Thomas Andrew Gresham

Preceded in death by his cherished son Jared Thomas Gresham and first grandson Koby Garrett Townsend, parents

Richard Andrew Gresham and Matha Yow Gresham, and brother, William Gresham.

He is survived by the love of his life, Karen Morris Gresham of Coker, sons Jonah William Gresham, Coker and Jesse Coley Morris (Sarah) Memphis, TN, daughters Kristin Coley Swinson (Bradley), Northport and Kerri L. Coley, Coker. His adored grandchildren are Karsen Cooley , Maggie Coley, Kristian and Kolton Swinson, sister Rev. Patricia Bleicher, Arlington VA and brother James Gresham (Dee), Lynchburg, VA, a niece and three nephews.

Born on September 20, 1953 Tom was raised in Springbrook subdivision. The Gresham family are "cat people." They love cats and Tom could never turn away a stray or have too many.

Tom graduated from Tuscaloosa High School in 1971. In 1972 Tom enlisted in the U.S. Navy to serve his country and travel the world. He attended "A" School and trained as a Navy Hospital Corpsman (medic) at Balboa Navy Hospital in San Diago. He served an eight year career and loved to tell colorful stories of his service, including the painful story of how he realized he was a raging alcoholic and went for addiction treatment.

He served on the USS Truxton CGN 35 nuclear cruiser and the USS Sand Lance SSN- 660 (submarines) and on the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt, CVA42 (attack carrier). He went frolicking with Panama Hattie, became a Royal Bluenose, met Santa Claus and King Neptune, going from lowly Pollywog to Trusty Shellback. During his Naval career he earned the Naval Expeditionary and the Naval Commendation medal. He also initiated having an AA meeting aboard ship.

In 1980 he was released from active duty.

While working in the ED at DCH, Tom attended New College at the University of Alabama through his GI Bill, earning a BA and MA in Rehabilitation Counseling. He did post- graduate work at the U of A, then moved to Lynchburg Virginia and continued doctoral work at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond but did not complete his degree.

Tom lived and breathed recovery from addiction. He worked in community drug and alcohol treatment centers and also had a private practice. He became a Certified Alcoholism and Drug Counselor in 1984. He moved to Petersburg, VA and lived there until he moved back to Tuscaloosa in 1993 when he was recruited for the position of Executive Director of the Phoenix House. Later Tom worked for Bradford, then The Pines in Columbus, MS until he was forced to retire due to his health. Tom met and married Karen in 1996. In 1998, Tom answered God's call to become a minister of the Gospel. He and Karen started a Sunday Worship service for the residents at The Pines and Cady Hill facilities in Columbus. Tom was licensed then, ordained at Woodland Forest Baptist Church by Rev. Jonathan Ivy. He became a Certified Pastoral Addiction Counselor. Tom also served as associated Pastor at Woodland Forest during this time until his health issues prevented him from continuing. A few years later, Tom and Karen, along with Dr. Bony and Robbie Barrineau began Tuscaloosa's first CELEBRATE RECOVERY ministry through and supported by The Church at Tuscaloosa. This CR still exists along with many other CR groups in Tuscaloosa County. Tom continued to minister to people suffering with addictions until his death.

Tom's last position was at Easter Seals of West Alabama, teaching computer classes, and some volunteer work with Vocational Rehab. In 2012 Tom was honored to be awarded Advocate of the Year by the West Alabama Area Governor's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities.

Tom had many passions; computers, motorcycles, working with wood, photography, music and reading. He was an avid defender of 2nd Ammendment rights and the safe use of guns. After he became an amputee, Tom learned how to roast coffee from his brother, Jim. He started out using an air corn popper to the current industrial roaster he prized. He began his business, HE-BREWS COFFEE with the hope of being able to generate an income for his family while doing something he loved and had became an expert at. While Tom had many regular customers, Karen always laughed that Tom gave away more coffee than he ever sold. But his coffee and blends were good, and he knew it and loved to receive compliments. He donated numerous pounds of coffee to agencies and fund-raisers.

But most importantly, he loved his LORD and Saviour and his family. He laughed when people thought Jared was their grandbaby as he was 43. He reveled in his five children and five grandchildren. He couldn't play rowdy , so he would generously zoom them around on his power chair. Despite his disabilities and health problems, he would laugh and joke about being an "old fat man." and love on their seven cats and a dog.

Tom touched so many lives and we hope his legacy will never be forgotten.