Matthew Lee Cunningham, a man whose smile and laughter filled every room he entered, passed away unexpectedly on January 29, 2026, with Shannon, his wife in love and spirit, at his side. Matt was 56 years old and graduated from Greenville High School in Kentucky, the state where he grew up.

Matt was known for his upbeat, unapologetically gregarious spirit, quick wit, and genuine, unconditional love for his family, friends and pets. A devoted husband, brother, son, and friend, Matt cherished his time spent with those he loved.

Matt had a deep appreciation for life's simple joys: good music, shared meals, spirited conversations, watching University of Kentucky men's basketball, time at the beach with friends, and moments that turned into lasting memories. Matt was also a loyal Redskins fan, never a Commander. His love for life was infectious, and his presence brought comfort, humor, love, and warmth to countless lives.

Matt never shied away from hard work. He was a crane operator as well as a multi-crafted journeyman in industrial construction for over 20 years throughout the USA. Matt maintained close friendships with many people he worked with over the years.

Matt is survived by his loving wife, married in heart and spirit, Shannon (Finley) Cunningham of Florida; his mother, Marilyn (Stuart) Downey of Kentucky; his brothers, Lance (Brenda) Cunningham of Texas, and Danton Cunningham of Kentucky; his aunt, Linda Cheatham of Florida; and his niece, Shelby Cunningham of Texas, and numerous cousins, all of whom will forever carry his stories, his love, his laughter, and the example he set of living life with enthusiasm and generosity. He is also survived by a long list of friends, all of whom believed they were his favorite (and truthfully, they probably were.) He was preceded in death by his father, Gene Cunningham of Texas; his paternal grandparents, Viral and Genevieve Cunningham of Illinois; and his maternal grandparents, Shelby Hildred and Delta Stovall of Kentucky.

A celebration of Matt's life will be held in Kentucky on Saturday, April 4, 2026 from 1-4pm where his family and friends will gather not in sorrow but in gratitude for a life lived fully and joyfully. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Matt by sharing a smile, a laugh, a kind word, or gesture with someone just as he always did every day, and just as his mother raised all her sons. Matt would do anything for people he cared about. Donations to the Red Cross or the family would also continue to spread his loving spirit to those in their time of need. A second celebration of Matt’s life will be held at Indian Rocks Beach, Florida on a date to be determined.

Please leave online condolences for the family, please feel free to comment, post pictures, and share memories on Matt's official obituary page and/or Facebook page. Your photos and memories of Matt bring us great joy as we see all the lives he touched in his all too short life. He is now in his forever home with loved ones and the Lord he loved.

We love you Matthew Lee Cunningham, to infinity and beyond, forever and a day!