John Samuel Gresham Sr., age 89, of Spring, Texas passed away on Wednesday, December 21, 2022. John was born to Samuel and Alice Holmes on September 2nd, 1933. His mom wasn't present during his life as she passed during his birth. Thus, in his early years he was raised by his father and his grandmother's sister's family. After high school, he spent time living in Virginia and New Jersey, where his dad resided. Shortly after marrying Frances Ann Smith and relocating to Philadelphia, he was drafted by the military where he served in the Army from 1953 to 1955 during the Korean War. He was stationed in Germany for several months. A few years after returning, John and Frances gave birth every two years to their three surviving children, Alice Gresham, John Gresham Jr. and Nadine Jenkins.
After his early years of working at the Naval Yard, John returned from the military and started his 30+ year career at Exxon Corporation in Philadelphia. During this time, he attended heating and electrical night school, invested in real estate with 3 fixer-upper houses and worked part-time in facilities at Zion Baptist church on the weekends. Through his hard work and dedication, his extended Exxon career led to a greater opportunity as an operations leader in Houston, Texas.
His favorite hobbies included baseball, where he was a talented pitcher and shortstop for various black-only leagues. He sang and played the guitar which he learned from his dad. He enjoyed following his favorite sport teams - he was a season ticket holder for numerous years for the Sixers while in Philadelphia, the Jackie Robinson- Los Angeles Dodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Lastly, John loved fast-walking for 2-3 miles on a daily basis. He did this for 30+ years. The only time he would slow down is if he had a guest with him that was out of breath.
John was a quiet man who spoke loudly by being a role model to many through his behavior and actions. His love of duty as a father, son, and husband could never be questioned as he was a committed man to the end. His legacy will last forever. Other than his 3 children, John is also survived by 3 grandchildren, Sammie Jenkins Jr., Deion Gresham, and Alexis Hunter.
John's family will host a viewing lifetime event on Saturday January 7, 2023, at 12:30pm - 2:30pm. The event will be at Calvary Hill Funeral Home in Humble, Texas. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.CalvaryHillFuneralHome.com for the Gresham family.
