CENTRAL, S.C. — Jerry Lee Cunningham, 71, formerly of Chauncey, died April 2, 2023, at his home in Central, South Carolina. Born June 28, 1951, in Athens, he was the son of the late Jo Ann Cunningham Barnhart and the late William Guess and his wife Velma Guess of Columbus.
A 1970 graduate of Athens High School, he was a U.S. Air Force Vietnam veteran, serving for 20 years and retiring as a staff sergeant. He was also employed as a manager at Wendy’s in Hilliard and as director of Food Services at the Columbus Zoo.
Jerry is survived by his two daughters, Kimberly Cunningham of North Dakota and Bethany Cunningham of Springfield; his son, Christopher Cunningham of Columbus; two brothers, Michael (Deborah) Barnhart of Piedmont, South Carolina, and John R. (Lisa) Barnhart of Horn Lake, Mississippi; three half-sisters, Jill (T.J.) Conger of Upper Arlington, Denise (John) Halley of Dublin and Aleusha (Jay) Guerlack of Dublin; two half-brothers, Dennis (Michele) Guess of Columbus and Roger (Barb) Guess of Marysville; and several nieces and nephews.
Graveside service will be conducted at noon Friday, April 7, at Hilltop Cemetery, Millfield, with Gary Alton officiating. Friends may call 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Friday at Jagers & Sons Funeral Home, Athens. Military rites will be conducted at the cemetery by the VFW Post 9893 and K.T. Crossen Post 21 American Legion Honor Guards. Please share a memory, a note of condolence or sign the online register at www.jagersfuneralhome.com.
