Charles Cunningham
January 17, 1933 — April 18, 2017
Charles Cunningham
On April 18, 2017, Charles F. Cunningham peacefully passed into eternal rest surrounded by his family. He was born January 17, 1933 in South Pittsburg, Tennessee to the late Floyd S. and Georgia Anna Cunningham. He was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ, serving as elder of the Johnson Street Church of Christ. After serving a tour of duty in the United States Army, he returned to Nashville, Tennessee and earned his bachelor's degree in mathematics and chemistry.
He moved his family to Benton, Arkansas in 1959, to teach at Ralph Bunche High School. He served as Executive Director of Central Arkansas Development Council for 37 years, retiring in 2003. Charles was appointed as Mayor of Benton in 1981; becoming the first African American mayor of Benton. He remained active in his church, community, and city government. At the time of his death, he was serving as City Alderman.
In 1952, he married Josie M. Slaughter. To this union five children were born; Charles, Jr., Richard, Alan, Angela, and Jo Anne. They were married 52 years until her death in 2005.
He was preceded in death by his sons, Charles, Jr. and Alan. He leaves to celebrate his life; son, Richard (Angela) of Glenarden, MD; three daughters; Angela (Terry) Woods of Charlotte, NC; Jo Anne (Don) Herman of Glen Burnie, MD; and Constance (Winston) Wilson of Huntsville, AL. He leaves to remember him, fiancée Dr. Lottie Adams.
His legacy includes 10 grandchildren, Keitha Thompson, Charles Carr, Alicia Cunningham, Michael Jordan, Shannon Winston, Jennifer Woods, Richard A. Cunningham, Brian C. Cunningham, Brandon Woods, and Alana Cunningham. He also leaves 10 great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, and many relatives and friends.
Visitation held 6:00-8:00 PM, Monday, April 24, Johnson Street Church of Christ, 101 Johnson Street, Benton. Family welcomes guests at 10:00 AM with funeral following at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, April 25, Johnson Street Church of Christ. Burial following at Woodlawn Cemetery with Terrell Anderson, Brian C. Cunningham, Richard A. Cunningham, Gerald Stamps, Henry Stamps, and Brandon M. Woods assisting as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Gerald Brown, Carl Carney, Clarence Godfrey, Jr., W.K. Hannah, Dilvard Lane, Freddy Rhinehart, Ontario Richardson, Norwood Seymour, Leon Stamps, Wesley Stevenson, and Rodney Wine.
Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
101 Johnson Street
Benton, AR, 72015
101 Johnson Street
Benton, AR, 72015
101 Johnson Street
Benton, AR, 72015
He moved his family to Benton, Arkansas in 1959, to teach at Ralph Bunche High School. He served as Executive Director of Central Arkansas Development Council for 37 years, retiring in 2003. Charles was appointed as Mayor of Benton in 1981; becoming the first African American mayor of Benton. He remained active in his church, community, and city government. At the time of his death, he was serving as City Alderman.
In 1952, he married Josie M. Slaughter. To this union five children were born; Charles, Jr., Richard, Alan, Angela, and Jo Anne. They were married 52 years until her death in 2005.
He was preceded in death by his sons, Charles, Jr. and Alan. He leaves to celebrate his life; son, Richard (Angela) of Glenarden, MD; three daughters; Angela (Terry) Woods of Charlotte, NC; Jo Anne (Don) Herman of Glen Burnie, MD; and Constance (Winston) Wilson of Huntsville, AL. He leaves to remember him, fiancée Dr. Lottie Adams.
His legacy includes 10 grandchildren, Keitha Thompson, Charles Carr, Alicia Cunningham, Michael Jordan, Shannon Winston, Jennifer Woods, Richard A. Cunningham, Brian C. Cunningham, Brandon Woods, and Alana Cunningham. He also leaves 10 great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, and many relatives and friends.
Visitation held 6:00-8:00 PM, Monday, April 24, Johnson Street Church of Christ, 101 Johnson Street, Benton. Family welcomes guests at 10:00 AM with funeral following at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, April 25, Johnson Street Church of Christ. Burial following at Woodlawn Cemetery with Terrell Anderson, Brian C. Cunningham, Richard A. Cunningham, Gerald Stamps, Henry Stamps, and Brandon M. Woods assisting as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Gerald Brown, Carl Carney, Clarence Godfrey, Jr., W.K. Hannah, Dilvard Lane, Freddy Rhinehart, Ontario Richardson, Norwood Seymour, Leon Stamps, Wesley Stevenson, and Rodney Wine.
Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Visitation
APR 24. 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (CDT)
Johnson Street Church of Christ101 Johnson Street
Benton, AR, 72015
Visitation
APR 25. 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (CDT)
Johnson Street Church of Christ101 Johnson Street
Benton, AR, 72015
Funeral Service
APR 25. 11:00 AM (CDT)
Johnson Street Church of Christ101 Johnson Street
Benton, AR, 72015
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Charles Cunningham, please visit our flower store.
In light of increasing scams, all guestbook entries will now be approved by us. At Smith Family Funeral Homes, safeguarding the privacy and personal memories of your loved ones for family and friends is our top priority. We appreciate your understanding and patience.
Guestbook
Visits: 85
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
