Elbert Allen Drummond
Elbert Allen Drummond | |
|---|---|
| Born | Elbert Allen Drummond 3 August 1943 Birmingham, Alabama, U.S. |
| Died | 30 July 2012 (aged 68) |
| Other names | E.A. Drummond, Larry Drummond |
| Occupation(s) | Businessman, philanthropist |
| Known for | Vice chairman of the Drummond Company |
Elbert Allen Drummond (also known as E.A. Drummond or Larry Drummond) (August 3, 1943 – July 30, 2012) was a prominent American businessman, philanthropist, and heir based in Alabama. He held the position of vice chairman at the Drummond Company, a leading privately held coal enterprise with operations in both Alabama and Colombia.
Early life
Drummond was born on August 3, 1943, in Birmingham, Alabama. He was the son of Heman Edward Drummond, who established the Drummond Company in 1935.
His early education took place at Sipsey School and Walker County High School located in Jasper, Alabama, where he actively participated in football and baseball. After completing two years at Walker College, he transferred from Samford University to the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. During his time there, he became a member of the Beta Alpha Psi fraternity and graduated with a bachelor's degree in Commerce and Business Administration in 1965. He further pursued higher education by obtaining a master's degree in Accounting in 1966 and earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Alabama School of Law in 1969. Drummond was licensed to practice law through the American Bar Association as well as the Alabama Bar Association.
Career
Joining the family enterprise, Drummond advanced to roles including vice chairman and chairman of the executive committee at the Drummond Company. He played a key role in broadening the company’s international partnerships, particularly strengthening connections with Japanese firms.
From 1979 to 1980, Drummond, alongside his brother Garry and executive Clyde Black, faced indictment related to allegations of bribing Alabama legislators via illegal channels. The subsequent trial lasted three months but was ultimately dismissed by Judge Frank McFadden, with court documents remaining confidential.
In addition to his work at Drummond Company, he served on the board of directors for First Commercial Bank. His contributions to business were recognized in 2011 when he was inducted into both the Alabama Business Hall of Fame and the Alabama Academy of Honor.
Philanthropy and political activity
Drummond contributed his expertise as a board member for several organizations including the Black Warrior Council of the Boy Scouts of America, United Way of Central Alabama’s Le Societe National, Culverhouse College of Commerce, University of Alabama President’s Cabinet, Walker Area Community Foundation, and the Alabama Conservation and Natural Resources Foundation.
He was an influential supporter of Republican causes, providing substantial donations to entities such as the Republican National Committee, National Republican Congressional Committee, Alabama Republican Party, and individual politicians including Bill McCollum, Richard Shelby, Jennifer Dunn, Terry Everett, Robert Aderholt, Mike Rogers, Katherine Harris, Johnny Isakson. Additionally, he backed George W. Bush’s 2004 presidential re-election campaign. His $51,750 contribution to Bob Riley’s gubernatorial bid drew criticism amid allegations that it affected a contentious land deal involving the former Farquhar Cattle Ranch; however, Drummond denied any misconduct.
Drummond also held a seat on the board of the American Family Business Institute and provided testimony before the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance concerning estate tax legislation on November 14, 2007.
Personal life
At the age of nineteen, he wed Abbie Kiker, his longtime high school companion. Together, they raised three children: two sons named Scott A. Drummond and Patrick L. Drummond, and a daughter, Terri Drummond Lyon.
Death and legacy
He passed away at the age of sixty-eight on July 30, 2012. His memorial service took place at Jasper's First Baptist Church in Alabama, with his interment at Pisgah Baptist Church and Cemetery located in Sipsey, Alabama.
In tribute to his memory, a $50,000 scholarship was created in 2012 at the University of Alabama, funded by a turkey hunting fundraiser organized by the Alabama Conservation and Natural Resources Foundation.