Joseph (Joe) L. Cunningham, age 64, passed away peacefully at his home in Union Mills, NC, surrounded by his loving family, on Monday, October 3, 2022, after a fierce and courageous battle with cancer. Joe was born on January 21, 1958 in Cumberland, MD. He was the beloved husband of 28+ years to his beautiful wife, Rochelle.

Joe was a man with a passion for both two and four wheel vehicles including off-road racing, dune buggies, 4-wheelers, dirt bikes, and motorcycles. He was drawn to the beautiful North Carolina mountains as well as the twisty mountain roads for spectacular sport bike riding. After visiting NC, he soon knew that he would build a log home here, and that became his forever home in 1994.  He and his wife loved to vacation across the U.S. and Canada via motorbike, falling in love with the Utah canyons, the beauty of the Colorado mountains, as well as everything in-between. Their journeys were always big adventures.

He loved working with his hands and his mind, and his mind was exceptionally sharp. In 1996, he opened Carolina Carburetor in Rutherfordton, and was quickly appreciated for accurate diagnostics and quick repair of any carburetor or fuel injection system. He was great at fixing anything, and he loved putting that talent to work for family, friends, or anyone in need.  He was very well known for his clever solutions, his inventions and his beaming smile. After retiring, he found a new passion with wood turning, and became an artist by creating beautiful works of art in his home shop.

His love of his family was deep. He was immensely proud of his son, his daughter-in-law, and his four beautiful grandchildren. Being a 'Pappy' was his greatest reward. His love of life and unique sense of humor brought joy to all he met. His smile and his kindness left a lasting impression on the hearts of all; He will be greatly missed. Thank you to his niece, Kristen Carter for her endless support of positive energy. Thank you to family across the states, to friends, and to Hospice for the endless loving support.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Margaret (Peg) Cunningham, and his father, Alfred E. Cunningham. He is survived by his wife, Rochelle (Andersen) Cunningham; his son, Joseph L. Cunningham II and his wife, Erin; his sister, Cathy Carter and her husband, Joe; his brother Randy Cunningham; his sister Carol Cunningham; his grandchildren, Madison, Ryder, Wade, and Isla Cunningham

There will be a Gathering of friends and family on Sunday, October 16, 2022 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at McMahan's Funeral Home . A guest register is available at www.mcmahansfuneralhome.com. McMahan's Funeral Home & Cremation Services in charge of arrangements.