William Kennedy Gresham, II, known to all as simply “Ken,” passed away at the age of 83 surrounded by family at his home on January 21, 2024, after an extended illness.
Born on May 11, 1940, in Cleveland, TN and born to the late William Kennedy Gresham and Marion Frances Bell-Gresham-Ward, he was the proud older brother of four siblings. He attended school in Habersham County, Georgia where he played basketball and many sports.
At age 18, he enlisted with the U.S. Air Force and served over 7 1/2 years traveling from Valdosta, England, Atlanta, and Newfoundland. After his discharge from military duty, he enrolled to attend Ambassador College in Pasadena, CA.
After graduation he began his lifelong career in the lumber industry which took him to live in Florida, Oregon and eventually to his home in Peachtree City, GA where he began his own brokerage firm that he has operated until the current day.
He will be remembered as a one-of-a-kind individual who loved life, was very hospitable, nurtured many lifelong friendships, was a devoted and loving father, brother, husband, granddaddy, salesman and a great “smooth” dancer. Wine connoisseur, collector of classic cars, he was fascinated with military Vietnam-era M1 carbines and all kinds of collectibles pertaining to those type artifacts.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 32 years, Lynda Lokey Gresham; sister, Nancy Townsend; and brother, Robert Joseph “RJ”Ward.
He is survived by daughters, Nancy Malnik and her husband, Alvin of Ocean Ridge, FL; Amanda McDonald and her husband, Edward of Senoia, GA; Alexandra Gresham of Peachtree City, GA; step-sons, Dru Bergren and his wife Maureen of Signal Mountain, TN; Jonathan Lokey and his wife Valerie of Greensboro, SC; Nik Lokey of Demorest, GA; brother, Ricky Ward and his wife Tommi of Greensboro, GA; brothers in law, Robin Lokey and his wife Marianne of Juliette, GA; Scott Lokey and his wife Diana of Cumming, GA; sister in law, Olivia Lokey Smith of Chapin, SC; grandchildren, Jarod, Nathan, Spencer, Jesse, Noah, Sterling, Trey, William, Carson-Belle, Kyle, Luke and Henry; numerous nieces & nephews and too many friends to count.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel of Mowell Funeral Home, 200 Robinson Rd., Peachtree City, GA 30269. The service can also be viewed by a live webcast provided by the funeral home at www.mowells.com. A reception will follow the service.
If you would like to travel in from out of town, please contact the family about available lodging and transportation. We welcome you to provide your condolences, thoughts, and memories on our Tribute Wall. Mowell Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Peachtree City, www.mowells.com
