Greg Essary

Mr. Gregory P. Essary, 72, of Dyersburg, passed away Friday, July 17, 2026, at his home. Greg was born April 26, 1954, in Jackson, TN, to the late Ivan and Floye Essary. Throughout his career, he worked in insurance and automotive and was most recently with Victory Automotive Group.

Greg will be fondly remembered for his love of golf, classic rock, westerns, reading novels, and spending time with family and friends. He was also a passionate sports fan, especially devoted to the Tennessee Volunteers. Above all, Greg’s greatest love was for his family. He treasured his role as “Grandaddy” to his beloved grandchildren, John Edward and Lila.

Greg is survived by his wife, Carol Heckethorn Essary; his daughter, Emily Wagster (Brandon) of Dresden, TN; his son, Eric Essary (Cynthia) of Chicago, IL; his brother, Gary Essary (Pam) of Dyersburg; a nephew, Evan Essary (Paula); and his two grandchildren, John Edward Essary and Lila Anne Wagster. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, George Essary.

To honor Greg’s wishes, a memorial visitation will be held Wednesday, July 22, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Dyersburg Funeral Home. A graveside memorial service will follow on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Fairview Cemetery, led by Mr. Eric Essary and Mr. Taylor Moore.

Honorary pallbearers are David Buchannon, Charles Cavaness, Keith Jones, Tommy Lewis, Mark Lutrell, Johnny McClure, and Brandon Wagster.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to support the work of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org/donate.