cherokee Memory Gardens alongside Audrey.

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• Photo 1: Noah Ledbetter
• - Noah Ledbetter
  - 70th Infantry Division Association