A crowd gathered inside the Sunrise Theater and also on the lawn next to the theater for “Bruce on Broad,” a service honoring the life of the late Bruce Cunningham.
There were tears as well as laughter as friends and family honored his life, dedication to public service, and love for his family. The service was streamed live and seen all over the world, including in Ireland where he passed away suddenly on July 5 of a massive heart attack. He was 71.
Cunningham was remembered as a man who strived to build consensus, looking for common ground whenever possible. He was honored as a man deeply committed to his family and to making Moore County a better place for all.
Courtesy photo of Bruce Cunningham from Moore County Schools.
Cunningham served over 40 years as both a local attorney and in varied roles as a public servant. He served on the Moore County School Board since 2004, serving two years as Chairman starting in 2014.
Cunningham was also responsible for establishing the Tour De Moore in 1976 and played a pivotal role in the rejuvenation of the Sunrise Theater.
At the end of the service, attendees were encouraged to put their phones down, go outside and make connections, and to shop at their favorite downtown stores. He was remembered as a man who loved person connections and disliked how technology would isolate people.
The family has requested in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the Sunrise Theater.
~Written by Sandhills Sentinel Local News/Government Reporter Chris Prentice. 
Contact him at [email protected] or (910) 639-9303.
