John & Barbara Cummings

John Howard Cummings III unexpectedly passed away at his home in Guntersville, AL on May 16, 2019. Four days later on May 20, 2019, his loving wife of 44 years, Barbara Ann Cummings, passed away. John was born on June 22, 1955 in Arlington, Virginia to the late Eugene and Elsie (Campitella) Cummings. He was an MP in the US Army. On June 21, 2017, John retired after 42 years of federal service at SMDC’s Redstone Arsenal Headquarters Office, Huntsville, AL. He was a Public Affairs Specialist. Barbara was born on April 19, 1956 in Portsmouth, Virginia to the late Albert and Mary Ann (Mangene) Ring. She was an Administrative Officer for the Engineering and Support Center, US Army Corps of Engineers, Huntsville, AL. She planned to retire in December 2019 after 20 years of federal service. John and Barbara graduated from J.E.B. Stuart High School, Falls Church, VA. They were high school sweethearts and adored each other. They enjoyed traveling the world during John’s military career. John enjoyed US space travel, gardening, cooking and photography. He was known for his sense of humor and was a gentle and kind soul. Barbara was an avid reader and always enjoyed having a book close at hand. She always had a smile on her face and an unforgettable laugh. She enjoyed needlepoint. Both John and Barbara loved the dogs they had over the years: Jack, Dylan, Gracie and Quinn. They will truly be missed by their loving family and beloved friends. John and Barbara are survived by their son Michael Cummings and his wife Kimberly; three granddaughters: Katharyne, Annabel, and Tara of Portland, OR; sister Gail (Robert) Buchanan of Gainesville, VA; brother Charles Cummings of Colonial Beach, VA; sister Jeanne Cummings of Bristow, VA; and six nieces and nephews. A Prayer Service will be held on Tuesday, June 18, 2019 at 10:30 AM at Pierce Funeral Home, 9609 Center Street, Manassas, VA with Deacon Brian Majewski officiating. A reception will immediately follow at the reception hall at the funeral home. Mr. and Mrs. Cummings will be interred together at Culpeper National Cemetery on Monday, June 17, 2019 at 1:00 PM.