Jerry Gale Cunningham Jr.

Major (Ret.) Jerry Gale Cunningham, Jr., 73, passed away on Sunday, October 14, 2012 in Abilene from Cystic Fibrosis caused by contact with Agent Orange while serving in Vietnam. Graveside services will be held at 10:00a.m., Saturday, October 20, 2012 in the Elliott-Hamil Garden of Memories Cemetery. A memorial service will be held at 11:00a.m., following the graveside service, at the First Baptist Church Chapel with Dr. Phil Christopher officiating under the direction of Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 5701 Hwy 277 South.

Jerry was born March 24, 1939 in East Liverpool, Ohio to the late Jerry and Mabel Helen Rousch Cunningham, Sr. He married Mary Catherine Lengal on January 8, 1959 in El Paso, TX.

He served his country in the U.S. Army and retired at Ft. Hood, TX on January 1, 1978 after 21 years of service. During his time in the military, Jerry and his wife were stationed at several Posts throughout the United States, Europe, Panama Canal, and Jerry served two tours in Vietnam. He received numerous medals, awards, decorations and certificates. His second career featured the commuter airline industry from which he retired in 1990 from American Eagle. Throughout his life in Abilene, Jerry had been involved with several civic and professional organizations, Clubs, and activities, volunteering his services where needed.

Jerry and his wife renewed their wedding vows at her mother’s church in Baltimore, MD and again during a Covenant of Marriage course at First Baptist Church in Abilene, therefore Jerry lovingly referred to Mary as his third wife. Together, they believe that there is nothing more important than a child and anything you do for a child is never wasted.

Jerry was a loving and wonderful husband and father. He was known for his keen wit and humor, and also had unique fix it all and problem solving skills that served him well in military and civilian life.

Preceding him in death were his parents; and one sister, Emma Marie Cunningham.

Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Mary Cunningham of Abilene; his son, Jerry Cunningham, III; two sisters, June Weddle and Lois Wimer; and his faithful companion, D.O.G.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital, 2222 Welborn St., Dallas, TX 75219 or to Hendrick Hospice Care, 1682 Hickory St., Abilene, TX 79601.