An Orangeburg railroad crosstie producer has received the Railway Tie Association 2008 Silver Saw Award.

Dempsey Wood Products owner Charles Parker Dempsey, 79, received the Silver Saw Award, an RTA award in recognition of an individual's contribution to the railroad tie industry and the RTA.

Dempsey's nominee, Gary Williams, of railway industry provider Koppers Inc., noted Dempsey "is a successful businessman, a longtime member of the RTA and serves on the board of several local and state organizations, including the S.C. Forestry Association."

Williams also cited Dempsey's faith and work ethic as keys to success.

The award was presented at the October RTA Symposium & Technical Conference in Savannah, Ga.

Dempsey entered the sawmill industry in the early 1950s when he went to work for his father-in-law's company, P.L. Dean Lumber Co.

Dempsey would later take over the business with his son, Robert. The men expanded the business over the next 15 years to include five sawmills and chip mill locations in South Carolina.

The company, then Dean Dempsey Lumber, was sold to Stone Container in 1984, but Dempsey continued to manage it until 1990.

Dempsey would join his other son, Ronnie, in what is now Dempsey Wood Products.

Dempsey and his wife, Doris, have been married for 58 years.

The Silver Saw Award recognizes an individual who has contributed to the forest product industry of good character and of ethical business practices and must be a member of the RTA.

The sawmill to qualify must have operated for a minimum of three years and regularly produces railroad products during this period.

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