Dr. William Lawther Cunningham, PhD

It is with immense grief and profound love that we announce the passing of Dr. William Lawther Cunningham, PhD (Bill) after a nearly two-year battle against cancer. We know that he is now at peace and with God, already watching over all of us with his beautiful smile, soft and twinkling eyes, and endless joy, love, and humor.

Bill also dedicated his life to supporting his two sons, Chris and Andy, who now strive to have as much of a positive impact on the world as he did. Bill was the perpetual "greatest fan" and proud Dad, who also had an amazing ability to read and help family and friends process emotions in themselves and others. He loved adding emojis to all his messages and never stopped sharing his wit, humor and love in full support of both Chris and Andy's dreams.

Bill also loved forging lifelong friendships where he and Joyce lived. Whether it was across the street on Hitzel Terrace in Vermont or around the corner at the Oxford in Tennessee, Bill always made others laugh, feel supported, and provided an open door and a helping hand for all. He loved firing up the grill in his backyard, turning any ordinary afternoon into a reason to gather. His laugh was infectious — the kind that filled a yard and made everyone around him feel like they were exactly where they were supposed to be.

Professionally, "Dr. Bill" dedicated his life and career to the well-being of children, families, and the community throughout the state of Vermont, and especially the Rutland region. He earned a BA in Psychology from the University of Vermont, an MA in General Psychology from Minnesota State University, Mankato, and a PhD in Educational and Clinical Psychology from Mississippi State University. As a compassionate clinical and licensed school psychologist, Dr. Bill spent over 40 years providing a steady, healing presence for those navigating their most difficult moments. His work in child resiliency, trauma recovery, and youth behavioral intervention left an indelible mark on the region's educational and mental health systems.

Dr. Bill's clinical work began in the mid-1970s in Lima, Ohio, where he worked as a psychological associate at the Northwest Community Mental Health Center. From there, he and Joyce moved to Mississippi to jointly complete their doctoral training. When their first son came along in 1980, they made the decision to return to their home state of Vermont. Bill then joined Rutland Mental Health Services as a Staff Psychologist, quickly becoming a trusted partner to local schools and a lifeline for families in need of clinical assessments and therapeutic care.

In August 1983, he established his private clinical practice, Vermont Educational Support Associates, in Rutland, VT. For the next four decades, Dr. Bill took on some of the most sensitive and challenging areas of juvenile psychology. He specialized in helping young victims recover from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), guiding adolescents through complex behavioral therapy, and providing critical risk evaluations to protect vulnerable children. Known for his deep yet personable wisdom, he also spent many years providing clinical supervision to the next generation of Vermont clinicians, ensuring his legacy of care would continue.

Beyond direct clinical work, Dr. Bill contributed to Vermont's professional and child-protection networks in many ways. This included significant commitments with the Child First Advocacy Center, board service with Prevent Child Abuse Vermont, and membership on the Safer Society Foundation & Press board. He was a member of the Vermont Board of Psychological Examiners (2001–2004) and a Vermont Psychological Association representative to the American Psychological Association's Council of Representatives (2011–2013). He was also appointed by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Burlington to serve on the Review Board in support of the well-being for the faith community across Vermont.

Respected for his deep specialization in juvenile psychology and trauma-informed care, Dr. Bill built a legacy of protecting vulnerable children and guiding families through profound behavioral and psychological challenges throughout Vermont. Bill will be remembered not only for his profound psychological expertise, but for the quiet dignity, empathy, trust and hope he brought into the lives of countless children and families when they needed it the most.

Our family wishes to thank the compassionate healthcare professionals who provided care and support throughout this difficult time, especially those with Tennessee Oncology, Hearth Hospice, and Touching Hearts home care in Chattanooga, TN. We are also eternally grateful to the many truly amazing Chattanoogan neighbors and friends with whom Bill and Joyce became close since moving to Tennessee from Vermont in 2022. Finally, we sincerely appreciate the kind and supportive help we have received from the Lane Funeral Home team.

On behalf of Bill, we invite all friends and family to remember and celebrate his life and commitment to loving relationships among us all through three ways: (1) by attending a Memorial Mass at the Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Soddy Daisy, Tennessee on October 19, 2026 at 11:00 AM, followed by a reception; (2) by joining us for a Celebration of Life gathering at the Catholic Center at the University of Vermont on July 6, 2027 at 11:00 AM to recognize Bill's long life and many memories in Vermont; and (3) by interacting with Bill's Memorial Website, which is available to share photos, memories and condolences over the coming weeks and months ahead at www.drbillcunningham.com.

Lastly, in Bill's own words: "Finally, I declare my loving gratitude to all of my family and friends for a full life of loving relationships. My final prayer is that the love of my heart pass to each friend and family member! Trust and believe that I love you from afar until we are all together for eternity in spiritual unity with our God in heaven. Amen."