John Floyd Cummings, Sr.

John Floyd Cummings, Sr. of Richmond, Virginia, passed away on January 15, 2024, surrounded by his family. John "Buddy's" legacy carries on with his wife of over 60 years, Janice Cummings, daughter, Carla Cummings Thompson, son-in-law Tim Thompson, granddaughter Macon Thompson, son Jack Cummings, brother Dan Cummings (Nita), nieces and nephews, and a group of cousins, extended family, and friends whom he loved dearly. John is preceded in death by his mother and father, Mary and Tommy Cummings, and his sisters, Jane Shelby and Mary Alice Mason.

A veteran of the U.S. Army, John proudly served his country abroad in Germany and in Georgia at Warner Robbins Air Force Base from 1958 - 1961. After his service, he returned to Macon, Georgia, where he met and married his darling wife, Janice, who he proclaimed the best cook in the South.

John devoted 28 years to his career as a Regional Sales Manager for Kraft Foods, representing Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee. John was a hardworking man who was fortunate to retire at the young age of 55! In his lengthy retirement, he often recounted tales about his travel adventures in Europe from his military service, his many work trips, and vacations with friends from Kraft, including best friends Pat and John Coffey (Roanoke, Virginia), and about the people he met along the way.

Buddy was an avid reader and enjoyed his retirement by filling his life with stories - both ones he wrote and others he read about. John was a self-taught musician who loved to pick on the guitar, mandolin, and banjo. He gave his children and granddaughter great taste in music and many memories of listening to him strum his guitar and singing songs. He loved all types of music. Some of his favorite artists to listen to were John Prine, Amos Lee, and Jackson Browne, to name a few.

Aside from his rich life experiences, John will be remembered as the patriarch and peacekeeper of his family. He was an open-minded man who loved people authentically for who they were and never judged. He was an incredibly humble and generous man known for helping friends and strangers alike. In fact, he knew no stranger and made friends everywhere he went - even in his last days with hospital doctors, nurses, and staff. His family is so grateful for his medical team at St. Mary's Hospital, and especially ICU, for providing so much love, comfort, and companionship to John and his family during his last moments.

John was an extraordinary person who valued his family and time spent together above all else. His family loves him so much. It has been their honor to have witnessed his strong and calming presence, to have had his steadfast guidance and unwavering support in all aspects of their lives. John always sang, "there's three things in life worth a solitary dime it's old dogs, and children, and watermelon wine." His family will miss him for the rest of their lives, and they are forever grateful for his spirit and kind soul.

The family will host a private celebration of life to honor John's life and legacy. In lieu of flowers, please consider dedicating a donation in John's name to the American Heart Association, Bon Secours Mercy Health Foundation (St. Mary's Hospice), or St. Jude's Hospital.