Batchelor inducted into the Alabama Business Hall of Fame

TUSCALOOSA - Established in 1973 to honor those individuals who have brought lasting fame to Alabama through their business contributions, the Alabama Business Hall of Fame is proud to announce the names of the seven individuals that compose the Class of 2020.
The inductees are: Mr. Robert Baron, of Huntsville; Mr. Cecil Batchelor, of Russellville; Dr. Marcus Bendickson, of Huntsville; Mr. Jay Grinney, of Birmingham; Dr. Lonnie Johnson, of Atlanta, Ga.; Mr. Joe Ritch, of Huntsville; and Mr. Stan Starnes of Birmingham.

Cecil Batchelor is the chairman of CBS Banc-Corp and chairman emeritus of CB&S Bank, based in Russellville. His 56-year banking career is one defined by success in establishing and leading banks throughout the state. After becoming involved with Russellville’s Citizens Bank, now CB&S Bank, he founded First Federal Savings & Loans in Haleyville. Over time, First Federal Savings & Loan merged with First Federal of Alabama in Jasper, now known as Pinnacle Bank.
During his tenure as chairman, CB&S Bank grew from having $5 million in assets to more than $2 billion in assets. The bank also grew from one office in Russellville to an impressive 56 branches in Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee.
A veteran of World War II, having served in the United States Navy, Batchelor is committed to the community of Russellville and has been twice honored as that city’s Citizen of the Year and is a 72-year member of the local club of Civitan International. He has also led a number of community-oriented initiatives throughout Alabama, including successful efforts to raise funds for hospitals and health-related causes.  
He attended Florence State Teachers College, now known as the University of North Alabama.