Obituary: Mr. George Cunningham

George, who lived at Balmoral Avenue, was virtually inseperable from his beloved wife Agnes and the couple were familiar figures, strolling through the town and enjoying a chat with their many friends.

And for those who knew George, his charming greeting of ‘Hello Flower!’ will always spring to mind.

The respect in which he was held was reflected in the message of condolence which was extended to his wife and family by the Mayor, Cllr Hubert Nicholl at the outset of Ballymena Borough Council’s most recent meeting.

Cllr Nicholl recalled that George had been a long serving member of Council staff, having worked as a supervisor with its Operational Services Department for more than 25 years having worked his way up ‘through the the ranks’.

George was originally from Railway Street and began his working career as a ‘post boy’ in the Braidwater Mill before moving on to Clinger’s Factory and latterly British Enkalon. When the textile giant closed and George was made redundant and he took a job as a labourer with the Borough Council. His qualities were recognised and his hard work was rewarded with the post of supervisor referred to by the Mayor.

While family played a central role in his life, George was also a member of the local Royal Artillery TA unit and latterly was a prominent member of the Royal Artillery Association, raising funds, looking after older members and laying the wreath on behalf of the group at Ballymena’s Memorial Park.

He was a close friend of Major John McConnell, another veteran ‘gunner’, and was pictured on our front page only last year when he helped the Major lay a wreath at the Rememberance Day service in Ballymena.

Always ready with a good yarn and a bit of craic, George was also an accomplished flautist having been a staunch member of Ballykeel LOL 472 Flute Band for more than 40 years. He, and the late Joe Heggarty, were very much the heart and soul of the ‘wee band’ and George taught more local youngsters to flute than can be counted. He was also a member of Ballykeel Orange Lodge.

George was buried last Thursday after a funeral service at St. Patrick’s Church of Ireland. He is survived by his wife Agnes and was the devoted father of Georgina and Derek.