Junious Pinkney Cunningham

Junious Pinkney Cunningham of Manteca, Ca. fell asleep in death peacefully at home on February 25, 2023. Junious was born to Columbus Pinkney, and Allie Laura Cunningham on August 6, 1925, in Loraine Texas where they farmed the land. The family migrated to the rich farmland of California during the 1930’s due to the ‘dustbowl” conditions, and other circumstances of the time. The family remained in the central valley of California. Junious was predeceased in death by both of his parents as well as all of his brothers and sisters: Zola B, Morris Wayne, Herman Homer, Willie Mae, and Mary Lee. He was also predeceased by his former wife Lois Irene Brizendine-Cunningham whom he said was- “the love of my life”.

Junious lived a good long life and served in the United States Marine Corps during WWII. He fought in the famous battle of Iwo Jima as part of the 5th Marine Division, H Company, 3rd Battalion, 28th Marines as a 60mm mortar gunner. After the war he met and married Lois in the spring of 1948 and was happy to become father to her daughter Colleen, they also had three children together. After settling in Santa Clara, California, Junious operated his own contracting business for a time and worked in the building trades as a project superintendent throughout his career. He loved spending time working, and playing, on his houseboat during the 1970’s – 1990’s. He also enjoyed playing his guitar and tinkering on his “projects”. Junious is survived by his children, Colleen Monahan of Citrus Heights, Ca.; Rebecca Gracier of Caldwell, Idaho; Denice Cunningham-Troia of Ripon, Ca.; and Preston Cunningham of Manteca, Ca., as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A private memorial will be held at Oak Hill Memorial Park in San Jose, Ca. Wednesday, March 22, 2023.

Rest well Dad. You earned it. You were a good man, and we will miss you.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.oakhillfuneral.com for the Cunningham family.