Cynthia Kay Painter

Cynthia Kay Painter, a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully at her residence in Fort Valley on Friday, August 30, 2024, at the age of 90.

Born on May 22, 1934, in Northfield, Vermont, Cynthia was the daughter of the late David and Martha Cook Perry. She attended two years of nursing school before joining the United States Air Force in 1955. While honorably serving for 18 months, Cynthia met the love of her life, Reed Painter, I. They were married on June 15, 1956, at West Palm Beach Air Force Base. Together, they embarked on a love story that spanned nearly seven decades and raised six beautiful children.

Involved in her community, Cynthia worked for several years at the Houston County Teacher’s Credit Union, serving as a branch manager before becoming a homemaker. She was also part of the Wives NCO Club and an active member of St. Juliana Catholic Church where she sang in the choir.

In addition to her parents, Cynthia was preceded in death by her son, Reed Painter, II; and siblings, Claudia Perry, Pat Demasi, Sally Perry, and Vincent Perry.

Her memory will forever be treasured by her husband of 68 years, Reed Oran Painter, I, of Fort Valley; children, Catherine Painter, Rebecca Painter, and Lori Gentry (Gus), all of Fort Valley, Sandra Gentry (Daryl) of Warner Robins, and Cheryl Painter of Atlanta; eight grandchildren, Reed Painter, III of Fort Valley, Garrett Painter (Brittany), and David Gentry, both of Warner Robins, Dalton Gentry (Laura) of Fort Valley, and Jonathon Gentry of Mexico, Melissa Gentry of Atlanta, Philip Gentry, and Shawn Gentry, both of Warner Robins; and great-grandchildren, Ellie M. Gentry of Fort Valley, Nova Painter and Walker Painter, both of Warner Robins; Reed Painter, IV, and Owen Painter, both of Fort Valley; sister, Denise Opalenik of Willington, Connecticut; as well as many other beloved extended family members and friends.

Visitation will be Wednesday, September 4, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at McCullough Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of McCullough Funeral Home. Afterward, Cynthia Kay Painter will be laid to rest next to her only son, Reed O. Painter, II, in Woodlawn Cemetery in Perry.

Go to www.mcculloughfh.com to sign the Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.