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Celebrating the life of

Thomas Emory Haynes

July 31, 1957 - May 18, 2022

Thomas Emory Haynes

Thomas Emory Haynes, 64, passed away in the comfort of his home on May 18, 2022. Tommy was born in Waycross, GA on July 31, 1957 to Mr. and Mrs. Winifred N. Haynes. They would move to Savannah and later settle on Isle of Hope where Tommy grew up and began cultivating his love for the marsh, rivers, pine trees, and live oaks. In 1975, he graduated from Herschel V. Jenkins High School in Savannah. After high school, he went on to follow in his father’s, Hank Haynes, footsteps. He attended The University of Georgia from 1975-1980 and obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Forestry. Following graduation in 1980, he continued to follow his father’s footsteps and started his career at Union Camp Corporation and moved from Athens, GA to Homerville, GA. He would later take a new role within Union Camp and move to Palatka, FL and then ultimately settling and raising his children in Richmond Hill, GA. From 1980 to 1999 he worked as Forest Supervisor, Land Resources Project Manager, managing millions of acres. From 1999 to 2008, he served as Land/Realty Resources Project Manager for International Paper Company. He served on the Bryan County Board of Tax Assessors for 25 years including as acting chairman for several of those years. He was valued for his expertise in timber and land, extensive knowledge as a timber businessman, and his faithful service to the citizens of Bryan County and to the Board of Commissioners until his death.


Tommy loved his family and his friends with all of his heart. He loved the University of Georgia, Georgia football, his golden retrievers, Palmetto Bluff, the South, and a deep love for trees and land. His kind, gentle, and generous soul will be forever missed by those he leaves behind.


He is survived by his son, Alexander Haynes (Alison); his daughter, Annsley Haynes Mathis (Bo); his beloved grandchildren, Emory Haynes, Mary Catherine Haynes, Hayes Mathis, and Blake Mathis; his sister, Janet Sessoms; his brother, Jimmy Haynes (Sarah); his nephew Chris Mercer (Kathryn); his niece, Laura Rodriguez (Randy), and nephews, Alexander Haynes and William Haynes. He was preceded in death by his beloved father and mother, Mr. Hank Haynes and Mrs. Jeanne Davenport Haynes.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, May 24 at 11:00am at Isle of Hope First United Methodist Church with visitation with family one hour prior. Burial will be private.


In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Diabetes Association in Tommy’s memory so that we may one day find a cure. And Go Dawgs!

SHARE YOUR CONDOLENCES

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A candle has been lit!

So sorry to hear of Tommy's passing. I hunted many times with him and his father on Skidaway Island. Godspeed my friend.

- Brad Wittfeld, Savannah, GA

So sorry to hear of Tommy’s passing. Thinking of your families and hope you all find peace.

- Emily Saussy, Savannah , GA

So Sorry for your loss. Warm hugs and prayers to you all.

- St Aubin, Richmond Hill , GA

A candle has been lit!

I was so sad to hear about Tommy. He was such a sweet person and a wonderful Board member. Always so good to me. I will miss our talks. He is whole again.

- Liz Lynn, Pembroke and Richmond Hill, Georgia

Sad condolences are sent to all of you from the Davenport side. We have happy memories of Tommy growing up in Savannah as well as Harlem, Ga.

- Dee Davenport, Richmond Hill, Ga

Janet, Jimmy, Chris, Kathryn and family. I was sorry to hear about Tommy's passing. I remember growing up with the Haynes family on Isle of Hope and what a wonderful family. My condolences and prayers are with the entire family during this difficult time.

- Chris Phillips, Savannah, Ga

A candle has been lit!

Our prayers are with you!

- Jimmy & Libby Hires, Richmond Hill, Georgia

Very sorry to hear about Tommy. I remember working with him years ago. He was a good man and he will be missed.

- Paul Bland, Savannah, GA

I just got back in town after a long trip and saw the obituary. So shocking. I worked with Tommy and have a lot of fond memories.

- Linda Howard, Savannah, GA

Many of Tommy’s fraternity brothers found out today that he had passed. He was a proud member of Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity at UGA and a great friend to many. He plays a prominent role in many wonderful memories of those great days. Mary and I extend our sincere condolences.

- Randall and Mary Copeland, Allentown, PA

Tommy lived on the same hall as me at the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity house at UGA. His quiet, pleasant personality, accompanied by his almost constant smile, made him everyone’s friend. A proud “brother of the plow,” I’m not surprised he left such a positive mark on Georgia’s timber industry.

- Jim Crawford, Bogart, Georgia

Tommy (Hog Bear) was a great friend and fraternity brother. I don't remember how he got his nickname but that is what we called him about 99% of the time. It seemed he always had a big smile and he was the kind of person who made everyone feel good. Our deepest sympathies to his family.

- Larry & Sharon Cunningham, Quitman, Georgia

Services under the direction of:

Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200