Darrell Linn Cunningham, 78

The world lost a proud American and a true patriot on March 6, 2025 when Darrell Linn Cunningham left this world after a long, hard fight. At the time of his death he was surrounded by loved ones, including his wife Connie King, his son Joshua Cunningham, and his lifelong pals Patrick Ferrante and Ernie Blackburn.

Darrell was born in Tacoma, WA on December 9, 1946 to Linn and Amelia Cunningham. He grew up to proudly serve his country in the Marines for four years during the Vietnam War. After leaving the Marines, he continued serving his country by working on submarines for the Department of Defense at Bangor Base for 22 years. He made lifelong friends in the nine years he worked at Hygrade Meat Processing Plant in Tacoma.

Darrell used his GI Bill to attend Clover Park College, where he studied horticulture. He developed a love for growing plants, which he pursued as a hobby for the rest of his life. He was also an avid outdoorsman, often hitching the trailer to his truck and camping with Connie throughout Washington and Oregon.

Darrell was known far and wide as a BBQ Pitmaster. He lived for the 4th of July Parade that coursed past his house, when he could make smoked meats for friends, family, neighbors, and anyone else who wanted to eat.

Darrell resided in Gig Harbor for over 30 years. He spent the last 15 years of his life on the Willapa Bay, realizing a lifelong dream. He enjoyed watching fishing boats motor by and delighted at the wildlife that frequented his property. He adored seeing his granddaughter Holland-Renee, around whose finger he was irrevocably wrapped, frolic along the bay.

Darrell was preceded in death by his parents Linn and Amelia Cunningham, his first wife Jerri Cunningham, his step-daughter Renee King, and other beloved family members. Darrell is survived by his wife Connie King, his sister Jackie (Bob) Sinclair, his sons Richard (Bonnie) Cunningham and Joshua (Misti) Cunningham; his step-children DeAnna (Randall) Young, Ricky (Kerri) King, and Angelina King; his grandchildren Mason (Cheyenne) Meyers, Arya Young, Mia Young, and Holland-Renee King; his great-grandson Cash; his mother-in-law Betty Costas; and his niece Hollie (Ronald) Costas.

A viewing for Darrell will be held on March 24, 2025 from 9:30-10:30am at Haven of Rest Funeral Home in Gig Harbor, followed by services at 10:30am. Darrell will be laid to rest with Military Honors at Tahoma National Cemetery at 1pm.