Vicksburg’s Robert “Bob” Cunny celebrates his 100th birthday

VICKSBURG, Miss. – Monday marks a special day as Vicksburg’s Mr. Robert “Bob” Cunny celebrated his 100th surrounded by family and friends at the local Vicksburg YMCA. Cunny is the YMCA’s oldest living member.

Amongst his friends, Cunny had multiple family members present as they celebrated his big day. 

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).

Although he is now in the triple digits when it comes to his age, Mr. Cunny still participates in AYA classes(Active Y Adults).