Ronnie Parks, a long-time vice president at Central National Bank, has been named a recipient of the Texas Bankers Association 50 Year Banker Award. The award, which was formally announced in the July issue of Texas Banking magazine, recognizes bankers who have devoted 50 years or more of service to the banking industry.
“I am incredibly honored to receive this formal recognition from the Texas Bankers Association for my 50 plus years in banking,” said Parks, who is one of 29 other bankers from across the state to receive the same award. “I’m also very proud to be included with such a great group of peers who truly represent the best of locally-owned banks and what they offer to their communities.”
Parks, who retired in 2018 after spending 21 years with Central National Bank, began his banking career in 1959 as a clerk in the bookkeeping department at Bellmead State Bank. During his 20 years with the bank, he was promoted to vice president, cashier, and head of the bank’s operations department. After stints at First National Bank of Memphis, Clifton National Bank, Texas National Bank, and Compass Bank, he joined Central National Bank in 1997 as a consumer loan officer.
“Not only was Ronnie a great banker, but he was—and is—an even better person, colleague, and friend,” said Bill Nesbitt, chairman and CEO of Central National Bank. “He’s a very intentional listener with a kind heart, and he has a great ability to relate with people from all walks of life, characteristics that served him quite well during his 50-year career. We consider ourselves very lucky to have had him at CNB for 21 of those 50 years.”
Parks was born and raised in Waco and grew up attending Waco schools. He graduated from SMU’s Southwestern Graduate School of Banking in 1975, and in 1984, he graduated from Iowa State University’s Commercial Lending School, where he particularly focused on agricultural lending.
Throughout his life, Parks has been an active participant in agricultural and rodeo activities, both as a competitor and as a volunteer. He’s the winner of over 30 trophy saddles and numerous belt buckles for calf roping and team roping, and he is also a four-time winner of the Pioneer Calf Roping at the Texas Cowboy Reunion in Stamford, Texas.
As a volunteer, Parks served on several different occasions on the board of directors for the Heart O’ Texas Fair & Rodeo, where he is still a committee member. He is also a past-president of the Texas Senior Pro Rodeo Association, a role he served in for twelve years.
Ronnie and his wife of 60 years, Shirley, still live in the Waco area. They have one son, two granddaughters, and one great-granddaughter.
Ronnie Parks receives the 2013 Heart O’ Texas Fair & Rodeo’s Heart of a Volunteer Award, which is given to volunteers who display “hard work, service and commitment” and who go “above and beyond the call in serving as a volunteer” for the HOT Fair & Rodeo.
This comment is meant for Mr. Parks:
Mr. Parks, my parents knew you well as you knew them, Mr. And Mrs. Walter ” Bubbo” Athey. I remember daddy telling me what a good man you are. I could tell he had great respect for you. Since I had worked at Central National Bank myself and have always felt as family although it was only for a short 10 years, He was excited to tell me when you became a member of Central. I know you and Daddy crossed paths many times since Dad was a rodeo clown and you a “top” calf roper!!
I am truly excited and and glad to know such a kind, good man has been given this award. You know us horse people are just “GOOD PEOPLE” as my Dad always said. Congratulations, you certainly deserve such recognition. Thank you for the times you occassionally helped me in the past serving as my banker at Central National Bank.
Best wishes and enjoy your retirement!!
Judy Athey Lanier
Ms. Lanier, I will be sure to pass along your kind remarks to Ronnie. I know they will mean a lot to him. Thank you!