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Obituary - David M. Cunningham



Cunningham, David M., age 73, professional horseman and owner of Beaverbrook Stables in the Halls/Crossroads area, passed away on July 10. David began training horses as a teen and went on to become a driving force in every aspect of the horse industry. He successfully trained, showed and sold many of the nation’s top American Saddlebred, Hackney and Roadster horses and ponies during his nearly 60 year career. He won more than 30 World Champion and Reserve titles with horses and riders he trained. He was a founding member of the United Professional Horseman’s Association and received its highest honor in 2012 being inducted to the Hall of Fame. David will best be remembered by his many friends for his help building their futures in the horse industry. A lifelong resident of Knoxville, David was involved with the Greater Knoxville Charity Horse Show which benefitted the local Boys and Girls Club. Preceded in death by his parents Earl and Blanche Cunningham of Knoxville, he is survived by daughter Michelle (Dalles Lee) Phillips, 30, of Knoxville. Friends are invited to honor the life of David Cunningham from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 17 at the Stables at Hunter Valley Farm, 9111 Hunter Valley Lane, Knoxville, TN 37922. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Halls/Powell located at 1819 Dry Gap Pike, Knoxville, TN 37918 or the United Professional Horseman’s Association 4059 Iron Works Pkwy, Lexington, KY 40511. 

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