Honey Grove, Texas -- Arthur Loyd Cunningham, 91, passed away peacefully at his home in Dial, Texas, on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, surrounded by his family. Throughout his life, Loyd’s love for God, his family, and the people around him was evident in everything he did.
Loyd was born on April 30, 1935, in Petty, Texas, to David and Janie Cunningham. Alongside his twin brother, Floyd, and sister, Pauline, he moved to Honey Grove as a child, where he grew up and formed lifelong friendships and memories. After graduating from Honey Grove High School and Paris Junior College, he began a career with UARCO Business Forms in Paris, where he faithfully worked for 37 years until his retirement.
Loyd also proudly served in the 49th Armored Division of the Texas Army National Guard for nine years, including a year of active duty during the Berlin Crisis.
In 1957, Loyd met the love of his life, Jo Ann Wicks. They were married on February 6, 1960, at Dial Baptist Church and spent the next 66 years building a life centered on faith, family, and service. Together they raised two sons, Brent and John David.
The family made their home in Paris, where they were active members of Immanuel Baptist Church. Over the years, Loyd served as a Sunday school teacher, youth leader, and deacon. Few things brought him more joy than investing in young people. Whether leading youth groups, coaching sports, or simply offering encouragement, he loved helping others grow in both faith and life.
Loyd and Jo Ann later returned to Dial where Loyd continued serving faithfully at Dial Baptist Church as a teacher, deacon, and pianist. He also served on the Honey Grove ISD School Board and played a key role in helping bring the Honey Grove track and field facility to life.
Music was one of Loyd’s lifelong passions. A self-taught pianist, he filled his home and churches with the sound of hymns and gospel music. He loved sports of all kinds, especially baseball, and could recall details from games played decades apart with remarkable accuracy. He enjoyed math, puzzles, trivia, and learning new things, never losing his curiosity about the world around him.
One of his favorite places was on his lawn mower. He could spend hours outside enjoying God’s creation, singing, thinking, and mowing with the precision for which he was well known. He also cherished time at the beach, sitting with his feet in the sand and water, watching the ocean and appreciating its beauty, power, and constancy.
More than anything else, Loyd loved God, loved his family, and loved people. He truly never met a stranger. His friendships spanned generations, and he treasured every one of them. Those who knew Loyd experienced kindness, genuine interest, encouragement, and a reflection of Christ’s love. Because of his deep faith, he faced eternity with confidence and great assurance as he went to meet his Savior.
Loyd was preceded in death by his parents, David and Janie Cunningham; his sister, Pauline Hodges; his twin brother, Floyd Cunningham; and his great-grandson, Jonathan Cunningham II.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Jo Ann; son Brent Cunningham and wife Debra of Dial, Texas; son John David Cunningham and wife Celeste of Pawleys Island, South Carolina; grandchildren Micah Cunningham of Longview, Texas, Amanda Hernandez of Houston, Texas, Jonathan Cunningham of Longview, Texas, and Colin Cunningham of Columbia, South Carolina; great-grandchildren Latham Ingram, Josie Cunningham, and soon-to-be Luka Hernandez; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and countless friends whose lives were touched by his friendship and faith.
A memorial service celebrating Loyd’s life will be held on Friday, June 26, at 6:30 p.m. at Westside Baptist Church, 912 Commerce Street West, Honey Grove, Texas. A reception with food and fellowship will follow.
To share a memory or leave an online condolence please visit, www.coopersorrells.com
