Willis Ervin Cunningham, age 74, a Jefferson City icon, devoted church dacon, civic leader, lifetime athlete, and perennial green thumb, died on Saturday, May 13, 2006 at his home after a brief illness.  A long-time deacon and choir member of Martha Davis Baptist Church, as well as a City Council Member for the city of Jefferson City, he was well respected throughout the community.  His love for sports was never lacking-being involved for many years with the Little League football, basketball, and baseball programs became second nature to him.   He was later inducted into the Jefferson City Sports Hall of Fame.  In addition, he was an accomplished "green thumb", spending much of his free time in his garden tending to everything from vegetablesfor that night's family dinner to beautiful exotic flowers from around the world.  He worked with TVA at John Sevier for 40 years and was a veteran of the Korean War, having served with the U.S. Army.   Preceded in death by: his parents, Willie and Mollie Cunningham; one sister and two brothers.  He is survived by: his wife of fifty-two years, Doris (Mills) Cunningham; sons, Todd of New York City and Darren (Deanna) of Jefferson City; a grandson, Devan; and a brother, Donald of Knoxville; two sisters-in-law, Mary Alice (Earl) Brabson, Jean (Tom) Sheets; a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

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