The passing of two beloved community members, Arthur Leighton White and Reverend Arthur W. Cunningham, has left families and friends mourning their loss, remembering their lives and the countless ways they touched those around them.
Arthur Leighton White, aged 73, passed away peacefully at his home in Kill Devil Hills, NC, on December 20, 2024, following a long battle with chronic illness. Born on February 13, 1951, he was the son of the late Robert White Sr. and Thelma Viola Slingerland White. A devoted family man, Leighton was the loving husband of Laurie Walton White and was surrounded by “his girls”—his daughters Jessica and Amy—who brought immense joy to his life. He was also the proud grandfather of three.
During his youth, White spent summers on the Outer Banks, which later became his permanent residence. His devotion to his family was evident as he balanced work as a self-employed landscaper and home renovationist, which he found highly fulfilling. "He was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandpop, son, and brother," shared his family. A life full of laughter, music, and love, the memories created by White will be cherished by many.
The White family invites friends and relatives to celebrate Leighton’s life at Bethany Church of Wanchese on January 4, 2025, at 2 PM. A visitation will precede the service, allowing loved ones to share memories. Interment will follow at Manteo Cemetery. The family expresses gratitude to the staff at Dare County Dialysis Center and local EMS for their care during his illness.
Just two days after Leighton White's passing, Reverend Arthur W. Cunningham, aged 86, died at his residence on December 22, 2024. A dedicated minister, his funeral service is set for December 30, 2024, at 11 AM, at St. James Missionary Baptist Church, where he served faithfully. Following the service, he will be laid to rest at the Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery at Parkers Crossroads.
Visitation for Reverend Cunningham will take place on December 28, 2024, at Mercer Brothers Funeral Home, with the family receiving friends from 2 PM to 4 PM. He will lie-in-state at St. James Church on the day of the funeral, allowing the community to pay their respects.
Arthur W. Cunningham's contributions to his congregation and community were significant, and his dedication to service will be fondly remembered. The arrangements for his memorial reflect the commitment he had to his ministry and the love he had for his family and parishioners.
Both men leave behind legacies of love, dedication to family, and service to their communities. Arthur Leighton White's warmth and humor made everyone feel like friends, inviting them to share laughter and good times, whereas Reverend Arthur W. Cunningham's life was committed to upholding values of faith and service, impacting countless lives through his ministry.
These two remarkable individuals will be missed dearly, but the love and memories they shared will forever resonate within the hearts of their families and communities.
