PERRY CUNNINGHAM, Sr.

James Perry Cunningham, Sr.  was born in Souwilpa, Alabama to J.D. and Opelene Cunningham on November 2, 1942. Known as Perry, he was the second child preceded by his sister Helen.  He was followed by Hazel, Larry, the twins: Linda and Brenda, and Dale.  Perry married Lena Hovell on September 15, 1961 and the two settled in Calvert, Alabama.  The two remained married and in love until his passing fifty-eight years later.  Perry went to work at Ciba Giegy on October 3, 1962 where he remained until retiring after 40 years of service.  In 1963, Perry became "Daddy" when Little Perry was born.  Bubba was born in 1966 and Michelle in 1968.  Nothing was more important to Perry than his family.  The little family was defined by its closeness, its love for the outdoors, and its ability to work hard.  In 1987, Perry became "Papa" when his first grandchild was born.  He would be blessed with a total of twelve grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, and innumerable nieces, nephew, cousins, and other indiscernable relations.  Papa taught them all how to hunt, fish,garden,swim, and how to live.  His legacy is the unwavering love he had for his family it will live on in the stories that they tell and the smiles that they share. 

Survivors

Wife of over 58 years

Lena Hovell Cunningham

Sons

James Perry (Theresa) Cunningham Jr.

Larry "Bubba" (Patti) Cunningham

Christian Perry Cunningham

Daughters

Michelle (Vince) Ketchum

Hannah Grace Cunningham

Brothers

Larry (Mary) Cunningham

Dale Cunningham

Sisters

Helen Turner

Hazel (Fred) Champion

Linda (Frank) Atchison

Brenda (John Ike) Atcheson

Very Special Sister-In-Law

Irene Hovell

 Grandchildren

James "Caleb" Cunningham, Nicholas Laughlin, Jennifer Scarbrough, Caitlin Thomas, Salena Smith, John Paul Cunningham, Chase Cunningham, Brandon Hogwood, Brittany Givens,Laura Kelly, Leslie Hall, Kevin Ketchum

Great Grandchildren

Jolie, Adelena, Khloe, Kayleigh, Akira, Jacob, Tanner, Ridge, Rider

Preceded in Death by:

Mother

Opelene Doggett Cunningham

Father

J.D. Cunningham

Brother

Lamar Cunningham

Granddaughter

Erica Cunningham

Grandson

Jacob Cunningham

Pallbearers

John Paul Cunningham, Chase Cunningham, Thomas Hovell, Mike Hovell, 

JoJo Thomas and Clint Smith

Honorary Pallbearers

Jonathan Ochab, Brandon Hovell, Jennifer Hovell, Rob Mitchell, Walter Powell, 

Jim Tucker, Ralph Lafont, Bo Hovell,Thomas Jackson, Mark Atcheson, and Willard Law.

Visitation will be Saturday, March 14, 2020, 12:00 - 1:00 PM, with the Funeral Service following at 1:00 PM, at McIntosh Baptist Church.  Officiating will be Bro. John Stone and James "Caleb" Cunningham with St. Stephens Funeral Home directing.  Interment will be at Calvert Community Cemetery, Calvert, AL.

While flowers are nice, donations may be made to First Baptist Church, McIntosh @ P.O. Box 1131, McIntosh, AL, 36553. 

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