Garrick Cunningham Sr.

Garrick Cunningham passed away on June 29, 2025, after a brave and heartfelt journey with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). He was born on January 5, 1977, in Akron, Ohio. Garrick is the beloved son of Gavin and Edith Cunningham (Bowman). He relocated to Columbus, Ohio, at a young age and graduated from Brookhaven High School in 1995.

Garrick Cunningham honorably served as a Private First Class (PFC), Armor Crewman, in the United States Army with assignments at Fort Knox, Kentucky; Korea; and lastly Fort Stewart, Georgia. After his military service, he pursued higher education at the University of Phoenix and built a career in customer service, working with dedication at Transworld Systems Inc., and JP Morgan Chase as a senior loan processor.

Garrick was known for his infectious smile, generosity, and dedication to experiencing the best out of life. He had a deep love for the arts as demonstrated in his drawings, an appreciation for architecture, and an eye for elegance. He gravitated towards name-brand fashions and was proudly known for driving his signature Mercedes-Benz.

Garrick’s faith was an important part of his journey. He was introduced to Jesus Christ at a young age. He made a personal commitment to his faith through baptism in December 2002. Years later, in a tender and meaningful moment shared with his father, Garrick reaffirmed his belief in December 2021, revisiting the plan of salvation with a renewed heart and spirit.

On October 21, 2022, Garrick made the heartfelt decision to devote himself fully to love and cherish Chera, his beautiful queen and life partner. Their marriage was a testament to his deep commitment and the joy they found in one another.

He will be remembered for his strength, kindness, and joy-filled presence. Garrick's life touched many, and his memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Garrick’s family wishes to honor and express their deepest gratitude for the selfless decision to be an organ and tissue donor. Through this generous gift, his legacy of compassion will continue to save and improve the lives of others.

He is survived by wife Chera, sons Garrick Jr. and Iaah, daughter Amayah, parents Edith (Charles) Bowman and Gavin (Deborah) Cunningham (Winston Salem, NC), brothers Damian (Tan-Taisha) Cunningham (Lee’s Summit, MO), Majadi (Stacy) Cunningham, Charles (Sheli) Bowman Jr., Jason Bowman, and Brandon (Chanta) Bowman (Miami, FL), sister Deanna Nwosu (High Point, NC), granddaughter Arie, mother-in-law Jearline Saulter, sister-in-law Monica Salter, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Idessa Williams, Willie Jones, Cecil and Hattie Cunningham, and Raymond and Betty Miller.