Dennis Wright

Dennis F. Wright, age 70, died peacefully at his home on Monday, April 30th, 2018 surrounded by his family and loved ones. He was born in Kingsville, Texas to Zena and J.T. Wright on October 31st, 1947. Dennis was raised in Hawkins, Texas with his two younger brothers and grew up in the middle of the family business, Big Sandy Sand Company founded by his grandfather, G.C. “Doc” Wright and father, in 1948. Dennis attended Hawkins high school where he excelled at sports and went on to receive his undergraduate degree from Stephen F. Austin State University.
After graduating from college he moved to Anton, Texas for his first coaching and teaching job. In Anton he met and married his first wife, Rhonda Tullis. Before returning to Hawkins to work in the family business he also spent a season coaching in Seymour, TX where he formed lifelong friendships with Herb Hawkins and Randall Murry. Dennis was a respected businessman, community leader and public servant. He served the Hawkins area as a member of the Hawkins ISD School Board, as a Director for the First State Bank of Hawkins, as a Director for Wood County Electric Cooperative, Inc. for 35 years and in many other charitable and civic roles. Dennis and Rhonda had four children while living in Hawkins.
Later in life Dennis remarried and spent much of his time traveling to see his children and around the world with his wife, friends and children. Dennis spent much of his leisure time attending Texas Rangers’ baseball games, golfing, and entertaining at his homes and lake cabin.
Dennis was such a generous man who loved people big and the lives he touched and the ways in which he touched them are too numerous to list here. Although a strong leader he carried himself with humility and his smile always conveyed he was accessible and had plenty of time to listen and help someone in need. One could always see the pride and passion he had for the people and relationships he held dear. In conversations with friends he did not boast of himself or his achievements but always of the efforts and achievements of others he worked with or mentored. His demeanor was always calm and patient. He was a fair and honest businessman, a loving husband, father and grandfather, a loyal friend and a generous member of the community.
Dennis is survived by his loving wife, Lori Wright, of 18 years; his mother, Zena Wright; his 2 brothers Mark and Scott; his 4 children and their spouses, John T. Wright, Lee Ann (Brent) Bailey, Joshua Wright and Lauren (Caley) Zahn; 3 stepchildren and their spouses Drew (Donna) Ervin, Corey (Kelly) Ervin and Courtney (Eric) Andreason; 5 Grandchildren, Taytum, Tyson, Tess, Hailey, Aubrey; 5 step-grandchildren, Dee, Miranda, Kalynne, Kolbie and Jordan and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
A viewing will be held on Friday, May 11th, from 4-7pm at Croley’s Funeral Home, 602 East Blackbourn St. Hawkins, TX 75765. Funeral Services will be held at Holly Lake Church of Christ, 3173 S. FM 2869, Hawkins, TX 75765 on May the 12th at 11am followed by burial at Holly Tree Cemetery. The family will host a celebration of life at their Hawkins home at 4741 S FM14, Hawkins, TX 75765 after 2pm.
Donations can be made in memory of Dennis Wright to the Gregg Pearson Foundation at www.greggpearson.org. If you wish to send flowers please use Eubanks Florist in Waxahachie, TX 972-937-2920.