HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 67
(By Delegates Moore, Browning, White and Burdiss)
Naming the bridge number 24-16/52-0.06 off of Virginia Avenue in
Welch, West Virginia in memory of Abishi Carrando Cunningham,
Sr.
Whereas, Attorney Abishi Carrando Cunningham, Sr. died
Wednesday, March 23, 2005 at Welch Community Hospital after a long
illness; and
Whereas, "Lawyer" Cunningham, as he was affectionately known,
was born April 30, 1915 to the late Frankie and Wylie Cunningham in
Lancaster, South Carolina. He was the youngest of three siblings.
His brother Ernest Cunningham, and his devoted sister, Artimishi C.
Watlington both preceded him in death; and
Whereas, Wylie Cunningham moved his family to Welch, West
Virginia when Abishi was nine years old. The family joined Court
Street Methodist Church and later Zion Temple AME Church. Abishi
was educated in the McDowell County Schools and graduated from
Kimball High School. He received his undergraduate degree from
West Virginia State College where he became a life long Member of
Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity; and
Whereas, After completion of college and during the Great
Depression, Abishi decided to enter law school. He received his
Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Iowa in 1941. He often said lightheartedly that the Great Depression was the best
thing that ever happened to him; and
Whereas, After returning to Welch, World War II called on
Abishi to serve his country. He was a first lieutenant in the Army
Air Forces Division based in Tuskegee, Alabama where he was
honorably discharged. It was during this period that he and
Majorie Vaiden were united in marriage on November 22, 1943. Born
unto this marriage were two children Butch and Franetta; and
Whereas, In 1946, Mr. Cunningham set up his law practice in
Welch. He was completely dedicated to his work and his clients.
As a skilled trial attorney he built a successful civil and
criminal law practice. In the eyes of his family he was a true
genius when it came to the law. He passed his knowledge, passion,
and commitment of the law to his two children both of whom followed
in their father's footsteps and became lawyers. Words could not
express Abishi's pride when both children became judges in Chicago,
Illinois; the Honorable Abishi C. Cunningham, Jr. and the Honorable
Majorie C. Lewis; and
Whereas, "Lawyer" Cunningham was a servant of the people and
his community. The late Mayor Billy Swope appointed him to the
Welch City Council, and Governor Arch Moore also appointed him as
a Family Law Master. He was a member of the Mountaineer Bar
Association where he received a lifetime achievement award. He was
a member of the National Boule' and the NAACP. Additionally,
Abishi was an avid sports fan. He even helped coach a minor league
baseball team in the early 1950's; and
Whereas, "Lawyer" affectionately known by many leaves to
treasure his memory, his loving wife of 60 years, Majorie; two
children, Abishi "Butch" Cunningham, Jr. and Majorie Franetta Laws;
daughter-in-law, Dr. Frances Kostarelos Cunningham; son-in-law,
Attorney William H. Laws; three grandchildren, Amber Michelle Laws,
William Hansen Laws, Theodore Kostarelos Cunningham; a caring
brother-in-law, James "Sonny" Vaiden; two nieces, Lanette
Cunningham and Lorene Wallace of Chicago, Illinois; three nephews,
Robert Donald Cunningham of Cleveland, Ohio, Ernest Cunningham of
Toledo, Ohio, and William Nathaniel (Dr. Janice) Mitchell of Silver
Springs, Maryland and a host of great nieces, nephews, cousins, and
friends; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the bridge numbered 24-16/52-0.06 off of Virginia Avenue
in Welch, West Virginia be named the "Abishi Carrando Cunningham,
Sr. Memorial Bridge" in memory of this dedicated public servant and
family man; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Division of Highways is hereby
directed to erect signs at the entrance of each end of the subject
bridge, proclaiming the name of the bridge in prominent lettering
as "The Abishi Carrando Cunningham, Sr. Memorial Bridge"; and, be
it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates
forward certified copies of this resolution to his loving wife
Majorie Cunningham and to the Division of Highways.
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