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Our Papa Train

The Life of Paul Cunningham

12/28/1949 – 2/25/2022

Forever Loved, Never Forgotten

Our Papa Train

Biography of Paul Cunningham (Our Papa Train)

Paul was born in Antioch CA to Mona and Abe Cunningham on December 28th 1949. He and his sister Margaret were raised alone by their mother who was one of the hardest working women there ever was, working 50+ hours a week to support her family. Paul grew up as the man of the house and he was raised to be the best man he could be. Paul Carried what he learned from his mother into being a parent himself.

In 1986 Paul moved with his son to Nashville with the hopes of making a difference in the music world with his love and passion for music. He was a musician in every sense of the word. He played and mastered over 20 instruments, including his most amazing talent the guitar. He has written songs, taught music to students, produced music, one time even made an entire album playing over 20 different instruments, singing and mastering it all together all alone as if the band has 5 or 6 members in it but it was just him. Instead of meeting a major music executive in Nashville, he met the Lord, once that happened everything in his life turned towards following the Lord in every breath he took. He instantly started living his life to helping others in any way he could. There were times growing up that I watched my dad give all we had to help someone he didn’t even know, when he got back in the car I said “dad I thought we didn’t have enough money to pay the bills”, and he said “son the Lord will always make a way” and he always did!

In 2007 Paul got the news he would be a grandpa, his first grandchild was born, Elijah. He wanted to spend so much time with his grandson, playing and laughing every chance he got. One of his favorite things was model train sets, I remember a long time ago he had the biggest model train setup you could imagine with mountains and entire cities, so he would always play with trains with his grandson, one of the first words out of his mouth was papa train, that is how he got his nickname Papa Train. Then came his granddaughter Amya, and she instantly took on a deep love for her Papa Train too, it was something he took much pride in being Papa Train and his love for his grandchildren was something he was willing to talk about at any moment. 

For the last 20 years of his life he has worked in the schools where he loved working with kids to help in any way he could, he absolutely loved his job and some of his best friends that he talked about every day were his students and the teachers he worked with. I know that Paul is looking down smiling and reading every comment from his friends, students, and loved ones knowing that he hopefully touched your heart in a way that will leave a lasting memory. He is not gone, he will live within all of us forever! 

Papa Train’s Kiddos (What makes him Papa Train)

Elijah

Amya

Aryanna

Ariah

We want to thank everyone who comes to express your condolences and honor the life of our Papa Train, Paul Cunningham. He was loved by his friends and family and will truly be missed. He is survived by his son Ben Cunningham, and Grandchildren Elijah Cunningham and Amya Cunningham. While this website is under construction we would ask that you would leave any comment you would like added to the memorial section of the website and each comment will be added. Also if you have any photos or images you would like to share of Paul please upload them as well. Thank you so much for your condolences on the loss of our Papa Train. Comments can also be sent and Images can be uploaded to memories@papatrain.com

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Flowers for Mr. Paul, From Beverly Cotton
There lived a man named Mr. Paul who was a blessing to all.
He talked of his love for God and how Christians should live so the world would know God is real.
His love for Hillsboro Special Ed.’s children was evident by the way he sought to get them what they wanted.
Talking with him was pleasant and left one with a feeling of joy.
Mr. Paul’s earthly journey is over hasten from a bout of covid-19 He left behind witnesses to his goodness which will be his legacy.
May he rest in heavenly peace knowing his life was pleasing to God and beneficial to all to whom he ministered 
Rev. Laura B. Mitchell

April 14, 2022

Recent Comments

Paul was such a dear dear friend. I’m so thankful that I had the privilege to know him and have him in my life as a friend and confidant. He was such a positive example of how a person should try to live their life. He was so giving and loving. He always tried to find the good in everyone. Anyone that had the pleasure to know him is so very lucky. I will miss him every day but find some comfort knowing he is in God’s hands pain-free.
Ben, Elijah, and Amya, you were often the topic of conversation on our daily rides to and from work. He loved all of you so very much. You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
Theresa Ragland

Friend & Co-Worker

Paul has been a constant in my choir classroom the last several years with his students. He shared with me his musical talents and gifts and always offered to help in any way that he could.
4 years ago, we were trying to take students on a trip to perform. The cost was too much for several of our students. One day after school, he handed me an envelope with enough to pay for over the half the class… with the agreement that he never wanted the students to know where it came from. Just the biggest heart I have had the pleasure of knowing.
My heart and prayers are with his family as they mourn the loss of a truly kind and wonderful man.
Janelle Ganske

Coworker and Friend

I was devastated to hear about Paul’s passing and I know there is a hole in my life now that no one can fill. I am also very grateful to have known Paul and to count him as a true friend for many years. We shared many laughs, a love of music, and a passion for helping others. He was supportive as a friend, but also had the courage to challenge me to be better as well. I will always remember Paul with the highest possible degree of love and respect. He will, indeed, not be forgotten.

Jonathan Todd Hines

Friend

To my sweet, funny, loving cousin.  Always full of spunk!  I love you and will miss you terribly. 

Love from Marty and Mike

Mike & Marty Hinz

First Cousin

I had the privilege of spending time with Paul while working at Stallworth, giving him rides, texting jokes back and forth, and helping him after knee surgery and a stroke. The calm, gentle peace about him in that large teddy bear frame was the Lord shining through. We often spoke of our faith and would pray for each other’s needs. Paul was always quick to share a corny comment, a funny joke and was very giving of his beautiful smile. He touched the hearts of anyone lucky enough to have encountered him. Prayers for Ben, Elijah, and Amya. You are his most prized possessions. This world was a better place with him in it and now heaven has gained another faithful servant.

Laura Pierce

Friend & Co-worker at Vanderbilt Stallworth

Mr. Paul
You will be missed! You were always there for me! Mr. Paul set an example for anyone that worked with students that have special needs. His heart was truly in his work. Mr. Paul loved helping both the students and adults. He could find humor in almost any situation. Mr. Paul, thanks for the many laughs and advice over the years. I cannot believe you are gone. I love you man!
RP Harris

Friend & Co-Worker

Mr Paul, you were such a sweet, wonderful neighbor to me for such a long time. I have really enjoyed chat, laugh about everything when sitting in your patio during the summer. I will miss you not being there on your patio. Now you are in peace with Jesus, no more suffering in pain. Never say goodbye for I see you in heaven, your neighbor, Gayle Hinkle

Gayle Hinkle

Friend & Neighbor

I didn’t know Papa Train as Paul. I knew him as Stewart Paul Cunningham. Stu – he found me working as a waitress in a donut shop in Antioch, CA. I had just moved to CA from the east coast at 17 years old. He and some of the band members would come into the donut shop after band practice at midnight and we would get to talking. He took me under his wing and changed my life. We married soon after and in 1975 our son Benjamin was born. I was 21. Stewart was a loving and caring father taking Ben with him everywhere.

Stewart’s whole world was his son and his music. When he was young he was a bit of a loner and spent his days teaching himself to play the guitar and piano. He was and I still say, he is the best lead guitar player ever. His riffs were clean, precise and poignant. We used to play a game we called Stump Stu because he could name any song within just the first few notes, especially Beatles songs.

When he moved to Nashville and Benjamin had his two children, Elijah and Amya, Stewart was overjoyed. They were his world and he was theirs. When I would call him I got to hear all about what the kids were doing. He seldom spoke of himself. It was all about the kids and Ben. I used to call him my favorite ex-husband. He could always make me laugh. He was my first true love.

Stewart Paul, you will be missed. Missed by your students and fellow workers. Missed by your friends old and new. Missed by your family, you filled up their world. Missed by your son Benjamin, who was there for you every step of the way as you were there for him. We will all carry you in our hearts.

Poem by e.e.cummings: I Carry You In My Heart

I carry your heart with me (I carry it in my heart)

I am never without it (anywhere I go you go, my darling; and whatever is done by only me is your doing)

I fear no fate (for you are my fate)

I want no world (for darling you are my world)

And you are whatever a moon has always meant And whatever a sun will always sing, it is you.

Here is the deepest secret nobody knows (here is the roof of the roof and the bud of the bud and the sky of a tree called life; which grows higher than any soul can hope or mind can hide)

And this is the wonder that’s keeping the stars apart

I carry your heart (I carry it in my heart)

With Love, Lori

Lori

Ben's Mom & Paul's Former Wife

Mr. Paul was my friend.  He gave so much to his students as well as co-workers.  Paul was there when you were having a bad day, quick to tell a joke and make you smile, even though he was going through his own pain.  He always did his best for the students. He made a positive impact on this world and my prayers go out to his family.  I will miss him.

Mary Jane Scruggs

Friend & Co-Worker

Paul was a good friend who always led by example putting others first. He had a way of drawing people in. He had a great sense of humor- made me laugh a lot!  I was blessed to have known him and been a small part of his life. He will be missed very much.

Lisa Underwood

Friend & Co-Worker

Paul was an educator and humanitarian at heart.  There were many lessons learned about life during a school day.  I was always in tune to listen from the experience of a wise man.  He always had a joke ready when having a tough day. He had perfect timing for picking you right back up.  He holds a special place in my heart, as he does for many.  He will forever be missed, but spirit lives within us all!

Brandon Mead

Friend and Co-worker Johnson School Hillsboro

I apologize for sending this message so late. I have truly been blessed to have known Mr. Paul. Mr. Paul. He was a funny kind of guy. He always tried to look at the bright side of things. We had great conversations about sharing, helping others, and Shining for Jesus. He was a generous man. He was a very hard worker. I will miss seeing Mr. Paul at Hillsboro.
Beverly Cotton

Friend and Co-worker

I worked with Paul at Vanderbilt Stallworth and had the privilege of calling him a friend. Paul had a way of lifting everyone’s spirits in the hospital- patients and staff alike. From giving an encouraging word, a mischievous smile, or a funny anecdote, Paul had a way of making those around him feel better. As a friend, he did not shy away from expressing his care and made me feel seen and special. I will miss Paul and am grateful for the time I had to get to know him.

Sara Pilcher

Friend and co-worker

Paul had a really great laugh, and everyone always felt so comfortable around him. We miss you friend! Sending my thoughts and prayers to your family right now.

Reid Jones

Co-worker

I am so thankful for the time I had with Paul. We worked together my first couple of years at Harris Hillman. He had a huge amount of love for our students. He was a gift to all who knew him!

Cara

Friend & Co-worker at Harris Hillman

He was an amazing musician and song writer. We played music together in a band in the early 70’s. I believe he could play every Beatles song written. We would try to stump him but never succeeded. Some of the best times in my life were that time playing music with that gentle soul, laughing, creating and singing. What a talent, what a man.

Jerry Smith

Friend

I had the privilege of working with Paul on Sundays at Vanderbilt Stallworth for many years. He was a true kindred spirit who brought smiles and happiness to everyone he encountered. His patients loved him and he kept us all laughing with his quick wit and jokes. He was a blessing to so many and will be terribly missed.

Dorothy Smith

Friend & Co-Worker at Vanderbilt Stallworth

Mr. Paul had an amazing spirit about him. He walked in with a great spirit and presence. He always knew how to make someone laugh with his sense of humor. Mr. Paul will greatly be missed.

Asia Corder

Co-Worker

Paul was a good neighbor. He would tell me who to have mow my grass. He always had a pretty flower garden in the front of his house. He will be missed.

Virginia White

Friend & Neighbor

I worked with Paul at 2 different schools.  He was so kind and had such devotion to the students that he worked with. He was very generous, compassionate and just made those around him smile. My sympathy is with the family at this time.

Leigh Ann Harbort

Former Co-Worker

Mr. Paul, You were always a shining light as you came into Hillsboro High School with a kind word & that precious smile never complaining about anything.  I was blessed to have known you.  You will be missed terribly!

Suzanne Carbaugh

Co-Worker

Sadly, we didn’t know Paul directly, but we know that he raised a wonderful son who is an outstanding dad and neighbor. Ben, Amya, and Elijah- we are so sorry for your loss. We are always here for you guys, please let us know if there is anything that we can do for you during this difficult time.

Gene & Karen Pierce

Dear Friends of Paul's Son Ben

I never had the honor to meet Mr. Paul (Papa Train) but, I heard a lot of wonderful things about him. I know he was greatly loved by his grandchildren and Son. Ben is a wonderful Dad who devotes his life to Elijah & Amya. When you see Ben you see his Children. I’ve known them since they were babies. After reading all the wonderful memories of Papa Train I see now where Ben gets it from, he was raised by a wonderful man. I give my deepest condolences to Ben, Amya & Elijah. We’re here if you need anything!

Your friends @ Moulton Motors

Mary Stroud

Friends of Paul's Son Ben

On behalf of the entire faculty and staff of Hillsboro High School, I would like to express our deepest condolences for the passing of Paul.  He was like a member of the family to us and a wonderful man. He will truly be missed

Shuler Pelham

Principal of Hillsboro High School

Paul was a kind man. He always had a smile in his face. He will be missed.

Patricia Jackson

Great-grandmother of Elijah and Amya

He was a peaceful man and a pleasure to be around and share the same grandchildren with him.

Richard & Lori Dixon

Grandparents of Elijah & Amya

Paul was a kind soul and he will be missed.

Karen Hardy

Great-aunt of his grandchildren Elijah & Amya

What a blessing to have met a person like Paul. Would give the shirt off his back. The wisdom he passed down to me and loved some Adele. Rest peacefully my friend, rest peacefully

Melvin Hart Jr

Co-Worker

Mr. Paul was one of my all-time favorite people! We were coworkers at Hillsboro for around 10 years! He always had something funny to say! 
I’m so sorry for your loss! 
Ryan Harris

Co-Worker

Paul was an amazing person who deeply cared about the students he worked with over the years. His family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Gerry Altieri

Former Co-Worker

I worked with Mr. Paul for several years at Hillsboro High school. Mr. Paul had a servant’s heart; working both with students with Special Needs and as a Nurse Tech for many years. He also had great taste in music. He will be missed.

Keri Cross

Co-Worker

Paul was a good and caring man who liked to joke and love his family, we will miss him May he rest in peace amen 😭😭

Mamadou Diomande Akim

His Cab driver and Good Friend

I loved Mr. Paul. I’d pick him up every day and head to Hillsboro High School where he was adored by all. Also if my husband and I were headed to the Flying Saucer we’d pick him up for an evening filled with many delightful stories! RIP my dear, dear friend! Thank you for the memories!

Deb Hilton

Friend

We dated and were good friends in 1970. He played beautiful music and taught me how to play the guitar. He said if you make a mistake on the guitar do it three times and then it’s not a mistake. He was a gentle soul.

Marianne Lehsten

Friend

My Friend Mr. Paul. I can’t believe you are gone. Just wanted to take time to say, how much I appreciate your ways. You made all our students feel special and valued its true.  I loved our shared love of music too.  I will and certainly do miss you. Thank You for being my Friend. Without question, Mr. Paul,  I will see you again. Prayers for your family. Your race is done. No more pain or suffering. God is love.

LeeAnne Rochelle

Worked with Mr. Paul at Hillsboro High School

It’s was a pleasure meeting Mr. Paul. He was full of love and joy everyday.. He was the life of the Party. He will truly be missed.
With sadness,
Cecilia Adams
Cecilia Adams

Co-Worker

He will definitely be missed it was always smiles and laughter. Thank you papa train for your kindness 🥰

Andrea

Mother of Elijah & Amya

Papa Train the Artist

Many people may not know, Paul was also an artist, he loved spending his spare time oil painting on a canvas making some of the most beautiful pieces of artwork without even looking at anything, just right out of his head. Here are just a few of his paintings.