It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Mark Gresham on Monday, September 9th, 2019 at his home in Meldrim, Georgia. Mark is survived by his mother, Ruth Gresham, and leaves his dear wife Cherie Gresham, son Joshua Gresham, daughter Chrissy Collins, and grandson Tyler Collins.

Born and raised in Savannah, Georgia, Mark was a lifelong historian and artisan in his cherished city of music and spanish moss. He was born on January 5th, 1952, at the Telfair Baby Hospital overlooking Forsyth Park in historic downtown of which he would come to share many memories and anecdotes from his childhood. There's a saying by Dan Fogelberg that "it seems like bluegrass people have more great stories to tell than other musicians," and to know Mark is to know him as the family storyteller, whether it be storytelling through his humor, his artistry, or his music.

Mark attended public school in both Savannah and Augusta, Georgia where he became a varsity football team member at Windsor Forest High School. He graduated in 1970 and volunteered for the United States Air Force from 1971-1974 where he continued to play football for the Air Force team. With the Air Force, Mark travelled throughout Europe and the United States being stationed in Lakenheath, England and Minot, North Dakota, where he met his self-proclaimed better half, Cherie. It was while holding rank of Sergeant as an Aircraft Crew Chief for jet fighter planes that his passion for music began to flourish. During this time he learned to appreciate the best in sound, construction, and finish, as well as the discipline and workmanship necessary to be a maker of stringed instruments. Following his service, Mark returned to Savannah in 1974, married Cherie, and acquired the experience and certification to become a master journeyman and top craftsman in sheet metal construction. Many craftsmen learned the trade under his instruction within the apprenticeship program where he taught them the creativity in fabrication and restoration. During his time in construction, Mark cultivated and refined his knowledge of music instrumentation, building his first instrument with his friend Charlie in 1985 and there his passion took root. Mark's passion for music continued thriving through the renewal of the narrative and history-rich buildings he was so fond of, such as in the restoration of historic Charleston, South Carolina in the wake of Hurricane Hugo. He taught the apprenticeship program until retirement where he fulfilled his dream of becoming a full time luthier in the late 1990's. Though this is where many men's stories may end, Mark's was just beginning as he turned his mastery toward crafting elegant guitars and mandolins in his own shop at home. From attending and pickin' at bluegrass festivals to repairing stringed instruments of fellow revered and famous musicians, his brand and finesse for storytelling is widely recognized and loved nationally. Please take a moment to personally celebrate Mark's story as he enters his new chapter.

"We have that storytelling history in country and bluegrass and old time and folk music, blues - all those things that combine to make up the genre. It was probably storytelling before it was songwriting." - Chris Stapleton

Or

"Bluegrass has brought more people together and made more friends than any music in the world." - Bill Monroe

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday at 4 p.m. with a visitation to follow after the service.

West Chatham Chapel

Pooler, GA