TITLE: In memory of Lonnie "Bo" Pilgrim of Pittsburg, Texas.

SUMMARY: In memory of Lonnie "Bo" Pilgrim of Pittsburg, Texas.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The State of Texas lost a celebrated entrepreneur with the passing of Lonnie "Bo" Pilgrim of Pittsburg on July 21, 2017, at the age of 89; and WHEREAS, Born in Pine on May 8, 1928, Bo Pilgrim was the son of Alonzo Monroe Pilgrim and Gertrude Gunn Pilgrim; his father died when he was a boy, and he went to live with his paternal grandmother; after working as a farmhand and performing other manual labor, he accepted an offer to partner with an older brother, Aubrey, in ownership of a feed store; and WHEREAS, Mr. Pilgrim served his country in the United States Army, and while stationed in California, he was impressed by its enormous feed operations; on his return to Texas, he guided investment in larger facilities, and the Pilgrim family company expanded into chicken products and became a major egg producer; he took charge of Pilgrim's Pride following the death of his brother in 1966, and while continuing to expand the business, he directed innovative efforts to make its products leaner and healthier; a savvy marketer, he gained national recognition by appearing in commercials, sporting a pilgrim's buckled hat; the company became one of the area's largest employers and one of the world's foremost poultry producers; he retired in 2010, having spent more than four decades building a company that today employs 35,000; and WHEREAS, Highly engaged in the civic sphere, Mr. Pilgrim worked at the state level to promote a positive business environment, and his dedication to East Texas was reflected in his founding of Pilgrim Bank, which he continued to serve as chair emeritus until his death; a man of deep faith, he was a congregant at First Baptist Church, where he taught Sunday school for many years, and he spread the gospel widely by handing out religious tracts; moreover, he established Marketplace Ministries, a workplace outreach, created Witness Park as a place of prayer and fellowship in the center of Pittsburg, and supported the completion of Pilgrim Plaza, a one-acre site for contemplation and community gatherings; his bountiful philanthropic giving made a positive difference in countless lives; and WHEREAS, Mr. Pilgrim shared a fulfilling marriage of 61 years with his wife, Patty R. Pilgrim; he was the devoted father of three children, Ken, Pat, and Greta, and his family also included his grandchildren, Clayton, Jake, and Lonnie Pilgrim, Greta Gail Simpson, Chesley Hindman, and Shelby Owens, and his great-grandchildren, Kate, Emily, and Gracie Hindman; and WHEREAS, Although his vision, work ethic, and business expertise brought him tremendous professional success, Bo Pilgrim placed the highest value on family, faith, and community, and those who were privileged to know him will continue to find inspiration in his example of generosity and humble appreciation for his blessings; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the life of Bo Pilgrim and extend sincere condolences to his loved ones; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Lonnie "Bo" Pilgrim. Hefner Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 269 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on August 15, 2017. Chief Clerk of the House