Mr. John (Junior) Stewart Cunningham, 84, of Fulton, passed away Friday, December 15, 2017 in a Texarkana medical facility.

Junior was born May 14, 1933, in Red River county, Texas to John S. and Conder Jane Belcher Cunningham.  He attended schools in Fulton.  Being an exemplary student, he excelled in studies, bypassing the eighth grade and entering high school early.  He was a Baptist and was baptized in Little River at an early age.

In May, 1953, he entered the U. S. Army in Little Rock and was stationed in Fort Bragg, N. C.  After basic training, his beloved Mary would join him and their son, Jim, would be born in November, 1954.  After his honorable discharge, the family would make their home in Illinois, where Junior would join the Missouri Pacific Railroad.

Junior would move his family back to Fulton years later where his father farmed and was a commercial fisherman.  Shortly after settling back home, Junior and Mary started their own commercial fish business in both Fulton and Hope.  Today, fifty years later, the City Fish Market, is still operating, now under his son, Jim.  Many memories of serving several generations of customers have been made.

Junior loved the outdoors, and, another of his loves was operating heavy equipment. In the mid 1970's, he formed the C & S Trucking and Construction Company.  Along with his brother-in-law, Buddy Smith, he would build a myriad of buildings, foundations, and other structures for the growth of Texarkana, AR/TX and Hope, AR area.  Among the numerous businesses were Tyson Foods, Klipsch & Associates, Myers Bakery, and many others, in the Hope area.

Always an early riser, Junior would be fishing by 5 AM and on the work site by 10 AM.  When asked by an ER nurse about his occupation, Junior replied he was a commercial fisherman and he had been construction company owner.  He stated he was able to provide for his family while pursing the hobbies he loved as his professions.

Junior was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife, Mary, 4 sisters, 3 brothers, and numerous friends and pets.

Survivors include his son, Jim, and, his daughter, Phyllis, sister-in-law, Barbara Smith of Fulton, grandsons, Josh (Baton Rouge), Bryant (Texarkana), and Stephen Cunningham (Birmingham, Al), Jonathan and Tyler Clakley (both of Tyler, TX), granddaughters, Maigan Mauldin Lopez (Tyler, TX) and Dr. Holly Cunningham (Texarkana), great grandsons, Patrick and Connor Clakley (both of Tyler, TX), and, a soon to arrive great-grandson of Birmingham.

Grandsons, along with Ricky Smith, Gary Alan Smith, and Carlos Lopez, will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Jay Kopecky, Steve Coleman, Carl Clayton, Toby Stuckey, Dub King, Herbert Dozier, Kevin Dozier, Mike Robinson, Junior Landess, and, John Pettit.  Junior honorary pallbearer will be Jacob Pettit.

Visitation with family is Monday, December 18, from 6 to 8 PM at Brazzel/Oakcrest Funeral Home in Hope.  Services will be at 2 PM on Tuesday, December 19, 2017 in the chapel of Brazzel/Oakcrest Funeral Home with Pastor Michael Mauldin, officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery. Arrangements are by BRAZZEL/Oakcrest The Funeral Home of Hope, Eddie BRAZZEL, Director. Online register: www.brazzelfuneralhomes.com

At Junior's request, attire will be casual.  In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorials to be made to Hope for Paws at 2858 Hwy 174 S, Hope, AR 71801.

The family would like to thank Dr. Carlos Perez for his great love and compassion for our dad and our family, Mandy Carter, and their office staff for their care.  A special thanks to the nurses who displayed professionalism, love, and, compassion—Lindsay Cox, Lametria, Tina, Charlotte, Steve, Ashley, and Becky.  Respiratory therapists Lisa, Harold, Matt, Kenny, Elizabeth, and Amanda are also due thanks.  We also had exceptional CNA's, Marsha, Barbara, and Dee Dee.