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John Eugene Cunningham ∙ 79 ∙ Passed away on February 22, 2021
79 years, 5 months, 14 days
John was born to Gene and Louise Cunningham on September 8, 1941. He was the older brother to a sister Charlene and brother Joe. He attended Central High School in Memphis, TN, and graduated from the University of Memphis. John met his wife, Betty Wardlaw, at Rebecca Memorial United Methodist Church. They were married 56 years.
John became fascinated with airplanes at a very young age after receiving a book about modern day airplanes from his uncle. He became a pilot in the United States Air Force where he served for 21 years retiring as a major. John received numerous commendations including the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Force Commendation Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal.
John was most passionate about serving the Lord and his family. He was a member of Franklin First United Methodist Church and the Good News Sunday School class. He was blessed with eleven grandchildren whom he loved watching grow up. He was their biggest fan attending countless sporting, music and dance events.
John was preceded in death by his parents.
In addition to his wife, Betty, he is survived by his children, Ron Cunningham (Kathy), Barb Taylor (Brad), Charles Cunningham (Angela), and eleven grandchildren: Jeremy (Stephanie), Max, McCall, Kimberly, Tyler, Millie (Reese), John, Nathan, Olivia, Hudson, and Zoe.
Funeral services will be at Franklin First United Methodist Church in Franklin, TN at 11:00 a.m.
Memorials may be given in honor of John Cunningham to GraceWorksMinistries.Net
burial
35.945488, -86.857618
Jon C Williams from Satellite Beach, Fl, wrote on Feb. 24, 2021
John was one of the best pilots and friend I have ever flown with. He will be greatly missed.
Charlene & John
Johnny Cunningham
Estimated Age Abt 16
Yearbook Date 1957
Central High School
Memphis, Tennessee, USA
MRS GUTHRIE's class
1958
1959 Johnny Cunningham - Intramurals; Honor Ribbon
1961 Memphis State University
1962 Memphis State University
1962 Arnold Air Society
1963 Memphis State University John Eugene Cunningham Arts & Sciences, Mathematics, Arnold Air Society
Primary Unit
1964-1985, 11FXX, 49th Tactical Fighter Squadron
Dec. 1970
7 Fighter Squadron (ACC)
04 May 1972 Deployed to Takhli RTAFB, Thailand after North Vietnam invaded South Vietnam
In May 1972, the 49th deployed 72 F-4s and 2,300 personnel to Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand. From May 10 to September 27, 1972 the wing participated in Operations CONSTANT GUARD and LINEBACKER, flying 4,000 sorties and accumulating more than 21,000 combat hours over South Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and, North Vietnam. During the unit's five months of combat operations, the wing did not suffer any losses to personnel - a testament to the training and high level of proficiency maintained by the 49th. The 49th Tactical Fighter Wing returned from Vietnam on October 6, 1972 and resumed rotating to Europe to support NATO until September 1977.
Commander Maj John E Cunningham, 1 Apr 1977
Distinguished Flying Cross was created in the early 1900s. This military medal is awarded for heroism or extraordinary achievement related to flight and its first recipient was none other than Charles Lindbergh.
Eagle Talk Vol II - March 1985.
Good News Sunday School class SuperBowl Party
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