The Board of Directors of First Suncoast Trust Bancshares, Inc. and subsidiary bank, First National Bank & Trust, named Atmore City councilman John Garrard, Jr. a Director Emeritus Thursday. Garrard has served as Director of the two entities since June 1974.

Garrard began his employment at then First National Bank of Atmore in the summer of 1952 and became a full time employee in the summer of 1953.  In June 1974, Garrard was appointed First National Bank of Atmore’s fifth president and served in this capacity until his retirement in 1986.  At his retirement, Garrard was named vice chairman with special duties in customer service and public relations.

Rob Faircloth, current board chairman and interim president said Garrard has had a huge influence on many lives, including his own.

“John Garrard has always taken a personal interest in me since I was a child and I consider him a valuable mentor,” Faircloth said. “He made me my first bank loan, $300, and saw that I paid it as agreed.”

Faircloth said Garrard’s contributions to the bank over the years have been invaluable.

“Mr. Garrard has been synonymous with First National Bank & Trust over the years and a significant part of the bank’s success,” Faircloth said. “He is what community banking is all about – selflessly serving his community both in and out of the bank.”