Terry B. Cunningham Jr. 1983-2026

By Paso Robles Press · Thu Mar 05 2026

Terry Bernard Cunningham Jr., 42, of Atascadero, California, passed away on February 10, 2026, leaving behind a trail of good vibes, big laughs, and even bigger hugs.

Born in Oakland, California, on September 8, 1983, Terry grew up with that classic California spirit—sunny, adventurous, and always ready for the next good time. He graduated from Atascadero High School in 2001, where he was already the guy that everyone loved.

As a kid and teen, Terry lived for the thrill of BMX bikes—catching air, racing friends, and probably collecting a fair share of scrapes and stories along the way. In his 20s, he chased snow instead of pavement, spending a long, glorious stretch in Tahoe. There, he worked at several resorts, most notably Kingvale Snowpark, where he fed his passion for snowboarding—carving up the mountain with the same easy grin he wore everywhere.

Eventually, Terry brought his laid-back energy back to Atascadero, where he opened a beloved local thrift store. It wasn’t just a shop—it was a community hub where treasures were found, deals were made, and conversations flowed.

Terry was the heartbeat of every gathering. Whether it was a backyard BBQ, a casual hangout, or a spontaneous cornhole tournament with his buddies, you could count on him to show up with a positive attitude, a gentle laugh, and that huge heart of his. He had a way of making everyone feel seen and welcome—no drama, no judgment, just pure, steady kindness. If you were in a jam, Terry was the first one there with a hand to lend and zero expectation of anything in return.

His gentle, upbeat demeanor lit up rooms and lifted spirits. He loved simple joys—good friends, good music, a perfect sunny day—and he shared them generously.

Terry is survived by his mother, Kimberly McGuire, and a wide circle of friends.

A celebration of Terry’s life will be held on March 21, at 2:00 pm, at the Atascadero Pavilion on the Lake, 9315 Pismo Ave, Atascadero, CA 93422.

In the meantime, raise a cold one, toss a cornhole bag, or hit the trails—and think of Terry with that trademark grin, probably already planning the next adventure.

He lived light, loved big, and left the world a lot brighter. We’ll carry his warmth with us always.