Jack Thomas Cunningham, beloved husband, father, Papa Jack, died peacefully at home on July 26, surrounded by family. He was born August 3, 1936, to Pearl Belew Cunningham and William Bryant Cunningham. Jack graduated from Milan High School, Southwestern at Memphis (Rhodes), and UT College of Pharmacy. He was a member of Phi Kappa Alpha at Southwestern. Upon graduation he returned to Milan to practice with his father at Flippin Drug Company. His pharmacy career spanned 55 years and he considered his employees and customers to be extended family and valued friends.
Jack had a big heart. He loved his Lord, and his church, Milan Cumberland Presbyterian, serving faithfully as elder, deacon, choir member, and Sunday School teacher. He loved Milan and worked tirelessly to make it a better place to live, serving as an alderman on the city board for 38 years, and on the Chamber of Commerce, Hospital Board, Library Board, and Industrial Development Board. He was also a member of the Cherokee Tribe of Northeast Alabama.
Jack loved his family. They were his greatest joy. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Carolyn Nelson Cunningham, daughter Amybeth Hughes (Jim), son Bryant Thomas Cunningham (Ruggero), son Jack Nelson Cunningham (Amy) and grandchildren, Callie Walker Hughes, Catherine Elizabeth Hughes, Edward Jack Hughes, Jack Nelson Cunningham, Jr., Cate Cannon Cunningham, Hall Thomas Cunningham and Caroline Smith Cunningham.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Milan Alumni Association (P. O. Box 223, Milan), The Mustard Seed (P. O. Box 634, Milan), The Cumberland Presbyterian Church (6083 South First St, Milan) and Oakwood Cemetery Association (P. O. Box 88, Milan).
A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.
Jack Thomas Cunningham, a life well lived. To God be the glory.