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Market Pavilion to be named after revered founder

 

LANDRUM—At its meeting on Tuesday, October 10, the Landrum City Council announced the renaming of the Landrum Farmers Market building as the Joe Cunningham, Jr. Market Pavilion.

Cunningham was one of the founders of the Landrum Farmers Market and his dream was to construct a permanent building to accommodate the vendors at the market. Cunningham was named Landrum’s Citizen of the Year in 2021, recognizing his role in the Farmers Market and in the community, and in August of this year, was memorialized with a plaque on the site, dedicating a courtyard in his honor.

Born July 3, 1937, in Clinton, S.C., Joe Cunningham, Jr. spent his career in the forest products industry. In 1983, he co-founded United Forest Products, a company that offers a range of products and services for the lumber industry and its customers. Cunningham passed away on July 12 of this year at age 86.

“Joe’s love for Landrum and countless hours that he selflessly devoted to our community and the Landrum Farmers Market, along with his kindred spirit share the perfect element for a wonderful man,” said Landrum Marketing Director Tricia Taber. “He was a pillar of the community.”

Thanks to Cunningham, the Landrum Farmers Market “contributes to the agriculture benefit, economic, and public health as well as visitor appeal of Landrum” Taber added.

A freestanding sign will be at the site of the Farmers Market until the City of Landrum installs a permanent sign for the building.