Dr. Richard Wayne Cunningham of Gainesville Florida, passed away Monday, August 29, 2011 at Haven Hospice surrounded by his family and friends.He is survived by his loving wife Pat Phillips Cunningham who was also his caregiver through his many illnesses and life long friend of 46 years, his 4 daughters, 1 step-daughter and 4 sons-in-laws, Cyndi Kirts of Gainesville, Lisa Wall (Willie) of Deltona, Eleanor Pojer (Raul) of Madrid Spain, Debbie Cunningham Blair (Johnny) of Madison, Donna Kaye Miller (Andy) of Denver, Col. and three granddaughters, his sister and 2 brothers-in-law, Hilda (Russell) Alderman of Jennings, FL and Emory Phillips of Lake City, FL and many nieces, nephews and cousins.Richard Wayne Cunningham was born on the family farm in Hamilton County, Florida on December 15, 1933. He graduated from Jennings High School where he lettered in football, basketball, baseball and was valedictorian of his class.He attended the University of Florida and graduated with honors with a Bachelor's Degree in Science in 1958. He was active in the student government and his fraternity, Sigma Chi. He graduated from the University of Florida Medical School in 1962 and then completed his internship and residency in neurology and internal residency there.Dr. Cunningham spent 2 years in the United States Navy during the Korean conflict.Dr. Cunningham then joined Dr. John Andrews in private practice in Gainesville in 1966. Together they established the highly successful and respected Gainesville Medical Group. They were also instrumental in attracting Hospital Corporation of America to build North Florida Regional Hospital in 1973. Dr. Cunningham served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for 15 years and was honored by having the entrance to North Florida Regional Medical Center and Physicians Office Park named Cunningham Drive. He also served 9 years on the Board of Governors of Hospital Corporation of America. He was a member of the American Medical Association, Alachua County Medical Association, Florida Medical Association and the American College of Physicians.Dr. Cunningham was active in numerous community capacities. He was a member of the Santa Fe College Board of Trustees, the Sun Bank Board of Trustees, Director of the Gainesville Chamber of Commerce, and served on the Florida Foundation Board and the Advisory Board of the University Center of Performing Arts. He was also a member of the Florida Blue Keys.He was an avid sports fan (bleeding orange and blue blood). He was a member of the Quarterback Club and was a Bull Gator for many years. He also loved fishing and hunting.He was precede in death by his parents, Ralph and Luna Cunningham and his sisters, Bonnie Shadrick and Mary Martha Lambert of Jennings, FL.A memorial service will be held Sunday, September 18, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. at the Santa Fe College Performing Arts Center.