Sam R. Cunningham

*This obituary is being posted as a courtesy for the family of our beloved friend, Sam Cunningham. Mr. Sam R. Cunningham, of Columbus, formerly of Elberton, GA, died Saturday August 29, 2015 at his home. Born to the late Emily Nahil Cunningham and Claude R. Cunningham on October 11, 1951, in Greenwood, SC, Mr. Cunningham had resided in Elberton for 45 years and in Columbus for 18 years. He was a graduate of Elbert County High School and The University of Georgia where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in History. He also earned a Graduate Certificate in Public Health from Emory University and completed the Management Academy for Public Health at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Elberton. A memorial service for Mr. Cunningham was held on Thursday, September 17, 2015 at Cascade Hills Church, Columbus. Arrangements were in the care of Cox Funeral Home in Hamilton, GA. Surviving are his wife, Mary Frances Fortson Cunningham; one son, Jason R. Cunningham of Columbus, GA; and, one daughter, and her husband, Kristin L. Cunningham and Jeremy Dellinger. Sam and Mary have a step-grandaughter, also from Columbus, GA. Mr. Cunningham spent his career in emergency medical services (EMS), first beginning as an Emergency Medical Technician with the Elberton – Elbert County Hospital EMS. He became Director of the service in 1977, a position he held until 1990. In 1980, the service was recognized by the National Association of EMTs as the “United States’ EMS of the Year.” Mr. Cunningham joined the Georgia Department of Human Resources in 1990 as the Regional EMS Program Director for the Northeast Health District, a position he held until 1996 when he was named Acting State EMS Director. In early 1997, he became the State EMS Director for Georgia. In 1999, Cunningham moved to Columbus as the Regional EMS Program Director for the West Central Health District. Mr. Cunningham was one of the most recognized EMS professionals in Georgia, as well as the nation, having been named the recipient of numerous regional, state, and national awards. Shortly after his retirement, he was honored again in National EMS’ Journal when they said he was considered to be among the most professional and active of the EMS professionals in the country. He was honored by the Georgia Legislature from the wells of the House and Senate and he was also presented a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition by the Office of Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. Among those were the Governor’s Public Safety Award; the Dr. John B. O’Neal EMS Pioneer Award; the Dr. Zeb L. Burrell Distinguished Service Award; John E. Steed Memorial Award for the Northeast Georgia EMT of the Year; Larry Weber National Memorial Award presented by the National Council of State EMS Training Coordinators; and, the National Water Council Award of Merit. He also received numerous other awards from the American Heart Association, the Elbert County Chamber of Commerce, and the Georgia Public Health Association. Mr. Cunningham was a charter member of the National Association of EMTs and served two terms as President of the EMT Association of Georgia and three terms as President of the Georgia Association of EMTs. He was a member of numerous state and national organizations and also served on several special groups including the Governor’s All-Georgia Community Program, the Governor’s Five Star Community Program, Athens ‘96 (Olympics), Georgia Public Health Olympic Committee, Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games, the Governor’s Certified Economic Development Task Force, and the Governor’s Public Safety Awards Committee. Mr. Cunningham was published in numerous journals including JAMA - The Journal of the American Medical Association; Emergency - The Journal of Emergency Services; Emergency Response; Emergency Medical Services; EMStar; Rettungsdienst; ProCare Das Fortbildungsmagazine fur Pflegeberufe; ProMed Das Praxismagazin fur Arztliche Fortbildung; Northeast Georgia EMS News; The NASEMSD Scanner; GAEMT Newsletter; and, Georgia EMS News. He was also the author of two book manuscripts. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to Columbus Hospice, Inc, 7020 Moon Road, Columbus; Scott A. McDaniel Memorial Fund. c/o Harris County EMS, P. O. Box 365, Hamilton, GA 31811; or, T. J. and Friends Cancer Foundation, Post Office Box 6161, Elberton, GA 30635.coxfh.com