Bruce Alan Cunningham

Bruce Alan Cunningham, of Orange Park, Florida, passed away on April 13, 2023, surrounded by his family after a brief illness. He was born on July 30, 1950, in Columbus, Ohio.

His parents packed him up at the ripe age of three and moved to St. Petersburg Beach, FL. There he lived with his parents and siblings enjoying the beaches and fishing. After graduating from Lakewood High School, Bruce joined the United States Navy in September 1968, following in the footsteps of his father and maternal grandfather who both served in the Navy during World War II. Bruce’s duty stations included NYC San Diego, VT-21 at NAS Kingsville, Texas, two tours at NATTC Memphis where he attended Aviation Electronics and Advanced Aviation Electronics “B” schools. He also served in VAW-124 at NAS Norfolk and was deployed aboard the aircraft carrier USS America, deploying off the coast of Vietnam during the Vietnam War. His other duty stations included VQ3 at NAS Agana, Guam, OMD NAS Corpus, Christi, TX, HS-9 Jacksonville, FL which deployed on the USS Nimitz. He also served at AIMD NAS Sigonella, Sicily and lastly, HSL-48 at NS Mayport, FL. Across his illustrious career, he received numerous commendations and awards including Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialists and advanced from the rank of Airman Apprentice through Aviation Electronics Senior Chief, retiring in May 1993 after serving 24 years.

Bruce met Stephanie in San Diego in 1975 and they were married in 1977. They served together at VQ-3 and AIMD NAS Sigonella. After retirement, Bruce received his Associate of Arts degree from Florida Community College at Jacksonville, in Jacksonville, Florida and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Florida, Jacksonville. He was employed by Bell South then retired early to help take care of his beloved grandchildren.

Bruce’s hobbies were gardening, woodworking and traveling. He built many desks, tables and too many kitchen cabinets to count. He and Stephanie visited numerous National Parks across the United States and enjoyed history, majesty and beauty in each and every one.

Bruce was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather.

He is predeceased by his parents.

Bruce is survived by his wife, Stephanie; children, Christopher (Miranda Martin), Steven (Jamie), and Patrick (Katlin); grandchildren, Ilithyia, Landon, Dexter, Violet, Lydia, Travis, Aubrey, and Taylor.  Bruce is also survived by his daughter, Laurie Buys and son, Robert (Nicole) from his first marriage;  grandchildren Ashlynn, Gaige, Brandon, Paul, Kendall, Kristin, Kaylee, Shelbie, and Andrea; brothers, Glenn (Cheryl) and Kenny; sister, Donna Jemmott (Pete), and a host of other relatives and friends. 

A visitation will be held on Friday, April 28, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and a funeral service with Military Honors on Saturday, April 29, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. both held at Aaron and Burney Bivens Funeral Home, 529 Kingsley Avenue, Orange Park, FL 32073, (904) 254-1233.

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