Cecil Ray Cunningham

On the morning of October 11, 2015, Cecil Ray Cunningham, passed away in Washington Regional Medical Center at 7:10am, while surrounded by his family. He was 83 years old. Cecil was born in Ashdown, Arkansas on May 9, 1932. Cecil was the third of six children born to William and Blanche Cunningham. He was preceded death by his parents; two brothers: Denzel Cunningham and Wayne Cunningham; and two sisters: Pauline Helton and Louise Dunaway. He was survived by his wife; Gwendolyn Cunningham, his sons; Charles "Chuck" Cunningham and wife Vickie, Joel Cunningham and wife Brandi and Jeff Cunningham and wife Elizabeth, his sister; Hazel O'Reilly, his grandchildren; Charles "Chuckie", Bradley, Samantha, and Cassidy Cunningham and seven great-grandchildren. Cecil retired from the Federal Aviation Administration where he worked for 27 years as an Air Traffic Controller. Cecil opened the tower at Drake Field in Fayetteville, Ark. and later went on to work as an Air Traffic Controller in Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico. He was a veteran of the Korean War where he served with the U.S. Air Force. Cecil was a member of First Baptist Church, Greenland where he served as a deacon for over 15 years. During his retirement he enjoyed teaching bible study at his church on Sundays and at North Hills Life Care and Rehabilitation Center on Thursday mornings, and attending Seniors of West Fork Bible Study on Tuesdays. He enjoyed fishing and spending time with his family. Cecil was an inspiring and hard-working Christian man who was loved by many. "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." -Revelation 21:4 Visitation will be Thursday from 6-8pm at First Baptist Church of Greenland. Funeral service will be Friday at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Greenland with burial to follow at Fayetteville National Cemetery. Arrangements by Epting Funeral Home Fayetteville. Condolences: www.eptingfuneralhome.webs.com.