James Dean Cunningham

James Dean Cunningham, 84, went home to be with the Lord on Monday July 4, 2016, at Victorian Square Assisted Living, Rockwood, after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease and cancer.
Dean was born Oct. 17, 1931, in Spring City to the late John and Lora Asher Cunningham. He grew up in the St. Clair community and was a graduate of Spring City High School. Dean served his country during the Korean Conflict in the U. S. Navy as an airplane structural mechanic aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Wasp. After the war, his father taught him to build houses and he went on to build many of the homes and a couple of churches in Spring City.
Dean was ordained a Baptist deacon in 1963 and loved worshipping the Lord. He was a devoted Christian and a member of the Bogles Chapel Baptist Church. Dean was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He was a member of the Rhea Spring Springs Lodge 310 F.&A.M. 310, Knights Templar Drummond Council 86 and the Plateau Commandery 38.
Dean was preceded in death by his brother, J.B. Cunningham.
Survivors include his ex-wife, Alma Jean Fisher Cunningham of Maryville; son, Al Cunningham (Bonnie) of Spring City; daughter, Sherry Cunningham (Frank) of Harriman; grandson, Jon Cunningham (Laura); and great-granddaughter, Baylee of Decatur; grandson, Justin Cunningham of Spring City; and granddaughter, Ashley Couch (Matt) of Signal Mountain.
The family received friends from noon to 2 p.m. Thursday July 7, at Vaughn Funeral Home, Spring City. Funeral services followed in the chapel at 2 p.m. A masonic service followed in the chapel. Interment will be in the Spring City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes donations to be made to either Bogles Chapel Baptist Church, 4304 Old Dixie Hwy., Evensville, TN 37332; or Rhea Springs Lodge 310 F.&A.M., 457 Edwards Lane, Spring City, TN 37381. An online register is available at www.vaughn-funeral-home.com.