Wood to Retire from Liberty National Bank

John Wood at Liberty National Bank’s Downtown location will retire effective July 31, after 23 years of service with the bank.

“John Wood has not only been an outstanding employee for our bank for many years, but also a personal friend to me and others here at the bank. His positive attitude, great sense of humor, and outstanding work ethic will be dearly missed by all after his retirement. If there was a problem anywhere at the bank or its branch location, John would take care of it in addition to handling the bank’s internal real estate evaluations and inspections. We will dearly miss John, but I am so excited for his retirement and the opportunity to spend more time in the outdoors and with his family. On behalf of the management of the bank, I want to thank him for his service to Liberty National Bank and I wish him and Deb the very best going forward,” stated bank President, Bill Coleman.

Wood was hired in 2001 as the bank’s appraiser and field man. He was later elected as an Assistant Cashier in 2014. Wood is not only responsible for the bank’s appraisals, but he also does the banks purchasing, bank maintenance and is the go-to-guy for any problem in the bank.

Wood and his wife Deborah have been married for 46 years and have two daughters, Christi Rhea, husband Larry Rhea and Rebecca Whitney, husband Chance Whitney. He has five grandchildren, Aidan Rhea, Sophie Rhea, Case Whitney, Cora Whitney and Ava Whitney. Wood plans to enjoy his retirement by traveling, volunteering and a lot of hunting and fishing. The family are members of the First United Methodist Church in Paris.

Chairman, Carl T. Cecil said, “On behalf of the Board of Directors, Management, and Staff, I congratulate John for his 23 years of service. I hired John in 2001 on the recommendation of my great friend, Sims Norment. John had been a key employee at Oliver Rubber, which was shutting down. John won our first employee of the year award in 2002. He was a person I leaned on for many different tasks throughout the years. He helped us tremendously as a residential appraiser as well. I have enjoyed working with him, value his friendship, and hope that he has a fantastic retirement.”