Ben Ray Cunningham, 58, of Walton, WV, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, September 18, 2026. He was surrounded by his companion of 30 years, and his caregiver during his battle with cancer, Bonnie Mae Smith Greathouse; a multitude of friends and family; his cat, Skittles; and his pet turtle, Myrtle. He was born at Fairmont General Hospital in Fairmont, WV, on “Father’s Day,” June 16, 1968. He was the first of four children of the late Virginia Darlene (Cunningham) Shaw.

Ben is survived by his companion and caregiver Bonnie Mae Smith Greathouse of Walton, WV; his stepfather Allen W. Shaw of Wallace, WV; his nephew Johnathan L. Flowers of Morgantown, WV, who also assisted in care; and his siblings; Cathy Cunningham Flowers of Clarksburg, WV; Doris Darlene Cunningham Bragg of Cynthiana, KY; and Allen W. Shaw Jr. of Shinnston, WV.

He was a very fun-loving guy with a great sense of humor and was loved by everyone. Ben’s places of employment include: the former Targe Energy LLC as a Directional Coil Tubing Unit Operator; the former Sandy Brae Golf Course in Amma, WV, where he worked in maintenance; the former Human Resources Development Foundation (HRDF) Inc.; and as a meat cutter at Smith’s Food Fair in Elkview, WV.

His hobbies included shooting 8-ball pool, hunting, fishing, long drives, picnics, and spending time with friends.

Mr. Cunningham’s services will be at Taylor-Vandal Funeral Home in Spencer, WV on Wednesday, September 23, 2026. Viewing for immediate family will be from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, with viewing for friends and the public to follow from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. His service will begin at 1:00 pm, with the reading of the obituary by Taylor Shafer and Clarence Deel officiating. A procession to Lumberport Lions Club Cemetery in Lumberport, WV will follow on Thursday September 24, 2026 where there will be a brief graveside service before he is laid to rest with his family.

Following interment, there will be a picnic at Lumberport City Park, where food and refreshments will be served.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests monetary donations to help cover the costs of the funeral expenses.