Thomas Johnson Cunningham

Thomas Johnson Cunningham
Decatur, GA -- Thomas (Tom) Johnson Cunningham, 62, died unexpectedly December 27, 2020 at home. A native of California, Tom had a distinguished career of thirty years at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, where he held several positions and retired as vice president, senior economist and regional executive. After retiring from the Fed, Tom was a member of the Leadership Atlanta, Class of 2018 and began an equally distinguished career at the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, where he was chief economist. Widely published, a gifted speaker, and extremely generous with his time, Tom was known across the Southeast and beyond for his speeches on many aspects of the economy and appreciated for his insights, as well as for his keen sense of humor. His work at the Fed and the Metro Chamber was influential and enduring in developing and promoting the economy of the region. Tom also taught courses at Emory University and at Agnes Scott College and, throughout his career, guided many an Agnes Scott student to life-changing internships at the Fed and elsewhere.
While earning his PhD in economics and an MA in philosophy from Columbia University, Tom met and married Rosemary Thomas in 1983, the pair moving to Atlanta 1985 when Tom started at the Fed and Rosemary started as assistant professor of economics at Agnes Scott. Family was everything to Tom. His world revolved around Rosemary, their two children Ian and Sara, and eventually their daughter-in-law Marlissa and their grandchildren. Loving, witty, generous, thoughtful, unfailingly kind, and full of astute observations about economics, politics, and much more, Tom was a great friend and supporter to young and old. He loved nothing more than to sit and talk and engage with friends and family. His sincere interest in others and his signature wit came across readily in every conversation. He always took time to say a word of encouragement and affirmation, and his insights were greatly valued.
Tom was born July 9, 1958, in Kingsburg, CA, the son of Raymond C. and Carol (Johnson) Cunningham. After graduating from Reedley High School in 1976, Tom studied economics at the California State University, Fresno, graduating summa cum laude in 1979 and going on to Columbia for graduate work. Tom was predeceased by his parents and leaves his wife, Rosemary Thomas Cunningham, a son, Ian Cunningham and his wife, Marlissa, of Douglasville, GA, and a daughter, Sara, as well as grandchildren Liam and Charlotte Mae of Douglasville.
A private service will be held on Thursday, December 31. Friends are invited to meet with the family at their home (outdoors with COVID masks) on Sunday, January 3, from 2-4 p.m. Those who wish to remember Tom in a special way may make gifts in his memory to the American Heart Association or the Student Emergency Fund at Agnes Scott College.