CB&T Founder/Board Member Dies at 82, Bank Awards Scholarship in His Honor

By LYDIA BERGLAR
News Editor

Fred Stephens, founder of Citizens Bank & Trust (CB&T) and longtime board member of the bank, died on May 4 at the age of 82.

Born in 1940 in Stevenson, Ala., Stephens graduated from Stevenson High School, joined the United States Army, and eventually began a career in banking. After working for several financial institutions, he founded CB&T in Trenton.

Chris Powell, current CB&T president, said, “In 1987, the Georgia State Banking Department suggested that Mr. Stephens meet with local business owners in Trenton about starting a bank. They founded Citizens Bank & Trust, Inc. a year later. Fred served as the president and CEO for 17 years, and upon retiring, continued serving on the board of directors until his passing.”

The bank is awarding a scholarship to two high school seniors in honor of Stephens’ generosity. Powell explained, “The communities we serve have benefited greatly from Fred’s generosity and philanthropy, which was especially focused on local students and higher education. To honor his memory, CB&T will award a high school senior from both Dade County and North Sand Mountain High Schools with the Fred T. Stephens Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $2,500 per student.”

Stephens is described by those who knew him as warm and kind, possessing a great sense of humor, and intentionally focused on friends and family.

Powell said, “Mr. Stephens meant so much to the directors, officers, and employees of CB&T and touched countless lives throughout the community with his boisterous, affable personality. He will be sorely missed.”

The complete obituary is available in the obituary section.