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Parsons
The Texas Bankers Hall of Fame announced the induction of the 2023 Honorees at the 10th Annual Texas Bankers Hall of Fame Gala on April 27, commemorating recognition of a group hailed as “iconic bankers,” including Southeast Texas’
J. Pat Parsons, Kenneth L. Burgess, Jr., Ron Butler, James D. Goudge, and the late David R. Seim. Each was recognized for their positive achievements and the many contributions to their communities and the banking industry.
The Texas Bankers Hall of Fame, established by the Smith-Hutson Endowed Chair of Banking at Sam Houston State University, recognizes and honors the accomplishments of outstanding bankers who have made valuable contributions to the banking profession and pioneered the Texas banking industry.
“The Honorees have truly made their industry, communities and state better places,” the award announcement heralded.
This month, Parsons will again be lauded by the banking association, as he is to be one of 23 “legendary bankers recognized for half century of service” at the Texas Bankers Association’s 138th annual conference in San Antonio on May 17 -19.
As detailed by the banking group recognizing the longtime employees, when Parsons et al began their career in 1973, it was the same year that the U.S. ended its involvement in the Vietnam War; the first handheld cellular phone call was made; Federal Express began operations; a U.S. patent for the Docutel ATM was granted; Secretariat won the Triple Crown; Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs competed in the “The Battle of the Sexes: exhibition tennis match; U.S. Vice President Spiro T. Agnew resigned from office; and the U.S. House of Representatives confirmed Gerald Ford as Vice President of the United States.
Parsons began his banking career as a management trainee at First City National Bank of Houston. While at the bank, he held a number of positions including manager of the International Credit Group and a member of the bank’s Asia Pacific Banking Group.
The up-and-comer served as the general manager for the bank’s London branch from 1979 to 1984. In 1992, he joined Community Bank and Trust as president and COO.
Parsons served as founding CEO and chairman of Community Bank of Texas, which later merged with Allegiance Bank/Stellar Bank