People
Robert “Bob” Cunny celebrates his 99th birthday

Mr. Robert “Bob” Cunny celebrated his 99th birthday on Monday, surrounded by family and friends at the local Vicksburg YMCA.
Cunny was born in Chicago on July 22, 1924, and later attended Purdue University where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering and a Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering.
In 1948, Cunny moved to Vicksburg and began working at the Waterways Experiment Station, where he stayed until his retirement in 1980. He married his wife, Nell Pinkston, in 1960, and they have two children, Helen and Kelly Cunny. They were married for 55 years until her death in 2015.
Cunny served as President of various organizations throughout his lifetime, including the YMCA’s Y’s Men Club, Jett Elementary PTA, Vicksburg American Red Cross, Vicksburg Lions Club, Vicksburg High Band Parents, and the Community Concerts Association. He was also an Elder and Sunday School teacher at the First Presbyterian Church, as well as being a Licensed Park Guide at the Vicksburg National Military Park in 1984.
Cunny served in both World War II (as a 2nd Lieutenant from 1942-1945) and the Korean War (as a U.S. Army Captain from 1950-1952).
Despite being nearly 100 years old, Cunny still drives, exercises, and makes daily trips to the YMCA, where he has been a member since before 1965. He continues to participate in the Active Y Adults classes.
Currently, Mr. Cunny is the YMCA’s oldest living member, and he is eagerly anticipating his 100th birthday next year.
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