Paul Cunningham

Paul Cunningham, 60 years old, died on July 19, 2023 in the San Bernardino mountains. His celebration of life will be held at Magnolia Church (8351 Magnolia Ave, Riverside, CA 92504) on Saturday, July 29 at 1 pm with a dessert reception following.

Paul, a former Pastor and mentor and is survived by his wife Kim Cunningham; his sons Will and wife Natalie, Luke and wife Meagan, Henry and wife Megan; his grandchildren Everest Cunningham, Oakley Cunningham, Lincoln Cunningham, Lenora Lancaster, Lucielle Lancaster, Cole Vildosola, and Zayvien Vildosola; his parents Richard and Mary Cuningham; his brother Phillip and wife Josie Cunningham; his brother Richard Cunningham; his sister April Cunningham; his sister Jennifer and husband Robert Robitaille; and many nieces, nephews and extended family.

Paul was born in Farmington, New Mexico on March 3, 1963. In his early childhood his family lived in three different states prior to landing in Yorba Linda, CA in 1971. From an early age, Paul loved sports, especially baseball. For college he ventured 2,500 miles away to play baseball for Liberty University. He quickly realized he enjoyed the sunshine and came back to California where he played at Fullerton College. He finished out his collegiate baseball career as an All-American at Azusa Pacific University where he graduated with a degree in English Literature. Unfortunately, a shoulder injury dashed his dreams of a major league career. However, one summer during his time at APU he had the opportunity to serve alongside Mission Aviation Fellowship in Ecuador. This would turn out to be the catalyst for Paul’s life in ministry.  

Paul and Kim met at APU and married on February 28, 1987 and raised two wonderful sons Will and Luke. Paul enjoyed cooking for his family and others, attending his sons games and traveling. He was a great storyteller and enjoyed making people laugh. Paul always befriended the underdog and was known for his kindness. 

In 1995, Paul graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary and became the Senior Pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in Moreno Valley, CA.  He faithfully served that community for 19 years. He loved being creative and building events that drew people into the body of Christ. Paul loved pouring into other peoples spiritual lives. He started a non-profit called Wild Warrior Adventure where they took combat veterans on a fly fishing trip where, as Paul would say, “They snuck up on them with Jesus.” To say that he loved these men would be an understatement. 

He devoted his entire life to Jesus and His redeeming love. On July 19, 2023 Paul got to meet Jesus face to face where he heard the words he always longed for, “Well done my good and faithful servant.”

In lieu of flowers, please consider giving to Wild Warrior Adventure.