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Richard Gresham Obituary
May 31, 1944-July 13, 2013
Sunset Beach, NC
Captain Richard (Dick) H. Gresham, USMC, Ret., 69, of Sunset Beach, NC, passed away at the UNCCH Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, on Saturday, July 13 after a ten year battle with Leukemia. Dick was from Greensboro, AL, and was an avid Crimson Tide football fan. After serving twenty years in the Marine Corps, Dick became a Mathematics Teacher in the NC and SC School Systems, eventually retiring in 2008. In addition to teaching, Dick coached football, baseball and also coached two NC State Championship Softball teams at Independence High School in Charlotte, NC. He was a member of the Calabash VFW, the Calabash Elks and Quantico Marine Athletes Association.
He is survived by his wife of forty-five years, Marge M. Gresham; sons, Kreg and his wife, Lynn, and Kris and his wife Debbie; and four grandchildren, Hayden, Tanner, Karsen and Tyler. Along with his family, Dick has many friends who supported him through this long battle.
A celebration of life service will be conducted at 10:00 AM, Saturday, July 20 in the Brunswick Funeral Service Chapel, Shallotte.
The family will receive friends from 6-8 PM, Friday, July 19, at Brunswick Funeral Service, Shallotte.A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, July 23, at St. Brendan Catholic Church, Shallotte, NC. Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in memory of Dick to UNCCH Lineberger Cancer Center, Bone Marrow Program, 101 Manning Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27514 or the Quantico Marines Athletes Scholarship Fund, c/o Ron Maheau, 274 Beacon Street, Unit 8R, Boston, MA 02116.
Private on-line condolences may be sent to the family at www.brunswickfuneralservice.com.
Brunswick Funeral Service, Shallotte, NC
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Gresham
November 11, 2013
Kris.
Sorry to hear about your dad. Your family are in my prayers.
Kenny Slough
Jean Sanchelli-Adamsky
October 12, 2013
Marge& Family So very sorry to just find out of the passing of your husband,father& grandfather.The picture of yourself & your precious grandchildren walking behind his cortege at Arlington was amazing. How wonderfully proud you all must have been of such an amazing gentleman. I hurt for all the suffering you all had to endure and the void you will experience ahead but it appears you have been blessed to carry on his legacy of greatness.May you find peace at the end of each new day and the strength to carry on his greatness. God Bless~~~
September 16, 2013
Kris and family,
I didn't know your dad personally but heard stories for many years while working at Jodie's Frameworks. I felt like I knew your family and I'm sorry to just learn of your dads death. our prayers are with you and your families as you make a difficult life adjustment.
Joe and Donna Williamson
Marisa Reardon
July 24, 2013
I will miss my "Uncle" Richard.So sorry I did not get to know him and his family better.
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Marisa Reardon
July 24, 2013
Richard was my uncle. A fantastically smart and great man and an excellent person.I will miss him forever.
Pat and Jeanna Read
July 23, 2013
Dick Gresham was introduced to me through Golfing at Westover AFB in Massachusetts through my parents (Joe nad Lea's relationship with Dick and Marge. As we spent a lot of time initally golfing, then with Kreg and Kris in sports, Dick became my hero, not only as a Marine, but as a football player with Quantico that supported me and my brothers as we played High School Football. Dick was always supportive, even to the extent of getting kicked out of a game for yelling at my coach. Too funny! As my bonds and love for Dick and Marge and the kids grew, distance separated us as I went to Va Tech and everyone started moving around the country. My fondest memories of dick include crossword puzzles, "I didn't know God made Honky-tonk Angels" with my Dad, 50's music at a Marine base party in Massachusetts, buying greek fishing hats in our beach trip to Rhode Island, and that "smirk" that Dick had that always said more than any words could. While I have been blessed with a wonderful Marine Father and wonderful supportive Mother, if I were not so blessed, I would have wanted Dick to be my Father and Marge to be my Mother. I'm not sure I ever said the words, nor conveyed how much I loved all 4 you you, nor how much of an impact you all had on my life, but I would not be the person I am today. I am sorry I could not attend the funeral as my parents and sister did, but know that you are in my prayers and I greatly look forward to having you spend time in the mountains with us in SW Virginia. Marge, I love you. Dick was my inspiration at a time when I truly needed one. Marge, you have always been very special to me as my 2nd mother and for supporting my mom in the trip to PA to see me. Kreg and Kris, your Father was a great man and you should be proud to have such a wonderful role model. I love you guys. I hope to see you soon. Know that while your heart hurts as mine does, my prayers are with you. Love Pat
Sleepy Marien
July 22, 2013
That sounds like a full, happy life to me. Quite a man who will surely be missed by many.
July 19, 2013
God, please continue to bless the Gresham family. They have fought the good fight too long. Somewhere in the heavens above, Dick is telling an Umpire that the last pitch was way outside.
Lisa Reed
July 19, 2013
Many blessings to you all. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers!
Brad, Janet, Tyler, and "Big" Ben Zawacki
July 18, 2013
To Marge, Kreg, and Kris. I met the Greshams in 1999. Immediately bonded to this wonderful family. Fond memories of spending Thanksgiving at Dick and Marge's house, attending high school football games, and helping Kris and Debbie build their fence. Too many good times to write here. Big Daddy is and will always be a mentor and wonderful spirit.
Nikki Stutts Crooks
July 18, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you. My fondest memories are playing for Coach Gresham and I will never forget them. He was a great man.
Mike McCurry
July 18, 2013
I'm sorry for your loss. Dick was a father figure to me while I was in Yuma and will never forget the wonderful times that we had together with your family. You took me in as a son and fed, housed and aloud me to be a part of your family. Dick always had well thought out, yet passionate words of wisdom. Kreg and Kris - you have a good father. Love you guys.
Anne F
July 18, 2013
Oh Marge, Dick was such a prince among men! My prayers and love are with you.
Larry, Tammy & Robbie Betterton
July 18, 2013
Dearest Marge,
Unlike many we only had the privelege to meet and know Dick while at UNC and the great Secu House. I will cherish that memory forever. I know by our talks and just being around him what a powerful and wonderful man he is. I am also honored to say i met him and you but am so heart broke for you and your beautiful. family. Larry & Robbie said to tell you they are so sorry and love you:) Please take care and may God be with you all in the days ahead. We love you dear friend !!!!
July 17, 2013
Marge, What a wonderful man your husband was. He loved you and his family, all the children he taught and coached and the USMC. The world is a better place because he walked among us! I remember his great sense of humor and strength and determination. I send my love to you and yours as well as prayers of comfort. Dick Whitfield still enjoys wearing his t-shirt, Smart men marry teachers, that you gave him when we got married.
Sending light and wrapping you in love and prayers. Jackie Whitfield
July 17, 2013
Marge and family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your husband, father , and grandfather. He put up such a valiant fight. May you find peace in the time to come, remembering what a wonderful man Dick was. Love, Judy Wood
Annette Harris
July 17, 2013
Marge, please know how much I loved and respected Dick. He was such a gentle man and I am honored to have had him as a dear friend. Few people had as many colorful lunches as we did at Piedmont! And oh the glories of great football! Please know our hearts are heavy for you, but he was a man who touched the lives of so many people. What a legacy he left for you, the boys, and the beloved grands! Peace to you-
Paula Curlee
July 17, 2013
My heart hurts today and I'm praying for the family. I have fond memories of Coach Gresham he was an awesome coach, and I was privileged enough to be on one of those state championships. He would always say "get your skirt down". He will be missed.
BRAD McCORKLE
July 17, 2013
BE ALL YOU CAN BE "CHUCKY B"...A man of great heart...great passion...great attitude...he was a teacher of all... A tremendous dad, grand dad and great husband...very proud to be a part of your life...thank you for being there for us all and GOD BLESS THIS WONDERFUL FAMILY!!!
Jamie Smith
July 17, 2013
Semper fi Coach. To this day I still quote your infamous sayings "get your skirt down" and "can a corn." Prayers and thoughts to the family. RIP Sir.
July 17, 2013
Marge and family...I have thought fondly of Dick so many times. Dick, Rusty, Rick Phillips, Annette and so many of us had so many good times at Piedmont High School. He made us laugh and touched many lives. I am praying for you all as get through the next days. Fondly Donna Sell
Heather Fowler Renz
July 16, 2013
My prayers are with you all! What a privilege to play ball under the leadership of coach Gresham!
Cindy Starnes-Lawrence
July 16, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you guys. He was a great man and an awesome coach. I was lucky enough to be one of his players during both of those State championships. Cindy Starnes Lawrence , Charlotte NC
Nancy Leoncavallo
July 16, 2013
Marge and family - my thoughts and prayers are with you. It has been a long journey and he fought the brave fight. Semper Fi.
Jean Palmer
July 16, 2013
Marge & family~~ Just to let you know. I am thinking of you at this most difficult time. Sincerely Jean Palmer
Donna at Dr. Phillippi's Shumate
July 16, 2013
So sorry for your loss Marge. I am praying for you and your family.Hugs to you!
Arjorie Fields
July 16, 2013
My prayers and thoughts are with you at this time of sadness. May the God of peace extend comfort to this family. (2Cor.1:2-4)
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