Soul of 78: Ted Killingsworth

Vice President of Consumer Lending, Pinnacle Bank

                                               Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Images by Justin Hunter

Ted Killingsworth sees his career as a lifetime commitment to community and attestation to the values instilled in him from an early age. Raised on a farm in Fayette County, Alabama, with four siblings, Ted credits his upbringing for his strong work ethic and community focus.

"I had incredible parents, Fred and Irene Killingsworth. Both of them lived to age 97, and they set a great example for me and my siblings," Ted says. "I really don't think either of them truly ever had an off day. Dad worked as a road grader during the day, then farmed when he got home, and mom was responsible for the five of us kids."

After graduating from Brewer State (now Bevill State Community College) in Fayette and later from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Ted began his banking career in 1986 at First National Bank in Jasper, now Synovus. Although he initially interviewed for a different position, fate led him to a role in credit, where he eventually specialized in consumer lending. "I handle mortgage loans, automobile loans, any kind of personal loans, including small business loans," Ted explains, emphasizing his role in turning client dreams into reality.

Ted's current role as Vice President of Consumer Lending at Pinnacle Bank began in January 2012, after 26 years at his first banking institution. He is proud to be accessible to his customers, many of whom have become friends, and particularly enjoys working with those looking to buy a home.

"Home is where you go at the end of the day. It's an important place. Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions most people will ever make, so being able to play a part in that journey is really important," he says. "As a small community bank, we know our customers by name and regularly see them out in the world, so that adds another layer of personal involvement to what we do." 

That personal touch is something Ted values deeply, especially in an industry that has become increasingly driven by credit scores shifting how financial institutions operate. Despite the changes, his approach remains focused on relationships and helping others meet their goals.

Away from the bank, Ted embraces the role of grandfather to three young grandsons- Murphy, Merritt, and Graham. He also spends time working on projects around the house, managing residential rental properties, and preparing for a future that includes retiring to his family property in Fayette County.

Through his work and personal life, Ted Killingworth exemplifies how deeply intertwined our homes, dreams, and communities are, and how a lifelong dedication to service can help turn dreams into reality. 78