Gene Franklin Cunningham passed away at St. Mary’s Medical Center on Sunday, February 5, 2012. Gene was born on December 23, 1937, in Huntington, West Virginia, the son of Daphine Lois Jarvis and Joel Webster Cunningham, who predeceased him, and was the widower of Marlene Sizemore. He was also predeceased by his brother, Joel Frederick Cunningham.  He is survived by his three children, Darren Gene Cunningham, Joel Webster Cunningham, and Michelle Daphine Owings; and his four grandchildren, Alexis Cunningham, Christopher Cunningham, Nicholas Cunningham, and Madison Owings. He is also survived by his sisters, Lois Jobe and Nancy Midkiff, his aunt Helen Batten, of St. Claire Shores, Michigan, and his nieces and nephews, Gordon Jobe, Misty Jobe, Jodie Cline, Todd Handley, Troy Handley, and Tina Adkins. Gene formerly owned and operated Gene’s Carpet and Tile in Huntington and was a life-long supporter and enthusiast of Marshall University football and basketball programs. He was known for his love of his family, his fairness and ability to see the good in everything and everybody, his sharp wit and incredible sense of humor, and his keen mind and interest in the world around him. He was a joy to be around and for fulfilling his father’s philosophy, “Show me how a man takes care of his family, and that is all I need to know about him.” All who knew him know that this is how he lived his life. He forever will be loved and missed by his family and friends. The family will receive visitors at Chapman’s Mortuary from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, February 8, 2012, with the service to be held following the visitation with Pastor Darcy Meddings officiating. Burial will be in Woodmere Memorial Park.