Williams, Southern Bank in Sikeston, known for helping local farmers

SIKESTON — Terry Williams, market president at Southern Bank in Sikeston, has taken his time growing up on his family farm and used it to help local farmers.

Specializing in all types of agricultural loans, Williams currently holds the position of chairman of Southern Bank’s agricultural loan committees.

“I love helping people and I take pride in seeing our customers succeed while knowing they put their trust in me to help them start and grow their business,” Williams said.

With a Sikeston location opening in December of 2005 at 1205 S. Main Street, Southern Bank is over 130 years old, originally chartered in 1887.

While Southern Bank has been around for many years, Williams has a wealth of experience in the industry as well. With an interest getting into lending when beginning college, he double majored in accounting and agriculture.

“I started a career as a loan officer right after college and have been in banking for 38 years,” Williams said. “I wanted to get into lending as a way to help others succeed.”

He said there is always competition in banking but the biggest challenges bankers face today is keeping up with the pace of changing technology and regulatory changes while always “making sure we never lose focus on providing the best customer service that our customers deserve.”

Married to his wife Nancy, who has been a teacher in Sikeston for 40 years, Williams loves the outdoors and hunting and fishing.

“I especially enjoy fishing bass tournaments with friends and hunting with my grandsons,” Williams said. “I’m also a member of the First Christian Church of Sikeston where we follow our mission to worship god, love others, grow in Christ, and serve the world.”

To contact Southern Bank, 573-471-1901, or visit them online at www.bankwithsouthern.com.