Johnny Milton Cunningham

A memorial service celebrating the life of Johnny Milton Cunningham, age 78, of Heath, will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, July 26, at Criss Wagner Hoskinson Funeral Home with Deacon Ronald Mitchell officiating. Military honors will be observed by the Licking County Veterans Alliance.

Friends may call from 4-6 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home, 179 Granville Street in Newark.

Johnny was born February 13, 1946 in Bessemer, Alabama to the late Johnny and Lettie Cunningham. He passed away on Friday, July 12, 2024 at the Selma Markowitz Care Center (operated by Ohio’s Hospice of Central Ohio).

Johnny faithfully served his country in the United States Air Force during Vietnam and was a recipient of the Bronze Star Medal. He was active duty military from September 25, 1964 to September 30, 1986, retiring with the rank of Master Sergeant after 22 years of service. Following his retirement, he was employed with Boeing for many years.

Johnny enjoyed being outdoors and liked to fish and hunt for arrowheads. He also enjoyed collecting coins and miniature military vehicles, and bowling, having bowled on the Newark Air Force Base league.

He is survived by his daughter Letticia Brooke Cunningham (Fares Abdallah) and son, Johnny Milton Cunningham, Jr.; granddaughter, Farah Brooke Abdallah; sister, Nadine Brown of Alabama; special friend, caregiver, and mother of his daughter, Sondra Gutridge; best friend, George (Michelle) Croom; brother-in-law, Tom Simmons; former wife, Lorraine Washington; and special friend Brian Dickerson.

In addition to his parents, several brothers and sisters are deceased.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Licking Memorial Hospital Wound Clinic, c/o Licking Memorial Foundation, 1320 West Main St., Newark, OH 43055.

Criss Wagner Hoskinson Funeral Home is honored to care for Johnny and his family.