of Little Rock, AR
October 25, 1935 - April 9, 2015
John Alexander Cunningham, 79, of Little Rock, Arkansas entered Heaven on April 9, 2015 surrounded by his loving family. John was born in McClelland, AR on October 25, 1935 to Edward and Susie Cunningham.
He married the love of his life, Tommie Sue Mallory, on December 27, 1958. They enjoyed 56 wonderful years together.
John served in the United States Air Force from 1953-1957. He received his Bachelor's of Science Degree in Business from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in 1964. His career began at Jack East Real Estate Company. Soon after, he became a prominent business owner in Arkansas, owning CMC Realty Company; Cunningham Brothers, Inc.; River Road Estates, Inc.; and Building and Utility Contractors. He served as Executive Director of Arkansas Homebuilders Association and as a board member of Goodwill Industries. He was a member of Fellowship Bible Church
John was known as a kind and generous man, and along with his business partner, Franklin Baugh, he donated 55 acres to the city of Redfield for a baseball complex and two lakes, one of which is named Cunningham Lake. His greatest joy in life was spending time with his family and loving on his grandchildren and great-grandchildren who affectionately call him ''Papaw.'' His nicknames for them will be forever treasured in their hearts.
He is survived by his wife, Tommie Sue Cunningham; daughters: Suzanne Tutor (Michael) of Paducah, Kentucky, Kelley Trulove (Tim), and Cara Meckfessel (John); grandchildren: Josh Trulove, Jessica Amyx (Josh), Alex Trulove (Ashley), Zach Tutor, Mallory James (Rob), Landon Trulove, Sarah Grace Tutor, Macy Meckfessel, and Jack Meckfessel; six great-grandchildren; sisters, Althea Payne of Judsonia and Jenny Vaughn of Texas; along with a host of family and friends.
Preceding him in death were his parents, six brothers, three sisters, and one grandchild.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 11:00 A.M., Monday, April 13, 2015 in the Chapel of Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, AR 72211, (501)224-8300. The funeral service will be at 11:00 A.M. in the Roller-Chenal Chapel with Pastor Kenny Meckfessel officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park.
If you prefer to make a memorial donation in lieu of sending flowers, please consider one of these: American Red Cross, P.O. Box 4002018, Des Moines, IA, 50340-2018 or American Cancer Society of Central Arkansas, 901 N University Ave., Little Rock, AR 72207, (501)664-3480.
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18 Condolence(s)
Melissa Perkins
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
On behalf of myself and the staff at St Vincent OutPatient Infusion Center, we offer our deepest sympathy. We will be praying for the family and we were honored to get to know Mr. Cunningham.
Janet Parker
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. It's been a long time since I have been around your family but always do remember old friends. My condolences go out to the whole family. May God Bless you all.
Katie (Williams) Jackson
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
Our prayers go out to Ms. Tommy Sue and the girls. There is nothing but good things to say about Mr. C. He was a wonderful man, always with a smile on his face and kind heart to our family growing up. He will be missed!
Russ and Sue Melton
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
Tommy Sue and family,
So sad to let such a good man leave. He will be missed by our family. Such great neighbors you are and we are here for you whenever you need us. Our sincere sympathy. We love you Papa John. (Nicole's nickname for John).
beverly stevens
Monday, April 13, 2015
our family (Margaret & jim stevens) have some wonderful memories of john.
may god bless the family and keep you in his care.
Frankie "Bunny" Cunningham Hunt
Monday, April 13, 2015
It is with deepest regret and condolences that I send this message to my family and friends in your time of sorry with the loss of a great man. May John rest in peace in the arms of the angels and join his other family members in heaven. Bunny and Kenny Hunt
Mary (Loeser) Peterson
Sunday, April 12, 2015
God laid you on my heart a few days ago, and now I know why. Please accept our condolences. I know you will miss him, but time heals our hurts and he is in a much better place. I would love to hear from you sometime when you are ready to get out. Once again we are sorry for your loss.
Gerda
Sunday, April 12, 2015
John was a great guy .he loved his family. I work with him for seven years never heard him talk bad about anyone.he was willing to help anyone that was having a hard time.
Tommie we will remember you and the family in our prayers
Peggy Spears Day
Sunday, April 12, 2015
so sorry for your loss,I just wanted to extend my deepest sympanthies.
Betsy Cobb
Sunday, April 12, 2015
Mr. Cunningham was always so sweet. I know your family will greatly miss him. It's a comfort to know he is in heaven.
Joyce Stewart
Sunday, April 12, 2015
Tommie Sue and family. Ralph and my hearts ache for you. There are just no words that can ease your pain but know that we are thinking of all of you and praying for your comfort and peace. Love to all of you.
Melissa Tice Stacks
Sunday, April 12, 2015
Our family is lifting y'all up in prayer for comfort. Mr John was a wonderful person who left a great legacy behind. It was a pleasure to have known him.
Mona and Joel Sanford
Sunday, April 12, 2015
Please accept our deepest condolences. Wrapping each of you in love and prayers at this most difficult time. John is our friend, mentor, prankster, great believer of the future of Redfield, Arkansas. Mostly he is the man that cherished the love of his life, Tommie Sue, adoring father, and grandfather. He often said in the office of Cunningham Brothers that he would be a worthless bum with you, Tommie Sue. He loved you beyond measure. May God's Grace lift you today.
Joel and Mona (Mushero) Sanford
Jefferson, AR
Dale Johnston
Sunday, April 12, 2015
My condolences to Kelley on the loss of her father and to the rest of the Cunningham family on the loss of their loved one.
Ruth and Charles Richards
Sunday, April 12, 2015
Thinking of Kelly Cunningham Truelove and her family during this time of sorrow. My the wonderful memories help you through this difficult time.
John K. Kagy, M.D.
Sunday, April 12, 2015
It is with sadness that I read of John's passing. Your entire family was a warm memory of my first years in practice. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers . Sincerely, John K.Kagy
Carla Smith
Saturday, April 11, 2015
To the Family Of Mr Cunningham,My Prayers Are With You .Just Know That God Is Your Strength Look too him for he will bring you through.Cara just know that I am Praying for you and your family.Carla Smith
Lessa Payne
Friday, April 10, 2015
Uncle John was a good man and he loved his family so much. He will be missed. I will continue to pray for Aunt Tommie Sue and her family. I love all of you.