Leon Harold Gresham

Dr. Leon Harold Gresham, age 80 of Calhoun, passed away Monday, August 16, 2010 at his residence. He was born in Floyd County on September 1, 1929, son of the late Sam and Mary Terrell Gresham. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by a son, Russell Gresham; two sisters, Margaret Howell and Rebecca Fletcher; and three brothers, James Gresham, Murray Gresham, and Linus Gresham.

Dr. Gresham and his family moved to Calhoun in 1963. He opened his optometric practice in Johnson-Hall Clinic in 1963, and moved his practice to the current location at 100 S. Court Street, Calhoun, in 1967.

He was a veteran, having served his country in the US Marine Corp, and was a member of the Calhoun First Baptist Church, where he attended the Sycamore Sunday School Class.

His passions included his family, his optometric practice, golf, and growing his garden, especially his tomatoes. Dr. Gresham was an active participant in many civic organizations. He was past Exalted Ruler of the Calhoun Elks Club, and past president of the following; the Calhoun Rotary Club, the Calhoun Kiwanis Club, the Calhoun Lions Club, the Calhoun Jaycees, and the 7th District Optometric Association.

He leaves behind his wife of 60 years, Mildred Moore Gresham; two sons, Tracy Gresham of Kennesaw, and Roger Gresham and his wife Candi of Calhoun; a daughter, Ginger Worde of Calhoun; grandchildren, Heather Worde, Christopher Gresham, Ashley Southerland, Alison Gresham, Hannah Gresham, Taylor Gresham, and Haggan Gresham; a great-granddaughter, Ashlyn Southerland; and a sister-in-law, Bobbie Gresham. Numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews also survive.

Funeral services for Dr. Leon Harold Gresham will be conducted Thursday, August 19th at 2:00pm from the Calhoun First Baptist Church, with Dr. Bert Vaughn officiating. Interment will follow in the Fidelle Cemetery. Active pallbearers will include Dr. Robin Scoggin, Dr. Larry Davis, Dr. Gilbert James, Dr. Doug Reeves, Dr. Charles Callaway, and Dr. Keith Lowe. These gentlemen are requested to meet at the funeral home Thursday at 1:15pm. Honorary pallbearers are Gene Holbrook, James Moore, Dave Maddox, Sr., Mike Mitchell, Jerry Terrell, and members of the Sycamore Bible Class. These gentlemen may meet at the Calhoun First Baptist Church Thursday at 1:45pm. Music will be arranged by Randy Worde and Carolyn Thompson.

The family will receive friends at Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home Wednesday from 5:00pm until 8:00pm.

Online condolences may be expressed and the guestbook signed at www.maxbrannonandsons.com. Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home, a legacy of compassion and care, is conducting the funeral services for Dr. Leon Harold Gresham, age 80 of Calhoun.