Jack R. Cunningham, age 77, of Mannington, WV passed away at his home on Thursday, October 26. Jack was born in Fairmont, WV on April 17, 1946, a son of Betty Harper Cunningham of Smithfield, WV and the late Byron Lewis Cunningham.
He is survived by his wife, Samra J. Doshen Cunningham, his son John (Susie) Cunningham of Walker, WV, his daughter Kimberly (Brian) Bolyard of Thornton, WV, and his sister Sue (Larry) Barker of Metz, WV. In addition, he is survived by three grandsons, Johnathan (Jordan) Cunningham of Phoenixville, PA, Colton (Allison) Bolyard of Tunnelton, WV and Dalton (Allison) Bolyard of Pearl Harbor, HI, and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by his sister Phyllis Jean Johnson of Clarksburg, WV, his brother Richard (Linda) Cunningham of Elizabethtown, KY, and his brother Danny Cunningham of Mannington, WV.
Jack graduated from Mannington High School and served as a helicopter mechanic in the United States Army during the Vietnam Conflict where he earned several commendation medals including the Army Commendation Medal for Heroism in Action while in Vietnam on July 29th where being under heavy enemy fire, Jack readied two helicopters for flight and then helped the pilots strap in and start their engines.
After returning from Vietnam, he attended Fairmont Business College, and worked at the C & P Telephone where he retired after 35 years. He was an original Woodcutter helping build Husky Stadium at North Marion High School. Jack was a member of the Elks and Moose lodges and the former Vietnam Veterans Charter 1055. Jack cherished his wife, children, and grandchildren whom he was incredibly proud of. He enjoyed hunting, camping, and spending time with his family. In addition to his family, he loved to spend time with his longtime friends Tom Neer and Bobby Brown of Mannington, WV, Terry Patterson of Fairmont, WV, Louis Hernandez of San Antonio, TX, the late Ernie Michael and Gary Craig of Mannington, WV, and friends and neighbors Denise Kovar and Vicky Parker of Farmington, WV. Everyone who knew Jack loved him for his quick wit, sly sense of humor, and infectious smile. His memory will be cherished for years to come.
Family and friends may call at Masters Funeral Home in Mannington on Tuesday, October 31, 2023 from 2-8:00pm and Wednesday, November 1, 2023 from 9:00am to 12:00pm with funeral services beginning at 12:00pm with Fr. Binu Emmanuel of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Mannington, WV and Tom Myers of Downs United Methodist in Rachel, WV officiating. Interment will follow at Mannington Memorial Park Cemetery where Full Military Honors will be accorded by the United States Army and the Marion County Veterans Council. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans.
Condolences
So sorry to hear of your loss. Prayers said for his wife and kids.
So sorry for your loss. Im a friend of Richard and Brandon and hunted with Jack in Colorado.
Jack was a fun-loving sweet man; he will truly be missed. With deepest sympathy and a prayer, the Lord will fill your days with His peace and bring comfort to your heart.
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
So sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. He was one of the finest persons that I had the opportunity to work with, always pleasant and caring.
Peace be with the family .
Samra and family. My thoughts n prayers are with you as you face what is ahead and years to come without him. RIP Jack.
Dear Cunningham Family so sorry to hear of Jack's passing. Though I didn't know Jack personally my grandparents bought Byron and Betty's home above the Curtisville Dam. My daughter lives in their house now. As a young girl I remember Susie working at Cunningham's store. Sincerely Russell and Ruth Wright's daughter Lucy Willie
Samra sorry for your loss. I have often wondered how about a lot of my old school friends had gotten along.
I'm so sorry for your lose.He was a wonderful guy and friend to my dad.sending prayers through this rough time