Harry B. Brock, Jr., one of the titans of Birmingham banking and business education, died on Wednesday, July 29 at the age of 89.
Brock's career in banking covered more than 50 years, founding Central Bancshares of the South, Inc., which would later become Compass Bancshares and Compass Bank of the South. He served as chairman and CEO of both firms until his retirement in 1991.
When Central Bancshares in 1987 bought a bank in Texas, it became the first bank in Alabama to own a bank in another state and the first out-of-state bank to own a bank in Texas.
In addition to his contributions to the banking community, Brock was also a steward of education, being named to the Samford University Board of Trustees in 1962. He served 53 years on the board, including four years as chairman from 1985 to 1989.
He would stay committed to the university throughout his life, eventually seeing the business school renamed the Brock School of Business in 2007.
“For those of you who have been around Samford for several years, you are aware of Mr. Brock’s legendary efforts to lend support to this institution,” said Samford President Andrew Westmoreland. “While he wasn’t a Samford graduate, he adopted this place as his own and thousands of individuals have benefitted as a result. We join our hearts in prayer this morning for Mrs. Brock and for the entire family.”
Brock was elected a Life Trustee at Samford in 1992.
Brock was a graduate of the University of Alabama and held a certificate from the American Institute of Banking.
His death also comes as the Brock School of Business prepares to move into its new $25 million facility. Classes will begin in the school's new home on Aug. 17.
Brock’s son, Harry B. Brock III, currently serves as executive vice president and vice president for business and financial affairs at Samford.