He was born on June 1, 1929 in Carroll County, TN, the son of the late Gale Henry and Thelma Frances Cox Essary. He retired after 20 years of service in the United States Air Force, and later retired from Owens Corning in Jackson. He was a member of North Jackson Church of Christ.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Alice Rice Essary, and a sister, Christine Mays, of Atwood, Tennessee.
He is survived by two nieces, Lisa (Dan) Ayers of Ramer, Tennessee, and Karen Mays of Birmingham, Alabama.
A private graveside service will be held on Friday, August 7, 2020 at 11 am at Ridgecrest Cemetery, with David Powell officiating.