Thomas Joseph "Tommy Jo" Cunningham

Funeral services for Thomas Joseph Cunningham Tommy Jo, 64, of Kilgore, TX will be held Monday, June 12, 2017 at 12:00-noon at Faith Tabernacle O.G.I.C Kilgore, TX with Rev. H.C. Rockmore Sr. serving as Eulogist. Burial will follow at Kilgore Memorial Gardens under the direction of Cunningham Funeral Home. Public viewing 11:00-3:00 PM Sunday, June 11, 2017 at Cunningham Funeral Home. Another viewing will be held from 5:00-7:00 PM at Hynson Chapel CME Sunday, June 11, 2017 in Winnsboro, TX.

He was born November 10, 1952 to the parentage of the late Marvin and Wergena Christian Cunningham in Winnsboro, TX. He united with Hynson Chapel CME Church at an early age. He attended P.L. Dunbar Elementary and Winnsboro High School. He attended Dallas Institute of Funeral Services where he received his Mortician and Funeral Directors License. He was very gifted in this field and served as a mentor to many who sought his help. He was very professional, patient, empathetic, and sensitive to the needs of others especially when meeting with grieving families. He owned and operated Cunningham Funeral Home for 32 years, was a member of the Post Oak Lodge # 436 AF & AM Kilgore, TX, Past President of IFDA, associate member of NFDMA, and a member of the NFDA.

He married the love of his life Jocelli Renee Dorsey on August 27, 1983. They were married for 33 years. To this union one child was born Jessica Janae Cunningham-James. He considered her his greatest gift of all time since she was born on Fathers Day.

He passed away Wednesday, June 7, 2017 in Longview, TX. He is preceded in death by his parents, sisters; Virginia Cunningham and Barbara Belt, brothers; David and Ray Cunningham and sister-in-law Marilyn J. Kelly.

He leaves to cherish his memories, his loving devoted wife Renee Cunningham of Kilgore, TX; loving daughter and son-in-law Jessica Cunningham-James (Chuckie) of Kilgore, TX; two brothers Marcus Cunningham of Winnsboro, TX; William Kelly of Hephzibah, GA; three aunt Dorothy Spelmon of Fort Worth, TX, Edna Brown and Ruthie Bowers both of Kilgore, TX, brother-in-law Chris Dorsey (Deidra) of Frisco, TX; sister-in-law Raven Dorsey of Kilgore, TX; Four nieces; Dr. Jocelyn Renee Kelly-Bayliss, Christi Smith, Teniqua Simmons, and Heather Hall. Eight nephews; William Bruce Belt, Lyle Bursey, Kelvin Kelly, Jalen Dorsey, Jacobe Ross, Ryan Dorsey, Breden Ford, and Bryson Ford; devoted staff members, Gerald Henderson, Derek Thomas, Alton Pryor, Charlotte Faggett, Regina Smith, J.Vaughn Griffin, Robert Morgan, Johnny Randall, Randle McGill, Patricia Register, Geneva Brager, Darrin Rudolph and a host of other relatives and many friends. A special thanks to all his friends in the funeral industry.