SR0853 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0853 LRB101 15925 MST 65283 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Gene Lee Cunningham of Bloomington, who passed away on November 27, 2019; and

WHEREAS, Gene Cunningham was born in Bloomington to Harry and Irene Cunningham on December 6, 1937; he served in the U.S. Navy for over four years; and

WHEREAS, Gene Cunningham loved kids and built Skate N Place in Bloomington in 1973; the 42 years he spent owning and operating Skate N Place with his wife were some of the happiest times of his life; he also operated Cunningham Enterprises and Illinois Pinball, which shipped pinball parts worldwide, and built the legendary Big Bang Bar pinball machine; and

WHEREAS, Gene Cunningham was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Tami Lynn Pate; and his grandson, Michael Paul Miller; and

WHEREAS, Gene Cunningham is survived by his wife of 46 years, Georgianna Cunningham; his children, Kimberli and Dan Carter, Wayne David Simmons, Rich Tewell, Jeana (Russell) Ballinger, Kelli (Chris) Brown, J.R. Cunningham, and Gina Lynn Cunningham; nine grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Gene Lee Cunningham and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Gene Cunningham as an expression of our deepest sympathy.