Jeffery Dale Thomas

Essex, MA - Jeffery D. Thomas, 59, of Essex, passed away unexpectedly on March 1, 2026. Jeff was born and raised in Carthage, Tennessee, and graduated from Smith County High School in 1985. He later earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Radiologic Technology. After moving to Essex, Massachusetts in 2015, Jeff attended Spa Tech Institute, where he became a Licensed Massage Therapist and practiced for several years. He later took the role of Administrative Clerk for the Essex Board of Health where he was awarded employee of the year in 2024.

Jeff loved music, mixing music, and reading and most of all cherished spending time at home with his husband, Gary, and their dogs, Snoopy and Lucy. Together they enjoyed camping, traveling, kayaking, bicycling, gardening, and discovering and cooking great food together, and appreciating life's simple pleasures-often happiest just being at home together. Jeff had a kind and gentle spirit and a heart of gold; anyone fortunate enough to know him would agree.

Jeff is survived by his loving husband of nearly 20 years, Gary Haynes; his mother and stepfather, Rebecca and Prentice Anderson of Carthage, Tennessee; his sister, Anita Ray and her husband Bobby of Carthage, his half-sister Amberly Lucky of Illinois, his step sister Penny Thaxton and her husband Johnny of Carthage as well as many nieces, nephews, and a large extended family of friends who loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his father Roger Thomas and his grandparents Bradley and Lucy Woodard and Lon and Pearl Thomas of Difficult, TN as well as a half-brother Christopher Thomas of Illinois.

A celebration of Jeff's life will be held in the spring, with service details to be announced. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Jeff's memory to Northeast Animal Shelter, or to a charity of your choice. Arrangements by Campbell Funeral Home, 525 Cabot St., Beverly, MA. Information, directions, condolences atwww.campbellfuneral.com