Wiley Cunningham

Wiley Bell (Pete) Cunningham, 96, died peacefully on December 30, 2022, at Caraday Nursing Home. He was born on November 1, 1926, in Pearsall, Texas, one of seven children of Harvey Carroll and Fanny Cunningham.

Pete graduated from Kingsville High School in 1944 and pursued a college degree from Texas A&I University in Kingsville, Texas. While attending college he met and married Rae Emily Overand and the couple celebrated 73 years of marriage before Rae Emily’s passing in 2022. Pete served in the United States Air Force from 1945-1947 and again in 1950-1951. After his honorable discharge from the military, he went to work as an accountant for Magnolia Oil Company in Luling, Texas and eventually retired from Mobil Oil Company in 1983 after 32 years of service with the company. After his retirement, Pete enjoyed tinkering in his workshop where he designed and built wooden furniture.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rae Emily; 2 sisters, Lenora Hicks and Geraldine Lummus; and 2 brothers, Harvey Carroll, Jr. and Phillip. Pete is survived by a brother, Billy Cunningham of Corpus Christi; sister, Barbara Woosley of Gregory Portland; three sons, Pete Jr. of Waxahachie, Sammy of Alice, and Gary of Orange Grove; in addition, 8 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Pete was a devoted husband, a loving father, grandfather, and great grandfather whose memory will be cherished by all who knew him.

The family is planning a private memorial service for both Pete and Rae Emily at a date yet to be determined.