Obituary of Hiram Butler Gresham, Jr.

Born November 9, 1952, in Marietta, Georgia, Hiram Butler Gresham, Jr. was the beloved son of Clara Gresham and Hiram Butler Gresham, Sr. He peacefully departed this life on Thursday, October 31, 2024, at home in Crowley, Texas. After graduating from North Cobb High School, Hiram began his career with Coca-Cola Bottling Company in Marietta, Georgia. In the early 80’s, he moved to Louisville, Kentucky, to pursue a career in real estate, where he met his wife, Charita Gresham, and continued to grow his family. Hiram and Charita married on August 30, 1987, and in 2007, they settled their family in Fort Worth, Texas.

Though his life may seem too short to some, those who knew him understand that it’s the quality of a person’s life that truly counts. Hiram’s gentle smile and kind spirit brought so much joy to everyone who loved him.

Hiram spent eight years working with American Airlines, a company he truly enjoyed. A huge sports fan, he especially loved watching his favorite team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and his favorite TV show, The Andy Griffith Show, which he said was “the last moral thing left on TV.” During the 2024 NFL season, he had a special highlight: attending a Steelers vs the Falcons game with his daughter Crystal in Atlanta.

He was devoted to his family, his church at Life Fellowship, and ministries for the unhoused. He was also a proud member of the Band of Brothers men’s group, where he made lifelong friends who fondly called him “Black Jesus.”

Hiram is survived by his loving wife Charita; his sons, Reggie (Tanya), Hiram III, Deshaun (Shae), Demetrius, and Daniel (Raina); his daughters, Crystal and Marih; his sisters, Robin (Frank), Melvin Ann, and Harriett; brothers, Vincent (Emma) and William (Susan); grandchildren, Cameron, Enrique, Jacob, Joshua, Kendall, Brooklyn, Asher, and Caleb; and his great-granddaughter, Chanel.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hiram Butler Gresham Sr. and Clara Gresham, and his baby brother, James Gresham.