Obituaries

John Alexander Cunningham

Photo of John Alexander Cunningham
JOHN ALEXANDER CUNNINGHAM, 79, of Little Rock, Ark., entered Heaven on April 9, 2015 surrounded by his loving family. John was born in McClelland, Ark. on Oct. 25, 1935 to Edward and Susie Cunningham. He married the love of his life, Tommie Sue Mallory, on Dec. 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 was a member of Fellowship Bible Church. 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 to 11 a.m., Monday, April 13, 2015 in the chapel of Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, Ark. 72211, (501)224-8300. The funeral service will be at 11 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, Iowa, 50340-2018 or American Cancer Society of Central Arkansas, 901 N University Ave., Little Rock, Ark. 72207, (501)664-3480. John's online guestbook may be signed at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.

Published April 12, 2015

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