Carl T. Cummins Jr.

Carl T. Cummins, Jr. Battle Creek It is with great sadness that the family of Carl Thurman Cummins, Jr. announces the passing of our dear Dad, Grandpa, and Great grandpa on Tuesday evening, December 7, 2010. Carl T. Cummins Jr., 85, of Battle Creek, MI, passed away unexpectedly at the Battle Creek Health System in Battle Creek, MI. He was born March 3, 1925 in Cookeville, TN the son of Carl Thurman Cummins Sr. and Maggie Belle (Bybee) Cummins. Carl was a truck driver for Trans America Freight and American Transit for 42 years, retiring in 1984. He also drove a dump truck for "Over Easy." After his retirement, he had delivered flowers for 25 years for his daughters flower shop, The Country Bouquet. Carl really had just the right knack for brightening people's lives and just listening to them when he delivered bouquets to area residents and hospitals. Carl also used this as an opportunity to make his social stops along the way. His visits brought pleasure to many that will miss his Southern charm. He married the girl of his dreams, Mary Alice Harley on May 10, 1946 in Knoxville, TN; however she passed away on January 8, 2009. He is survived by two sons: Gary and Shirley Cummins of Battle Creek; Joe and Emilie Cummins of Battle Creek; three daughters: Molly ( J. Morris) and Stuart Mendenhall of Battle Creek; Cindy and Roy Smith of Battle Creek and Kathy and Ed Williams of Battle Creek, MI; fourteen grandchildren: Jason and Nicole Brown, Shannon Brown, Charly Cummins, Chelsea Cummins, Christy and Sam Hamilton, Jennifer and Dave Stanton, Gary "CJ" Cummins, Jr., Dustin Morris, Hayley Morris, Joshua Morris, Curtis Smith, Andrea and Brian Barry, Justin Tindol, Terra and Derek King; ten great grandchildren: Bailie, Tyler and Brooklyn Brown, Zack Lawrence; Harley Brown; Stella Barry; Macklin King; Karter Stanton; Kamden Malone and Jackson Hamilton; and a sister: Sue Kelly of Atwater, California. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife: Mary Alice, his son in law Jim Morris, brother; William "Bill" Cummins in October 2010, and his granddaughter Kayla Shirk (1987). Carl was a 1943 graduate of Jackson County High School in Tennessee; he hurried up graduation so he could graduate in March and then enlisted in the Air Force. Carl was one fine gentleman from the "Greatest Generation" who enlisted in the U S Air Force and saw ground combat on Iwo Jima. He received citations for: World War II Victory Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, American Theater Ribbon, Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon and he received one Bronze Service Star. He attended 1 year of college at the University of Tennessee. Carl came to Battle Creek in 1959 from Cookeville, Tennessee. He was a member of the George A. Custer American Legion Post 54 and the 20th Street Church of Christ. Visitation will be held after 12 noon Sunday, December 12, 2010 where the family will be present from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Funeral services to commemorate the life of Carl Cummins will be held Monday, Dec. 13, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. in the Bachman Funeral Chapel with Minister Josh Hydrick officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at the Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, MI. Memorial tributes may be made to American Diabetes Association or Remember a Vet. Arrangements by the Bachman Hebble Funeral Service, a member by invitation Selected Independent Funeral Homes. (269)965-5145 Friends are encouraged to leave condolences and remembrances on our web site www.bachmanhebble.com