Vurtis Odell Cunningham was born in Columbus, MS to Josie Will and Johnnie Will Cunningham, Sr. on December 20, 1969. He began his childhood education at Mitchell Memorial Elementary School and  completed his high school education at Caldwell High School ( Class of 1987). After high school, he was employed with a local company until his enlistment in the United States Air Force on October 20, 1989. Vurtis served his country for 23 years until retirement on April 1, 2013 as a Master Sergeant. During his military career, he served abroad in various countries including: Korea (2), Germany, and Turkey. His occupation specialty was Medical Logistics. Vurtis received several major awards and decorations including: Meritorious Service Medal(2 OLC), Air Force Commendation Medal(1 OLC), and Air Force Achievement Medal(5 OLC).

Vurtis was a fun-loving man. He enjoyed various genres of movies as well as golf. He enjoyed it so much that it became his hobby. Vurtis received his associate degree in Applied Science Logistics in March 2009 from the Community College of The Air Force. He was a multi-talented man and his pastime involved reading, poetry and stand-up comedy. All of these passions extended through his family life as well. Not only was he a military man, but he also developed a passion for entrepreneurship in real estate and business. His vision of entrepreneurship was shown through his company, Cunningham Investment Realty Group (C.I.R.G.).

Vurtis was a man of many accolades. His love of family was instilled in him as child. He was a proud Cunningham man and in return, his family was very proud of him. He accepted Christ at an early age at Southside M.B. Church under the leadership of Rev. Isaac Lacy. He later united with First Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor William H. Graham in Frederick, MD. Vurtis was also a member of Fredericktonian Lodge #12, P.H.A. in Frederick, MD.

Vurtis departed this life on May 16, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents and a host of aunts and uncles.

Vurtis's legacy will forever be cherished by: Nicole Cunningham of Newnan, GA; his son, Tarik Cunningham of Newnan, GA; his daughters, Gwendolyn Cunningham of Austin, TX and Vanessa Cunningham of Newnan, GA; his siblings: Brenda Washington of Columbus, MS, James (Betty) Cunningham of Columbus, MS, Carolyn (Lee) Davis of Columbus, MS Johnny (Joyce) Cunningham, Jr. of Montgomery, AL, Janice (Wayne) Ryland of Columbus, MS, Curtis Cunningham of Dallas, TX, Valerie Chandler of Columbus, MS, Steven (Taffy) Cunningham of Ridgeland, MS, Angela (Terrell) Jones of Columbus, MS, and Mary Joe Greenlee of Columbus, MS; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.