88R31531 CJM-D
By: Hughes S.R. No. 622
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Big Sandy Sand Company is marking its 75th
anniversary in 2023, and this milestone provides a fitting
opportunity to recognize the history of this venerable enterprise;
and
WHEREAS, Big Sandy Sand Company was founded by G. C. "Doc"
Wright and his son, J. T. Wright, on the banks of Big Sandy Creek in
Upshur County in 1948; the business originally operated out of a
rustic processing plant that consisted of a barge, a screening box,
and several shovels; in 1971, the company moved to a modern plant on
a 100-acre tract of land north of the town of Big Sandy, and five
years later it established a new plant near Hawkins in Wood County,
which was managed by J. T. Wright's son, Dennis Wright; and
WHEREAS, In 1981, the Wright family sold the plant near Big
Sandy and dissolved the original business entity; Dennis Wright
subsequently established a new corporation that acquired the
Hawkins plant and the rights to the name Big Sandy Sand; following
Dennis Wright's passing in 2018, his children John T. Wright, Lee
Ann Bailey, Joshua Wright, and Lauren Zahn assumed ownership of the
business; and
WHEREAS, The fourth generation of the Wright family to lead
Big Sandy Sand, they have worked to expand the company's reach while
remaining committed to giving back to the community; the business
today produces sands and related products that are used in foundry,
masonry, construction, and turfgrass applications throughout
Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Arkansas; and
WHEREAS, For three-quarters of a century, Big Sandy Sand
Company has made significant contributions to the local economy,
and it stands as an inspiring example of the success that can be
realized by hardworking entrepreneurs in the Lone Star State; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 88th Texas Legislature
hereby commemorate the 75th anniversary of Big Sandy Sand Company
and extend to the Wright family and their employees sincere best
wishes for the future; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Big Sandy Sand Company as an expression of high regard
by the Texas Senate.