Joseph "Joe" McLeese Cunningham, Jr.

Joseph Cunningham, Jr., passed away on July 12 in Landrum, SC. 

He was born on July 3, 1937, in Clinton, SC, to Joseph McLeese and Minnie Cunningham. He graduated from Clinton High School and Presbyterian College with a degree in History.

His career was spent in the forest products industry, first with Georgia Pacific and Piedmont Olympic continuing with United Forest Products, a company he co-founded in 1983. He was a respected mentor for many, encouraging them to take risks and dream big.

He left a legacy to the Landrum community in his role as a leader in the Farmers Market. Starting with only a few vendors at the train depot, it quickly expanded down the length of North Trade Street, and now to its current and permanent location on Hwy 14. He was honored to be Landrum's citizen of the year in 2021 as recognition for the role he played in the market.

Joe enjoyed many years of early morning running, completing many races including the Grandfather Mountain Marathon.  His wood carvings including decoys, Santa Clauses, and bird carvings are family treasures. 

He is survived by his wife Joyce, sisters Alice Brooks and Mary Jackson, and children Mac Cunningham and Meg Watson. He was proud of his grandchildren, Ryan, Kimberly, and Kayla Watson and Emily and Todd Cunningham. He called himself dad and grandad to Joyce's children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, having enough love for everyone.

A community Celebration of Life will be held at Landrum Farmer's Market, 221 W. Rutherford St., Landrum, SC 29356 on August 5th at 6:00PM. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent in memory of Joe to Mobile Meals, 419 East Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302, Upstate Community Hospice House, 260 Fairwinds Road, Landrum, SC 29356, or the Landrum Farmers Market, 100 Shamrock Avenue, Landrum, SC 29356. 

Petty Funeral Home & Crematory
Landrum, SC 

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