Lawrence Cunningham

Lawrence E. Cunningham, 81 years, of Monroe, MI passed away on Saturday, August 6, 2011 at 10:15 AM at Magnum Healthcare in Monroe, MI under the tender care of Mercy Memorial Hospice of Monroe. He had been in declining health for the past 2 ½ years. Born October 14, 1929 in Tazewell, TN, Lawrence was the son of the late Benjamin and Lucy (Lambert) Cunningham. Larry was a 1947 graduate of Claiborne County High School. After graduation Lawrence joined the US Army and served his country honorably and proudly until his discharge in 1950. He was stationed in Germany. On January 15, 1955 Lawrence married his beloved wife the former Noleca J. Haygood in Monroe. Sadly she preceded him in death on February 25, 2010 after 55 years of marriage. Lawrence was employed as a machine repairman for Ford Motor Company’s Monroe Plant for 30 years. He retired in 1983. Lawrence was a life member of the VFW Post 1138 in Monroe. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening. Lawrence grew sugar cane and cooked the sorghum down to make molasses. He also enjoyed bee keeping and harvesting the honey, which he sold along with his molasses. He will always be remember as a kind and loving man whom always had a smile on his face and never had a bad word to say about anyone. Lawrence is survived by 3 loving children; Valerie R. Filimon, Vaughn L. (Helen A.) Cunningham and Patrick G. Cunningham all of Monroe, 7 cherished grandchildren; John, Jessie, Joe, Haleigh, Hannah, Renay and Korin, 7 treasured great grandchildren, a brother Hugh Cunningham of Elizabeth, IN, and 2 sisters; Helen Snodgrass of Tazewell, TN and Audrey Smith of FL In addition to his beloved wife and parents, Lawrence was preceded in death by a son Vincent Cunningham, 2 grandchildren; Benjamin and Daniel Cunningham and 1 brother; Joseph Ben Cunningham. Visitation will be held on Monday from 2-8 PM in the Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd. in Monroe, where funeral services celebrating his life will be held on Tuesday, August 9, 2011 at 11:00 AM. The Rev. Benjamin T. Hawes, pastor of Rockwood Missionary Baptist Church will officiate. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park where the VFW Post 1138 will conduct military honors. Memorial contributions may be given to Mercy Memorial Hospice of Monroe.