"Dee" Cunningham was son of Elver Dee Cunningham and Leona Lynn-Cunningham. He married Mary Naomi Roland on 30 Sept 1930.
THE PARIS NEWS Fri., Feb. 5, 1993, p.14A. '...85, longtime educator and civic worker, died Thu., Feb. 4, at St. Joseph's Hospital. Services at 2 p.m. Sun., Feb. 7, at Fry and Gibbs Funeral Home with Rev. Ray Starnes and Rev. John Hicks. [much much more in obit] Born in the Noble community , a son of Elver Dee and Leona Lynn Cunningham, he was a 1926 graduate of Honey Grove High School and held degrees from East Texas State University. He married Mary Naomi Roland Sep. 30, 1930. She died May 11, 1992. Surviving are a daughter, Dr. Emma Lee Doyle, 2 granddaughters, Deanna Doyle and Delanie Doyle and a great-grandson, all living in Dallas and Plano; a brother, O. Arthur Cunningham of Lubbock; 3 sisters, Gladys C. Bates of Lubbock, Beatrice C. Chaney of Honey Grove and Mrs. J.D. (Frances) Thomas of Honey Grove.'
Information from THE HISTORY OF THE SCHOOLS IN WEST PARIS 1884-1984, by Debbie Burks, 1984, Page 33: 'Dee Cunningham was born March 29, 1907, near Petty in Lamar County. He graduated from Honey Grove High School on May 28, 1926. He began teaching the same year at Law Hill, a one-teacher school in Red River County. From 1927-29, he taught in another one-teacher school at McClelland in Fannin County. In the fall of 1929, he began his career as a principal in a two-teacher school at Gose, located west of Roxton in Lamar County. While there, Mr. Cunningham received a B.S. degree in history from East Texas State Teachers College in 1934, having earlier attended Wesley College in Greenville. He became superintendent of the Petty School District in 1935. His M.S. degree was completed from East Texas State Teachers College in 1941.
The move to the Paris Independent School District was made in the fall of 1946 when Mr. Cunningham was elected as principal of West Paris School. During his first year there, the school was renamed Rosa Pearson Elementary School. In 1950, Mr. Cunningham began his most well-known position, principal of Paris High School.
The name 'Dee Cunningham' became synonymous with Paris High School for countless students. His term of service was characterized by kindness, understanding, and dedication. Mr. Cunningham gained respect from students and teachers alike as he maintained control of the school. His firmness was complemented by a strong sense of fairness. He always expected the best from his students. His dignified, gentle manly conduct set an exemplary example for thousands of students. He guided Paris High School through a doubled enrollment, integration, and an expanded curriculum. Blowing his silver whistle, knowing students personally, and remembering seniors' names at graduation became his trademarks.
The spring of 1974 brought a note of sadness to many. As Mr. Cunningham closed the old Paris High School for the final year, his retirement brought to a close a forty-eight year teaching career. A fitting tribute was made with the selection of Dee Cunningham as sole dedicatee of the 1974 Owl. The yearbook summed up Mr. Cunningham's years at Paris High School in one phrase--'A Very Special Friend.' In November of his last school term, he was named 'Boss of the Year' by the Business and Professional Women's Club of Paris. Shortly before his retirement, he was made an honorary member of the National Honor Society. On May 25, he was honored with a county-wide Dee Cunningham Appreciation Day Dinner. His retirement became effective July 1, 1974.
Mr. Cunningham has served the community for many years. He has been active in the Red Cross and the Boy Scouts. He is a past president of the Girl Scout Council, Northeast Texas Schoolmen's Association, Phi Delta Kappa, and the American Association of Retired Persons. A past president of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, he currently serves on the advisory board. He is also a past president of Retired Teachers Association for which he serves on the state legislative committee. He is a life member of Parent-Teacher Association and a past director of the Paris and Lamar County Chamber of Commerce. He is a thirty-second degree Mason and a Shriner.
Among his other civic activities, Mr. Cunningham has been active in the Noon Lions Club for many years. He is a thirty-five year Monarch and has been Lion Tamer. In 1972-73, he served as Deputy District Governor of 2x2, Lions International. He also received the Extension Award for outstanding service in the district. Mr. Cunningham is currently a director of the Paris Boys Club. A member of Oak Park United Methodist Church (formerly Garrett Memorial Methodist), he is one of the teachers of the Brotherhood Sunday School Class there.
Dee Cunningham and his wife, the former Miss Naomi Roland, married September 30, 1930. They have one daughter, Dr. E. Lee Doyal, and two granddaughters, DeAnna Doyal and Delanie Davis, all of Dallas.'
Page 67: 'At least fifteen men have served the high school as principal. With the early records incomplete, the exact number is not known. Dr. W. S. V. Siebert was the principal of the high school in 1890. He was followed by E. L. Dohoney, Jr. in 1892. J. P. Downer became principal in 1901. Frank B. Barry and then Albert S. Otto served as principal before Mr. Downer again filled the position around 1908. Mr. Dohoney began his second term of service in 1913, followed by W. H. Norwood in 1919. George Simpson became principal in 1920 and was followed by B. E. Masters in the spring of 1921.
A. H. Chamness assumed the position of principal of the high school in 1926. When he was promoted to superintendent in 1931, Thomas S. Justiss became principal. In 1946, Mr. Justiss also was promoted to superintendent. The new high school principal was Roby Fagg, followed by Dee Cunningham in 1950. Serving as principal for twenty-four years, Mr. Cunningham held that position longer than any other man in the history of Paris High School. His retirement in 1974 signified the end of an era for the school. Mr. Cunningham was the last principal of the old 1917 high school.'
THE PARIS NEWS Fri., Feb. 5, 1993, p.14A. '...85, longtime educator and civic worker, died Thu., Feb. 4, at St. Joseph's Hospital. Services at 2 p.m. Sun., Feb. 7, at Fry and Gibbs Funeral Home with Rev. Ray Starnes and Rev. John Hicks. [much much more in obit] Born in the Noble community , a son of Elver Dee and Leona Lynn Cunningham, he was a 1926 graduate of Honey Grove High School and held degrees from East Texas State University. He married Mary Naomi Roland Sep. 30, 1930. She died May 11, 1992. Surviving are a daughter, Dr. Emma Lee Doyle, 2 granddaughters, Deanna Doyle and Delanie Doyle and a great-grandson, all living in Dallas and Plano; a brother, O. Arthur Cunningham of Lubbock; 3 sisters, Gladys C. Bates of Lubbock, Beatrice C. Chaney of Honey Grove and Mrs. J.D. (Frances) Thomas of Honey Grove.'
Information from THE HISTORY OF THE SCHOOLS IN WEST PARIS 1884-1984, by Debbie Burks, 1984, Page 33: 'Dee Cunningham was born March 29, 1907, near Petty in Lamar County. He graduated from Honey Grove High School on May 28, 1926. He began teaching the same year at Law Hill, a one-teacher school in Red River County. From 1927-29, he taught in another one-teacher school at McClelland in Fannin County. In the fall of 1929, he began his career as a principal in a two-teacher school at Gose, located west of Roxton in Lamar County. While there, Mr. Cunningham received a B.S. degree in history from East Texas State Teachers College in 1934, having earlier attended Wesley College in Greenville. He became superintendent of the Petty School District in 1935. His M.S. degree was completed from East Texas State Teachers College in 1941.
The move to the Paris Independent School District was made in the fall of 1946 when Mr. Cunningham was elected as principal of West Paris School. During his first year there, the school was renamed Rosa Pearson Elementary School. In 1950, Mr. Cunningham began his most well-known position, principal of Paris High School.
The name 'Dee Cunningham' became synonymous with Paris High School for countless students. His term of service was characterized by kindness, understanding, and dedication. Mr. Cunningham gained respect from students and teachers alike as he maintained control of the school. His firmness was complemented by a strong sense of fairness. He always expected the best from his students. His dignified, gentle manly conduct set an exemplary example for thousands of students. He guided Paris High School through a doubled enrollment, integration, and an expanded curriculum. Blowing his silver whistle, knowing students personally, and remembering seniors' names at graduation became his trademarks.
The spring of 1974 brought a note of sadness to many. As Mr. Cunningham closed the old Paris High School for the final year, his retirement brought to a close a forty-eight year teaching career. A fitting tribute was made with the selection of Dee Cunningham as sole dedicatee of the 1974 Owl. The yearbook summed up Mr. Cunningham's years at Paris High School in one phrase--'A Very Special Friend.' In November of his last school term, he was named 'Boss of the Year' by the Business and Professional Women's Club of Paris. Shortly before his retirement, he was made an honorary member of the National Honor Society. On May 25, he was honored with a county-wide Dee Cunningham Appreciation Day Dinner. His retirement became effective July 1, 1974.
Mr. Cunningham has served the community for many years. He has been active in the Red Cross and the Boy Scouts. He is a past president of the Girl Scout Council, Northeast Texas Schoolmen's Association, Phi Delta Kappa, and the American Association of Retired Persons. A past president of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, he currently serves on the advisory board. He is also a past president of Retired Teachers Association for which he serves on the state legislative committee. He is a life member of Parent-Teacher Association and a past director of the Paris and Lamar County Chamber of Commerce. He is a thirty-second degree Mason and a Shriner.
Among his other civic activities, Mr. Cunningham has been active in the Noon Lions Club for many years. He is a thirty-five year Monarch and has been Lion Tamer. In 1972-73, he served as Deputy District Governor of 2x2, Lions International. He also received the Extension Award for outstanding service in the district. Mr. Cunningham is currently a director of the Paris Boys Club. A member of Oak Park United Methodist Church (formerly Garrett Memorial Methodist), he is one of the teachers of the Brotherhood Sunday School Class there.
Dee Cunningham and his wife, the former Miss Naomi Roland, married September 30, 1930. They have one daughter, Dr. E. Lee Doyal, and two granddaughters, DeAnna Doyal and Delanie Davis, all of Dallas.'
Page 67: 'At least fifteen men have served the high school as principal. With the early records incomplete, the exact number is not known. Dr. W. S. V. Siebert was the principal of the high school in 1890. He was followed by E. L. Dohoney, Jr. in 1892. J. P. Downer became principal in 1901. Frank B. Barry and then Albert S. Otto served as principal before Mr. Downer again filled the position around 1908. Mr. Dohoney began his second term of service in 1913, followed by W. H. Norwood in 1919. George Simpson became principal in 1920 and was followed by B. E. Masters in the spring of 1921.
A. H. Chamness assumed the position of principal of the high school in 1926. When he was promoted to superintendent in 1931, Thomas S. Justiss became principal. In 1946, Mr. Justiss also was promoted to superintendent. The new high school principal was Roby Fagg, followed by Dee Cunningham in 1950. Serving as principal for twenty-four years, Mr. Cunningham held that position longer than any other man in the history of Paris High School. His retirement in 1974 signified the end of an era for the school. Mr. Cunningham was the last principal of the old 1917 high school.'
"Dee" Cunningham was son of Elver Dee Cunningham and Leona Lynn-Cunningham. He married Mary Naomi Roland on 30 Sept 1930.
THE PARIS NEWS Fri., Feb. 5, 1993, p.14A. '...85, longtime educator and civic worker, died Thu., Feb. 4, at St. Joseph's Hospital. Services at 2 p.m. Sun., Feb. 7, at Fry and Gibbs Funeral Home with Rev. Ray Starnes and Rev. John Hicks. [much much more in obit] Born in the Noble community , a son of Elver Dee and Leona Lynn Cunningham, he was a 1926 graduate of Honey Grove High School and held degrees from East Texas State University. He married Mary Naomi Roland Sep. 30, 1930. She died May 11, 1992. Surviving are a daughter, Dr. Emma Lee Doyle, 2 granddaughters, Deanna Doyle and Delanie Doyle and a great-grandson, all living in Dallas and Plano; a brother, O. Arthur Cunningham of Lubbock; 3 sisters, Gladys C. Bates of Lubbock, Beatrice C. Chaney of Honey Grove and Mrs. J.D. (Frances) Thomas of Honey Grove.'
Information from THE HISTORY OF THE SCHOOLS IN WEST PARIS 1884-1984, by Debbie Burks, 1984, Page 33: 'Dee Cunningham was born March 29, 1907, near Petty in Lamar County. He graduated from Honey Grove High School on May 28, 1926. He began teaching the same year at Law Hill, a one-teacher school in Red River County. From 1927-29, he taught in another one-teacher school at McClelland in Fannin County. In the fall of 1929, he began his career as a principal in a two-teacher school at Gose, located west of Roxton in Lamar County. While there, Mr. Cunningham received a B.S. degree in history from East Texas State Teachers College in 1934, having earlier attended Wesley College in Greenville. He became superintendent of the Petty School District in 1935. His M.S. degree was completed from East Texas State Teachers College in 1941.
The move to the Paris Independent School District was made in the fall of 1946 when Mr. Cunningham was elected as principal of West Paris School. During his first year there, the school was renamed Rosa Pearson Elementary School. In 1950, Mr. Cunningham began his most well-known position, principal of Paris High School.
The name 'Dee Cunningham' became synonymous with Paris High School for countless students. His term of service was characterized by kindness, understanding, and dedication. Mr. Cunningham gained respect from students and teachers alike as he maintained control of the school. His firmness was complemented by a strong sense of fairness. He always expected the best from his students. His dignified, gentle manly conduct set an exemplary example for thousands of students. He guided Paris High School through a doubled enrollment, integration, and an expanded curriculum. Blowing his silver whistle, knowing students personally, and remembering seniors' names at graduation became his trademarks.
The spring of 1974 brought a note of sadness to many. As Mr. Cunningham closed the old Paris High School for the final year, his retirement brought to a close a forty-eight year teaching career. A fitting tribute was made with the selection of Dee Cunningham as sole dedicatee of the 1974 Owl. The yearbook summed up Mr. Cunningham's years at Paris High School in one phrase--'A Very Special Friend.' In November of his last school term, he was named 'Boss of the Year' by the Business and Professional Women's Club of Paris. Shortly before his retirement, he was made an honorary member of the National Honor Society. On May 25, he was honored with a county-wide Dee Cunningham Appreciation Day Dinner. His retirement became effective July 1, 1974.
Mr. Cunningham has served the community for many years. He has been active in the Red Cross and the Boy Scouts. He is a past president of the Girl Scout Council, Northeast Texas Schoolmen's Association, Phi Delta Kappa, and the American Association of Retired Persons. A past president of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, he currently serves on the advisory board. He is also a past president of Retired Teachers Association for which he serves on the state legislative committee. He is a life member of Parent-Teacher Association and a past director of the Paris and Lamar County Chamber of Commerce. He is a thirty-second degree Mason and a Shriner.
Among his other civic activities, Mr. Cunningham has been active in the Noon Lions Club for many years. He is a thirty-five year Monarch and has been Lion Tamer. In 1972-73, he served as Deputy District Governor of 2x2, Lions International. He also received the Extension Award for outstanding service in the district. Mr. Cunningham is currently a director of the Paris Boys Club. A member of Oak Park United Methodist Church (formerly Garrett Memorial Methodist), he is one of the teachers of the Brotherhood Sunday School Class there.
Dee Cunningham and his wife, the former Miss Naomi Roland, married September 30, 1930. They have one daughter, Dr. E. Lee Doyal, and two granddaughters, DeAnna Doyal and Delanie Davis, all of Dallas.'
Page 67: 'At least fifteen men have served the high school as principal. With the early records incomplete, the exact number is not known. Dr. W. S. V. Siebert was the principal of the high school in 1890. He was followed by E. L. Dohoney, Jr. in 1892. J. P. Downer became principal in 1901. Frank B. Barry and then Albert S. Otto served as principal before Mr. Downer again filled the position around 1908. Mr. Dohoney began his second term of service in 1913, followed by W. H. Norwood in 1919. George Simpson became principal in 1920 and was followed by B. E. Masters in the spring of 1921.
A. H. Chamness assumed the position of principal of the high school in 1926. When he was promoted to superintendent in 1931, Thomas S. Justiss became principal. In 1946, Mr. Justiss also was promoted to superintendent. The new high school principal was Roby Fagg, followed by Dee Cunningham in 1950. Serving as principal for twenty-four years, Mr. Cunningham held that position longer than any other man in the history of Paris High School. His retirement in 1974 signified the end of an era for the school. Mr. Cunningham was the last principal of the old 1917 high school.'
THE PARIS NEWS Fri., Feb. 5, 1993, p.14A. '...85, longtime educator and civic worker, died Thu., Feb. 4, at St. Joseph's Hospital. Services at 2 p.m. Sun., Feb. 7, at Fry and Gibbs Funeral Home with Rev. Ray Starnes and Rev. John Hicks. [much much more in obit] Born in the Noble community , a son of Elver Dee and Leona Lynn Cunningham, he was a 1926 graduate of Honey Grove High School and held degrees from East Texas State University. He married Mary Naomi Roland Sep. 30, 1930. She died May 11, 1992. Surviving are a daughter, Dr. Emma Lee Doyle, 2 granddaughters, Deanna Doyle and Delanie Doyle and a great-grandson, all living in Dallas and Plano; a brother, O. Arthur Cunningham of Lubbock; 3 sisters, Gladys C. Bates of Lubbock, Beatrice C. Chaney of Honey Grove and Mrs. J.D. (Frances) Thomas of Honey Grove.'
Information from THE HISTORY OF THE SCHOOLS IN WEST PARIS 1884-1984, by Debbie Burks, 1984, Page 33: 'Dee Cunningham was born March 29, 1907, near Petty in Lamar County. He graduated from Honey Grove High School on May 28, 1926. He began teaching the same year at Law Hill, a one-teacher school in Red River County. From 1927-29, he taught in another one-teacher school at McClelland in Fannin County. In the fall of 1929, he began his career as a principal in a two-teacher school at Gose, located west of Roxton in Lamar County. While there, Mr. Cunningham received a B.S. degree in history from East Texas State Teachers College in 1934, having earlier attended Wesley College in Greenville. He became superintendent of the Petty School District in 1935. His M.S. degree was completed from East Texas State Teachers College in 1941.
The move to the Paris Independent School District was made in the fall of 1946 when Mr. Cunningham was elected as principal of West Paris School. During his first year there, the school was renamed Rosa Pearson Elementary School. In 1950, Mr. Cunningham began his most well-known position, principal of Paris High School.
The name 'Dee Cunningham' became synonymous with Paris High School for countless students. His term of service was characterized by kindness, understanding, and dedication. Mr. Cunningham gained respect from students and teachers alike as he maintained control of the school. His firmness was complemented by a strong sense of fairness. He always expected the best from his students. His dignified, gentle manly conduct set an exemplary example for thousands of students. He guided Paris High School through a doubled enrollment, integration, and an expanded curriculum. Blowing his silver whistle, knowing students personally, and remembering seniors' names at graduation became his trademarks.
The spring of 1974 brought a note of sadness to many. As Mr. Cunningham closed the old Paris High School for the final year, his retirement brought to a close a forty-eight year teaching career. A fitting tribute was made with the selection of Dee Cunningham as sole dedicatee of the 1974 Owl. The yearbook summed up Mr. Cunningham's years at Paris High School in one phrase--'A Very Special Friend.' In November of his last school term, he was named 'Boss of the Year' by the Business and Professional Women's Club of Paris. Shortly before his retirement, he was made an honorary member of the National Honor Society. On May 25, he was honored with a county-wide Dee Cunningham Appreciation Day Dinner. His retirement became effective July 1, 1974.
Mr. Cunningham has served the community for many years. He has been active in the Red Cross and the Boy Scouts. He is a past president of the Girl Scout Council, Northeast Texas Schoolmen's Association, Phi Delta Kappa, and the American Association of Retired Persons. A past president of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, he currently serves on the advisory board. He is also a past president of Retired Teachers Association for which he serves on the state legislative committee. He is a life member of Parent-Teacher Association and a past director of the Paris and Lamar County Chamber of Commerce. He is a thirty-second degree Mason and a Shriner.
Among his other civic activities, Mr. Cunningham has been active in the Noon Lions Club for many years. He is a thirty-five year Monarch and has been Lion Tamer. In 1972-73, he served as Deputy District Governor of 2x2, Lions International. He also received the Extension Award for outstanding service in the district. Mr. Cunningham is currently a director of the Paris Boys Club. A member of Oak Park United Methodist Church (formerly Garrett Memorial Methodist), he is one of the teachers of the Brotherhood Sunday School Class there.
Dee Cunningham and his wife, the former Miss Naomi Roland, married September 30, 1930. They have one daughter, Dr. E. Lee Doyal, and two granddaughters, DeAnna Doyal and Delanie Davis, all of Dallas.'
Page 67: 'At least fifteen men have served the high school as principal. With the early records incomplete, the exact number is not known. Dr. W. S. V. Siebert was the principal of the high school in 1890. He was followed by E. L. Dohoney, Jr. in 1892. J. P. Downer became principal in 1901. Frank B. Barry and then Albert S. Otto served as principal before Mr. Downer again filled the position around 1908. Mr. Dohoney began his second term of service in 1913, followed by W. H. Norwood in 1919. George Simpson became principal in 1920 and was followed by B. E. Masters in the spring of 1921.
A. H. Chamness assumed the position of principal of the high school in 1926. When he was promoted to superintendent in 1931, Thomas S. Justiss became principal. In 1946, Mr. Justiss also was promoted to superintendent. The new high school principal was Roby Fagg, followed by Dee Cunningham in 1950. Serving as principal for twenty-four years, Mr. Cunningham held that position longer than any other man in the history of Paris High School. His retirement in 1974 signified the end of an era for the school. Mr. Cunningham was the last principal of the old 1917 high school.'
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