Joe Larry Cunningham, also known as Larry, Dad, and Papa, 85, of Paris, journey of life ended on October 18, 2024 after a battle with cancer.
He is now at peace with his Heavenly Father and loved ones gone before.
He was born on July 1, 1939, along with his twin brother, John Harry Cunningham, in Deport, TX at the Grant Hospital to Joe V. Cunningham & Brilla Harris Cunningham.
He moved to the Paris area and graduated from Delmar High School, where he met the love of his life, Nita Joan Gordon. They were married on June 6, 1958. They were apart only for awhile during the time of Larry’s military service during the Berlin Crisis. Other than that time, they were together for 66 years, 4 months, and a few days.
He attended Paris Junior College and graduated from North East Texas Business College while working at Uarco. In 1984, he and his son, Mark, opened Cunningham Steel where he worked for the next 20 years until his retirement.
He had served his church as a board member, clerk, finance officer, and usher. Larry was presently attending Pathway Church of God in Paris.
He enjoyed working with his cattle and simply being at the farm whether it was baling hay or repairing fences.
His belief in his Savior provides us peace knowing that he is in heaven and not in pain anymore.
Joe Larry is survived by his wife, Nita Joan, son, Mark and his wife Carolyn, two granddaughters, Jennifer Snell & husband Scott and Mallory Walker & husband Seth, five great grandchildren, Emma, Ava, Sydney, Reed, and Evie. He is also survived by two brothers, his twin brother, John Harry Cunningham & wife Margaret and Roy Lee Cunningham & wife Loretta along with numerous nieces & nephews and a plethora of friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe V. & Brilla Cunningham, a baby sister, Joanne, and an infant brother.
Services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 22nd at Bright-Holland Funeral Home with Rev. Ray Evers and Rev. Samuel Evers officiating. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service.
Casket bearers will be: Seth Walker, Scott Snell, Tay Hindman, Gerald Cox, Jason Baker, and Rocky Johnson. Honorary bearers will be: Stacy Walls and Ethan Hindman.
To leave a message or tribute for the family please visit www.brighthollandfuneralhome.com
