At 101 years old, Robert “Bob” Cunny still greets each day with energy, curiosity, and gratitude — and he says those might just be the secrets to his long and active life.
A familiar face at the Vicksburg YMCA, Cunny recently joined The Anna and Raven Show on V105.5 FM to share his insights on living well past the century mark.
Born in Chicago on July 22, 1924, Cunny earned both a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and a Master’s in Industrial Engineering from Purdue University. In 1948, he moved to Vicksburg to begin his career at the Waterways Experiment Station, where he worked until his retirement in 1980.
To celebrate his 101st birthday, Cunny made a special request — to return to the place where his career began. Mary Margaret Edney and Annette Kirklin with the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) Public Affairs Office guided him through the facility, now the headquarters of ERDC.
During the visit, Cunny reflected on how much had changed since his time there more than four decades ago. “It’s so different,” he said with a smile. “Things have really changed a lot.”
Beyond his engineering career, Cunny’s impact on the Vicksburg community has been far-reaching. He served as president of several local organizations, including the YMCA’s Y’s Men Club, Jett Elementary PTA, Vicksburg American Red Cross, Lions Club, Vicksburg High Band Parents, and the Community Concerts Association. He was also an elder and Sunday School teacher at First Presbyterian Church and later a licensed park guide at the Vicksburg National Military Park.
Cunny’s dedication to service extended beyond his community. He served as a Second Lieutenant during World War II (1942–1945) and as a U.S. Army Captain during the Korean War (1950–1952).
He married the late Nell Pinkston in 1960, and together they raised two children, Helen and Kelly. The couple shared 55 years of marriage before her passing in 2015.
Even at 101, Cunny remains a fixture at the local YMCA, participating in Active Older Adult (AYA) classes and maintaining a consistent exercise routine.
To hear his full interview and learn his personal “secrets to longevity,” Listen below!
