Jay Cunningham, 80, of The Woodlands, formerly of Big Spring, died on Wednesday, April 25, 2007, at his residence. He was born March 2, 1927, the son of Arnison and Eva Cox Cunningham, descendants of pioneer Glasscock County families. Jay graduated from Garden City High School in 1944, attended Draughn's business school, and then enlisted in the Navy at age 17. He proudly served his country as a Pharmacist Mate 3rd Class, was discharged in 1946, and attended Texas Tech University.Jay was the proud owner of Jay's Farm & Ranch Store in Big Spring, TX. He retired in 1995 and moved to The Woodlands, TX in 2001. He loved God and his family above all things. Jay was a man of integrity and dealt fairly with everyone. He loved life, was a joyful person, and was happiest working in his garden and doing projects. He will be remembered for his sunny outlook on life, his patience, gentleness and kindness to everyone. He was beloved by his family and friends, and will be sorely missed. He was preceded in death by his parents and survived by his wife of 55 years, Milli; children, Mike and Alice Cunningham, Marilyn and Jeff Fortezzo, James and Brenda Cunningham, Lara and Lee Gillen; grandchildren, Erin and Preston Cunningham, Andrew Cunningham, Jason Fortezzo, Alyssa and Graham Fleming, Josh Cunningham, Stephanie Cunningham, Haley and Morgan Wright, Brooke, Mark and Marissa Gillen; one great grandchild, Ellie Cunningham; and siblings, Phin, Phelps, Sara, Dale, Emma, and Charlie. He leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends. There will be a Celebration of Life Service at 10:30 AM on Saturday May 19th at the Crossroads Baptist Church, 6565 Research Forest Dr., The Woodlands, TX 77381.There will be a visitation from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Sunday, April 29, 2007 at the Nalley-Pickle and Welch Funeral Home, 906 Gregg St. Big Spring, TX 79721. Funeral service will be at 11:30 AM, Monday, April 30, at the Nalley-Pickle and Welch Rosewood Chapel with Rev. Chris Barfield, pastor of Crossroads Baptist Church, The Woodlands, officiating. A graveside service will follow at the Garden City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Jay's honor to Odyssey Health Care, 233 I-45N, Conroe, TX 77301; Crossroads Baptist Church, 6565 Research Forest Dr., The Woodlands, TX 77381 or to your charity of choice.Arrangements under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Big Spring. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com,
