Meriwether Lewis Cuningham passed away on Friday afternoon November 4, 2016. He was born in 1924 at Waverly in Person County, N.C., and was the fifth generation owner of this National Historical Register Landmark. He was named after his relative Meriwether Lewis of the 1804-1806 Lewis & Clark Expedition. Meriwether was educated in Winston-Salem public schools. Throughout his high school years he excelled as an athlete as well as a young man of outstanding character, and upon graduation from R. J. Reynolds High School, he was awarded the Leo Caldwell Medal sponsored by the Winston-Salem Foundation. After serving as a gunnery officer on the USS Ottawa in the Pacific theatre of World War II, he graduated from Duke University. Meriwether became a Wachovia Bank executive in Greensboro, N.C., and attended the Rutgers University Graduate School of Banking. He was active in church and community affairs and was a lifetime honorary member of the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce. In Winston-Salem, he concentrated on his second career as a manufacturer's representative, and after retiring from the clothing business, he became a licensed N.C. Real Estate broker. For many years he also managed Waverly with his wife Evalyn. He was a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Carolina Bird Club, Forsyth Audubon, Preservation N.C., and Old Town Club. He was a retired officer in the honorary U.S. Naval Reserve. Meriwether is survived by his wife of 65 years, Evalyn; three sons, Edwin Wilson, Robert Lewis (and wife Meg), Thomas Alexander (and wife Sheryl); grandson Adam; step-grandsons, Hansel and Johnathan Creech; and several nieces and nephews. He loved taking his young sons boating, water skiing, biking, camping, fishing, and hunting. He could fix anything. He was affectionately known as "Feathers" to family and the many friends who loved him. The family wishes to extend special thanks to the staff at Arbor Acres Fitzgerald Center, especially Sandra and Virginia; to Hospice & Palliative Care; and to his very special caretaker Happy Williams. There will be a private family service at Waverly at a later date. Memorials are suggested for the Leo Caldwell Fund of the Winston-Salem Foundation Education Grant or a charity of the donor's choice.

Online condolences may be made to www.salemfh.com.