Soul of 78- Larry J. Uptain
Banker and mentor
Words by Anna Duncan Owens| Image by Al Blanton
From a small neighborhood in the Farmstead community to a distinguished banking career spanning nearly four decades, Larry Uptain’s story is one of grace, grit, and gratitude. He calls it a story of the characters who “came through” his life - the people who noticed potential before he saw it in himself.
One of the first was Coach George E. Miller at Farmstead Junior High School, who treated every student like family. After Thursday night football games, Miller often gave Uptain a ride home, always ending with the same reminder: “Son, get your studies done, and I’ll see you in the morning.” Those words stayed with him longer than any playbook.
At home, his mother, Bobbie’s, influence ran just as deep. “When I was young, she told me, ‘Larry, don’t forget, God has great things in store for you,’” he recalls. “She’s been right my whole life.”
Then came Principal Ned Hamner, who taught Uptain that correction and compassion can coexist. After a night of overzealous school spirit at a Walker High School basketball game, Hamner called Larry into the office, not to punish, but to remind him of who he was. “You’re one of my favorite students, but that wasn’t the young man I know you to be.” Uptain still recalls that conversation as a turning point. “That’s what true educators do,” he said. “They see who you can be before you do.”
Encouragement continued beyond high school. At twenty-eight, while working full-time at AmSouth Bank as a Commercial Lender, Uptain dreamed of finishing his degree but doubted his academic record would open the right doors. Then came Morris Walton, president of the Burton Golf Bag Company and a trustee at Birmingham-Southern College. Walton arranged an interview with the President of Birmingham Southern, Dr. Neal Berte, on Uptain’s behalf, and told him simply to go. When he arrived, the dean looked across the desk and asked, “Larry, what are you going to do to distinguish yourself?” Uptain didn’t hesitate. “I’ll make the Dean’s List before I graduate,” he said, and he did, his final quarter.
That milestone launched a career that would ultimately see him become County President for Colonial Bank and a driving force behind Jasper’s growth along Industrial Boulevard. The project’s highlight was working alongside his architect son, Brent, on the bank’s new building, a full-circle moment that blended family, legacy, and love for his hometown. “Jasper supported me,” Uptain said. “I wanted to return that.”
Even after moving to Birmingham in 2004, Uptain insists that Jasper, and the mentorship he received while growing up there, never left him. In retirement, he continues to mentor others, helping business owners prepare for transitions and supporting people in recovery through faith-based missions.
Yet of all his titles, the one he treasures most is father figure. “That’s my greatest joy,” Uptain says softly. “Seeing Chris and Brent thrive.”
Now, reflecting on a lifetime of characters who shaped his path, Uptain smiles. “I wasn’t supposed to be here,” he says. “But I was guided every step of the way.” 78