Donald Cunningham

On this day that GOD has made, we as one, join in celebrating the life of our

beloved son, brother, nephew, uncle, cousin and dear friend known to many as - Donald

Cunningham. Donald, Uncle Don and the oldest of The Originals was born in the grace

of a beautiful mother, Emma Hill (Cunningham), and father, Robert Russell on January

14, 1963, in Cleveland, Ohio. Donald was a party-starter and the "clean-up" guy. He

was the sixth of eleven children.

Donald attended Millikin's Workshop. He worked since the age of 14. He also

was an accomplished athlete, who won many awards, and specifically he enjoyed

playing basketball, kickball, and bowling. His favorite quote was "No, No, toy." He was a

"Ball-Boy" for Case Western Reserve for 50 years! He received a signed helmet from

Bill Bellichick, coach of the New England Patriots! He and his twin brother Ronald were

featured in the Plain Dealer and Cleveland.com. Quoted directly from Cleveland.com,

"While identical twins, the Cunninghams, are easy to tell apart, even from afar, Ronald

always has his shirt untucked, while Donald's shirt is always tucked in, and Ronald

devoted alcohol the home sideline, while Donald is on the visitors sideline." He was a devoted

Cavs fan and sported a jersey with "Uncle Don" and "23" on the back.

Donald has joined his parents (Emma Hill and Robert Russell) and siblings (Larry

Cunningham, Wilma Townsend, Sandra Russell, Revas Cunningham) who preceded

him in death. Donald leaves to cherish, six siblings, Cynthia, Melody, Tony, Ronald,

Tathlyn, and Sharlene(Rome), many nieces and nephews, and a host of relatives and

friends.