Harry B. Brock Jr.
Harry B. Brock Jr. | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Fort Payne, Alabama, U.S. |
| Died | July 29, 2015 (aged 90) |
| Occupation(s) | Banker, philanthropist |
| Known for | Co-founder of Central Bank and Trust Company (later Compass Bank) |
Harry B. Brock Jr. (March 31, 1925 – July 29, 2015) was a prominent American banker and dedicated philanthropist.
Early life
Originally from Fort Payne, Alabama, Brock was raised in Gadsden, Alabama. After completing his education at the Tennessee Military Institute, he served in the U.S. Navy Submarine Service during World War II from 1944 to 1946. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce and Business Administration from the University of Alabama in 1949 and later earned a certificate from the American Institute of Banking in 1964.
Career
Brock’s professional journey began as a truck driver for Brook-Martin Oil Company, followed by a stint as a car salesman at John Thomas Motors in Gadsden. In 1964, he co-founded Central Bank and Trust Company, which eventually transformed into Compass Bank and later became part of BBVA Compass. Alongside other investors, Brock gained voting control of State National Bank of Alabama in 1968 and merged it with Central Bank in 1981. By 1987, Central Bancshares of the South made history as the first Alabama-based bank to own an out-of-state financial institution. Brock stepped down from the board in 1991.
His leadership extended to board roles at Marathon Industries and Daniel International Corporation—now integrated into Fluor Corporation—as well as participation on the Alabama Alliance of Business and Industry board. His achievements earned him induction into the Alabama Academy of Honor in 1983, the Alabama Business Hall of Fame in 1993, and the Birmingham Business Hall of Fame in 1999.
Philanthropy
Brock contributed significantly to education and research through his service on the Board of Trustees at Samford University, where the Brock School of Business is named in his honor. He also held a position on the President's Cabinet at his alma mater, the University of Alabama. His philanthropic efforts extended to involvement with the boards of the Southern Research Institute and the Gorgas Scholarship Foundation, alongside volunteering activities with Kiwanis.
Personal life and death
In 1949, shortly after completing his college education, Brock married Jane. Together they had three children: Stanley M. Brock, Barrett Brock MacKay, and Harry B. Brock III. He passed away on July 29, 2015.