On April 15, 1929, Israel and Anna Bell Cunningham welcomed their first born – a son whom was named after his proud father, Israel Cunningham, Jr., in San Antonio, Texas.
There, Israel graduated from Phyllis Wheatley Senior High School – Class of 1946, attended St. Phillip’s College, and enlisted in the United States Army. After the completion of his enlistment, he moved to Wisconsin and attended the Milwaukee Institute of Engineering and received a degree in Electrical Engineering.
While living in Milwaukee, Israel attended the Metropolitan Missionary Baptist where he served as Deacon, Sunday School teacher, and wherever he could with a “Servants Heart.” There he met and married the mother of his children – Anna Ruth. This union was blessed with three boys: Israel Wendell, Phillip Anthony, and Kenneth Lowell.
Israel was employed by General Motors Cooperation in Milwaukee and transferred within the company to the Arlington, Texas facility. After moving to Texas, he led his family to the Mount Olive Baptist Church and joined under the leadership of Rev. N.L. Robinson. To name the many Committees and Boards that he served on over the years is pointless as he was doing everything – everywhere. But at the end of the day, he was Deacon Israel Cunningham, Jr. – Chairman, and then Chairman Emeritus, of the Mount Olive Baptist Church, a position that he held as highly as that of Husband, Son, Father, Grandpa, G-Paw, and any other title that he had as he loved the Lord God and “HIS CHURCH” and in return they loved and respected him and his family. If family was coming to see him, you stopped at the “Church” first, as this is where he was to be found. For this, we the Cunningham Family are extremely appreciative to his other MOBC Family for helping us watch after him when we could not.
The Lord knew that Israel was lonely and sent yet another hand for him to hold, that of Wanda Ruth Nichols. He was a faithful and helpful husband to her during failed health and until she was called to rest with the Lord.
Israel was also an avid bowler with the Friday Night Friends league, proud member of the Arlington GM – UAW Union and the Arlington Kiwanis Club.
He was also proceeded to meet him in glory by his Parents; Sister, Vivian; the mother of his children, Ruth; son, Phillip Anthony; and grandson, Kelton Calvin.
He is watching over “Until Then” his sons, Israel Wendell (Dierdre “Dee”) and Kenneth Lowell (Hope). Grandchildren, Jonathan Cunningham, Chad Andrews (Adrian), Jori D. Cunningham, and Nichole Austin. Great Grandchildren, TreVion Green, Jonathan Cunningham II, Zavion Andrews, Kyara Andrews, Skylar Austin, Brennan Austin, and Journei Dawn Cunningham whom loved spending time with her G-Paw with all her heart. Special Friend Martha Carter. Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, and many friends including his MOUNT OLIVE BAPTIST CHURCH FAMILY.
Rest Well – Deacon Israel Cunningham, Jr. – God’s Servant
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