Harry Glenn Gresham

Harry Glenn Gresham, 96, went home to be with the Lord on November 27, 2021. He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Bettye Robinson Gresham, his sister, Lela Frances Petty, his four children and their spouses: Brad Gresham and wife, Gigi, Gigi Harbison and husband, Russell, Kim Malcolm and husband, Mark, and Lori Brandenburg and husband, Pat. He was blessed with ten grandchildren and their spouses, and fourteen great-grandchildren.

Born on May 27, 1925, Harry grew up in Centerville, Texas where he met and later married Bettye Robinson, his high school sweetheart. Upon graduation from Centerville High School, he enthusiastically joined the Army Air Corps in May of 1943 and began training to be a fighter pilot. His choice to enter this branch of the service was born out of his longtime love of airplanes and flying, having already worked to earn enough money to take flying lessons at age 17. His passion for flying is reflected in his own words written on the back of his Army portrait, “War ended shortly after end of training---never got to be the Ace Fighter Pilot I dreamed of being.” However, he was able to realize his dream of flying throughout the many years he worked in the airplane insurance industry as an investigator and claims adjustor. He was still flying his airplane into his late eighties.

Upon his discharge from the Army Air Corps in 1946, Harry attended Sam Houston State Teachers College earning a Bachelor of Science degree. He and Bettye were married in 1948. They had lived in Houston and St. Louis before moving to Dallas where they lived in Lake Highlands in the same home for over 50 years.

Wherever they lived, they were always active members of a church. They welcomed numerous teenagers and friends of their own children into their home and made them feel welcome at any time of the day or night, with Harry often staying up late talking and listening, laughing, and giving them wise advice. His warmth, humor, loyalty, and faith in action impacted many young people over the years, even being a father-figure to many. He also faithfully met with a group of men for over thirty years to read God’s Word and pray together.

Harry loved and served the Lord with all his heart. He lived out his faith and his relationship with God in all he did. His integrity and generosity were evidence of his determination to honor God through his words and actions. He was famous with his grandchildren for the loving things they all remember such as singing the “Doodle Doos” while rocking them to sleep as babies, special little trips to run errands with him which he called “rat-killing,” an occasional chance to sit in or even fly in his airplane, and excursions to the Dollar Store to pick out whatever toy they wanted. One of the most well-loved traditions “Dat” had with his ten grandchildren each time they were saying goodbye was a simple statement that spoke volumes about his character and what he strove to impart to them. At the end of a visit, he would always tell them, “Take the high road.” We all draw comfort from knowing that “Dat” has taken the high road one last time, right into the arms of his Lord.

If you wish to make a donation in Harry’s memory, the Harry Gresham Memorial Fund has been established at Mill Valley Fellowship Church (13545 Webb Chapel Road, Farmers Branch, Texas 75234), a church that Harry and Bettye faithfully attended and supported. Proceeds will be used to support the church’s mission of feeding and caring for the homeless.

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17: 7-8

Funeral services honoring Harry's life will be held 1 P.M., Friday, December 3, 2021 at Walters Funeral Home, Centerville, Texas. Interment with funeral honors provided by the U.S. Army will follow in Centerville Cemetery. A brief visitation will take place before the service from 12 noon to 1 P.M. at the funeral home.

Final arrangements are under the direction of Walters Funeral Home, Centerville, Texas.