At Bryant Bank, caring isn’t just something we say—it’s something we do. Every day, our Bryant Bankers step beyond the walls of our offices to make a real difference in the communities we serve. From supporting local nonprofits to mentoring the next generation, we believe that true community banking means being deeply invested in the places we call home.

Our commitment to putting care into action takes many forms across our footprint. Whether it’s through financial contributions, volunteer hours, or strategic partnerships, Bryant Bank consistently shows up for the causes that matter most to our neighbors.

When Bryant Bank opened its doors in 2005, it was built on a foundation of community service, integrity, and unwavering commitment to Alabama—values embodied by Mary Ann and Sam Phelps. As we reflect on Mary Ann’s passing on August 15, 2025, and remember Sam, who passed in 2011, we celebrate the legacy of two remarkable Alabamians whose vision and values inspire our dedication to the communities we serve.  Whenever we talk to our bankers about community service, only the older ones from Tuscaloosa have any idea what my friends, Mary Ann and Sam, accomplished and how much they mean to me.  Our relationship began when Mary Ann was my ninth grade science teacher.  Sam was my confidante and business partner for almost 40 years and now his son, Scott Phelps, continues to serve Alabama by working hard on the Bryant Bank Board of Directors and The University of Alabama System Board of Trustees.

– Paul W. Bryant, Jr.

Mary Ann and Sam Phelps were lifelong partners in service to Tuscaloosa County. Together, they represented the very best of community leadership, combining Sam’s legal background and business expertise with Mary Ann’s passionate advocacy for civic causes.  Their combined service touched virtually every aspect of community life—from healthcare and education to parks and recreation—leaving a lasting legacy that continues to benefit us today.

Mary Ann, an Auburn University graduate raised in Eufaula, moved to Tuscaloosa in 1956 when Sam started law school. Upon arriving in Tuscaloosa, Mary Ann immediately made an impact as a math and science teacher.   Her volunteer leadership truly transformed the community, touching virtually every major civic organization in the area. She became one of the first female board members of the Black Warrior Council, Boy Scouts of America, and went on to serve the United Way, Arts Council, and YMCA, among many others.  As a longtime leader of Tuscaloosa Parks & Recreation Authority, Mary Ann shaped the community’s parks and recreation system, with a community center named in her honor reflecting her lasting impact. She was also a leader and advocate for enhancing Tuscaloosa’s riverfront, demonstrating her vision for a thriving, connected community. As co-chair for DCH Foundation’s capital campaign, she was instrumental in establishing the $39 million Manderson Cancer Treatment Center. Her reputation as the person to call when something needed to get done was well-earned.

Sam Phelps was a native of Grove Hill who called Tuscaloosa home for most of his life. Before earning his J.D., he served as an officer in the United States Air Force. After organizing in 1968 what became the law firm Phelps, Jenkins, Gibson and Fowler, he established himself as one of Alabama’s most respected attorneys, earning recognition in Best Lawyers of America and fellowship in the American College of Trial Lawyers. His brilliant mind and hands-on approach to leadership were instrumental in his 26-year tenure on the DCH Healthcare Authority board, including the last 24 years as chairman. Under his leadership, DCH not only overcame decades of industry challenges, but evolved into one of Alabama’s largest healthcare systems, expanding to include medical centers in Northport and Fayette. The Phelps Outpatient Center at DCH Regional Medical Center is named in his honor.

Bryant Bank’s core value of “We Put Care Into Action” comes to life through our bankers’ active community involvement. Bryant Bankers volunteer for causes close to their hearts and serve on nonprofit boards, strengthening the communities where we live and work. Each year, Bryant Bank presents the Making a Difference Community Service Award to honor a banker who exemplifies exceptional dedication to community service. This peer-nominated award celebrates Bryant Bankers who translate our values into meaningful action, creating positive change in their neighborhoods and beyond.

As we honor their memory and celebrate their contributions, we recommit ourselves to the values they exemplified: integrity, service, and an unwavering dedication to our communities.

Throughout their lives, Mary Ann and Sam Phelps exemplified extraordinary dedication to the Tuscaloosa community through decades of volunteer leadership and civic engagement.

Mary Ann Phelps Awards, Recognition, Non-Profit Board Service and Community Leadership

• Tuscaloosa County Civic Hall of Fame Inductee (2002)
• Pillar of the Community Award (2011) – Community Foundation of West Alabama
• Tuscaloosa Civitan Club Citizen of the Year
• United Way Volunteer of the Year
• Alabama Parks and Recreation Society Service Award
• Mary Ann Phelps Activity Center named in her honor
• Tuscaloosa County Park and Recreation Authority (TCPARA) – 27 years of service
• YMCA
• Arts Council
• DCH Foundation
• Junior League
• Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama
• Girl Scouts
• Black Warrior Council, Boy Scouts of America
• League of Women Voters
• Tuscaloosa Riverwalk Committee
• West Alabama Rehabilitation Center
• Hospice of West Alabama

Sam Phelps Professional & Civic Awards, Recognition and Non-Profit Board Service and Community Leadership

• Tuscaloosa County Civic Hall of Fame Inductee (2012)
• Member of the Farrah Order of Jurisprudence
• Listed in Best Lawyers in America
• Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers
• Member of Tuscaloosa County and American Bar Associations
• Pillar of the Community Award (2005) – Community Foundation of West Alabama
• DCH Healthcare Authority Board of Directors (serving 24 years as chairman)
• Tuscaloosa County Civil Service Commission

Learn about Bryant Bank’s commitment to community care through our Turning Banking into Thanking initiative. During the holiday season, our focused effort supports 25 organizations across the state, recognizing their exceptional efforts in uplifting those in need. These organizations provide vital services, from feeding the hungry to offering support for the abused, and our involvement goes beyond financial contributions with hands-on volunteer work. Read through our Turning Banking into Thanking booklet for an in-depth look at this heartfelt initiative.

Walt Gary, born April 27, 1983, was raised in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.  To know Walt was to love him.  Walt was born with Down Syndrome but often called it Up Syndrome.  He was a model of courage, enthusiasm, and optimism, seeing the glass half full instead of half empty.  As Walt grew up, he became an avid Alabama fan, a lover of country music, a great employee, and so much more.

After his passing on June 6, 2019, the Be Like Walt movement was created as a way to encourage living life like Walt, a life full of positivity and optimism.

Bryant Bank has been fortunate to know the Gary family for many years. For generations, they have put care into action in the West Alabama community.  They are advocates for children and adults with disabilities and have made a lasting impact by spearheading efforts that have resulted in programs and services which provide opportunities for all.