After more than 40 years in banking, First Southern Bank President Newton “Tudor” Blount is retiring.
On Friday, friends, family and coworkers gathered to honor the Columbia resident for his years of service.
“One thing I’ve grown to appreciate about Newton over the years is his consistency,” Scott Davis, senior vice president, chief operating officer and chief financial officer, said. “It doesn’t matter if we’re here in the office, on the golf course or in the woods, you can always expect that great sense of humor he brings and that infectious laugh that everyone is aware of. He just has a joyful personality, and he has been a privilege to work around.”
Blount spent 44 years in banking in various capacities and his served as president and CEO of Columbia-based First Southern Bank for 14 years.
“It’s been an honor and a privilege to work at First Southern Bank over the last 14 years,” Blount said. “I want to say a special thank you to the board of directors, who have been good to me and they have been a joy to work with. For the employees, I can’t think of a better group of employees. I appreciate the time we spent together. It’s been fun and I’ll miss some of those times, but there will be a lot of times that I won’t miss.”
Blount also thanked his wife, Denise, and his family, all of whom were present at the ceremony.
“Between my dad and me, we’ve got 86 years of banking experience,” Blount said. “It’s comforting for me to leave this bank in the hands I’m leaving it. The bank is in great shape, and it will be in good hands when I walk out next week. It has been great, and I thank everyone so much.”
Pictured Above: Newton Blount and his wife, Denise, pose by a cake at a reception to honor him on his retirement from First Southern Bank Friday. | Photo by Mark Rogers
