Ben Donald Cunningham was born on November 25, 1918 in Madison, Tennessee to Ben B. and Leona Cunningham. He enlisted on December 16, 1941 in Nashville, Tennessee. Ben graduated from Goodlettsville High School and attended UT-Martin. He joined the Army and served from 1940-1945. He spent 18 months in Europe as part of the 83rd Infantry Division, participating in five campaigns including the Battle of the Bulge and the Hurtgen Forest, for which he received a Purple Heart, two Bronze Stars and the Combat Infantry Badge.
He was recalled to active duty 1951-1952 during the Korean War. He spent his entire career as a banker in Nashville and was a community volunteer, helping out where ever he was needed. Ben loved family and friends and his interests included gardening, woodworking, fishing and reading.

Ben Cunningham age 94 of Nashville, passed away June 21, 2013. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 67 years, Martha (McHenry) Cunningham (1917-2012). He is survived by his sons, Don (Pam) Cunningham, Richard (Janet Price) Cunningham and daughter, Cecelia (David) Hettinger.