Wiley Cowart Sanders Jr., a lifelong resident of Troy, died on Wednesday at age 78.
The founder and owner of Wiley Sanders Truck Lines started his freight company in 1959 with a single truck.
From there, the business based in southeast Alabama exploded, as Sanders grew his company into a national leader in the freight industry with operations in 48 states, Canada and Mexico.
Additionally, he co-founded and co-owned Sanders Lead Company and KW Plastics, both of which are also based in Troy.
“I don’t know of anyone in the modern era who has had a more positive impact on the Troy and Pike County communities than Wiley Sanders,” Troy Mayor Jason Reeves told The Troy Messenger. “And not just through the employment of thousands of people over the years but through his giving spirit.”
“Wiley Sanders was a great friend of Troy University, as well as one of Alabama’s most successful entrepreneurs,” Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr., chancellor of Troy University, said. “He was known throughout the nation for his business acumen, but his commitment to his community was equally admirable. His influence will exist well beyond his passing.”
Reeves added, “There is no way to ever categorize what this man has meant to the community. And, there is no way to categorize the loss… The impact that Wiley Sanders had on this community will be felt for generations to come. And I’m confident his legacy will be carried on by his family and his organizations.”
According to Green Hills Funeral Home in Pike County, Sanders is survived by his wife of 32 years, three sons, two daughters, 14 grandchildren and two sisters.
Learn about the funeral service here.
Sean Ross is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn
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