First Community Bank in Batesville today announced the hiring of Gene Crawford as senior vice president, director of non-interest services. With nearly forty years of lending experience, he will be responsible for overseeing the management of First Community Bank’s mortgage and trust departments, as well as, Community Insurance Professionals and First Community Financial Services.
“I am excited to become a member of the First Community Bank team. First Community is a leader in innovation for community banks in Arkansas and Missouri,” said Crawford. “Many banks talk about being a community bank. First Community is truly a community bank seeking to meet the needs of our customers and communities. I look forward to being part of this team as we continue to grow and serve our communities.”
Preston “Peppy” Grace, Jr. passes away on Monday January 16, 2021.
He graduated from Batesville High School and Arkansas College (now Lyon College), and served with the Arkansas National Guard; owned and operated several local businesses; co-founded and served as president/CEO of Independence Federal Bank; served as a Batesville Jaycee and as president of the Batesville Rotary Club; and founded W.R.D. Entertainment, which, at the time, operated a family of four local radio stations.
The company, now known as White River Now, currently operates six radio stations as well as the online local news site, WhiteRiverNow.com.
Bob Connell with Timeless 106.1 KFFB said, “It’s with a sad heart to hear about the passing of Preston, he was a visionary for the broadcast industry and gave me the opportunity early in my broadcasting career, and for that I will always be grateful.”