Phillip Gresham

Phillip Johnston Gresham, Jr., 88, of Albany GA passed away at his residence on December 26, 2025. Funeral services will be held at 2 :00 PM on Tuesday December 30, 2025 at First Methodist Church of Albany. Visitation will be at 1:00PM until 2:00 PM at First Methodist Church.

Phil was born in Waynesboro GA to Phillip Johnston Sr. and Mary Dorothy Gresham and graduated from Waynesboro High School. He received an associates degree from Emory at Oxford and bachelors, masters, and six year specialist degrees from Georgia Southern College. Phil was a teacher and guidance counselor during his 30+ year career in the Dougherty County School System, retiring as Director of Guidance at Westover High School. 

After retirement, Phil continued his counseling career for another 10+ years at the Council on Aging and the Darton College career center. Phil was an active member of First Methodist Church of Albany during his entire time in Albany. He was a member of the Georgia Cochran Sunday School class along with treasured lifelong friends. He was a recognized lay leader for the church who served many roles and blessed many in the church community. Phil enjoyed reading and spending time at his cabin in the North Georgia Mountains. 

Phil is preceded in death by his parents, his twin sister Phyllis Lambert, and his brother Jones Gresham.

He is survived by his wife Shelva Gresham, his son Matthew (Cindy) Gresham, his granddaughters Darcy and Lilah Gresham, his sister Sylvia Kavanaugh, his brother Joby (Carol Ann) Gresham, his sister Debbie (Cliff) Babb, and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Phil's in-home caregivers and the Phoebe Hospice professionals for their compassionate care.

 In lieu of flowers, please honor Phil with gifts to the First Methodist Church of Albany or Gideons International.