Manchester Obituary: William Cunningham III, 64

William R. Cunningham III, 64, of Ashford, died Wednesday, July 12, 2017 at Westside Care Center, Manchester.

Born in Norfolk, VA he had lived in Ashford for many years. He was a US Marine Corps veteran. In 1993 “Redbird,” as he was known on the trail and throughout the rest of his life, hiked the entire Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine in a 6 month trek.

He is survived by his daughters, Lindsay Cunningham of Ellington, Rachel Cunningham of Enfield and Lily Cunningham of Ashford; his grandsons Jacob and Dominic Geoffrion; and his sister Marsha Phillips of Oregon. He was predeceased by his brother David Secl.

Funeral service followed by military honors will be held on Saturday, July 15th at 12:00 p.m. at the John F. Tierney Funeral Home 219 West Center St. Manchester. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

For online condolences please visit www.tierneyfuneralhome.com.