William Lee "Bill" Gresham

William "Bill" Gresham of Salem, Missouri, passed away on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, at the University Hospital in Columbia, Missouri, at the age of 74. Bill was born in Salem, Missouri, on April 21, 1950. He was united in marriage to Carolyn Allen on September 1, 1979, and their union was joined by two sons.
At the age of 18, Bill proudly served his country in the United States Army after being drafted. He worked for Royal Oak for 48 years, where he dedicated himself to his job. Bill was a member of the Salem Church of Christ, and his family was the most important part of his life. He loved to eat out, and would on occasion drive to Farmington for Friday night fish, or any Friday night fish place was a good spot to find he and Carolyn, he especially liked the all-you-can-eat kind of dives the best. Bill also enjoyed hunting and eagerly looked forward to the deer hunting season every November.
One of his fondest hobbies was making homemade ice cream, though he often tried to hide it and pass off store-bought versions to his family, who quickly caught on. Despite this, his homemade ice cream always found its way into the family gatherings, bringing laughter and joy.
Bill was a loving and devoted husband of 45 years to Carolyn, a cherished father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend. He will be forever remembered and missed by all who knew and loved him.
Bill is survived by his wife, Carolyn, of the home; his children, Shawn Gresham and wife Robin of Salem, MO, and Vernon Ray of Salem, MO; his grandchildren, Colton Gresham (Jennifer) Daulton Ray (Nicole), Courtney Berry (Cody), Bryar Ray (Audrey), Shelbi McClain (Paul), Sara Rhine (Nathan), Mykeal Campo, T.J. Campo (Brittney), Brandon Campo (Hannah), and Cody Campo; 10 great-grandchildren; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Mary Gresham, and his brother, Earl Gresham.
Funeral services for Bill Gresham will be held on Monday, December 30, 2024, at 11:00 AM at the Salem Chapel of the James & Gahr Mortuary, with Pastor Jason Love officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at Northlawn Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will take place at the chapel on Sunday, December 29, 2024, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM.