First State Bank was founded in 1899 by George H. Reese in Pineville, Kentucky. His vision and strong character not only shaped the bank's success, but also established a trusted reputation in the community. Mr. Reese's dependability was a major factor in the bank's growth, with many depositors bringing their savings to the bank because of his reputation. First State Bank was referred to as "Mr. Reese's Bank" in its early history, showcasing the close association between the bank and its founder. Today, First State Bank remains committed to the same mission as its founder - to provide trusted banking services and take care of its valued customers. The success of First State Bank is closely tied to the involvement of the Reese family. George H. Reese started the family's legacy at the bank as a cashier in 1899 and eventually became its president until his death in 1951. The bank's leadership was then passed on to his nephew, George R. Bentley, who served as president until 1963. George H. Reese Jr. held the office of vice president before his passing in 1967. George H. Reese III joined the bank in 1960, working his way up through various positions and serving as the Chairman of the Board of First State Financial until his death in 2009. This long family tradition in banking demonstrates First State Bank's commitment to serving its customers, just as it did in 1899. In 1998, Katherine J. Reese continued the legacy. With her prior banking experience from Bank One in Louisville, KY, First Guaranty Bank, and Barnett Bank in Jacksonville, FL, Katherine worked her way up the ranks at First State Bank alongside her father. In 2007, she became President/CEO of the bank and today, she serves as the Head of the Board of Directors and CEO. Katherine continues to prove that the Reese family is dedicated to serving the community and providing exceptional customer service. The growth of First State Bank took a significant turn in 2000 with the acquisition of The Lexington Bank and Town and Country Bank. Both banks were known for delivering quality and customer-friendly financial services, making them a natural fit for First State Bank's expanding family. Over the next few years, new branch offices were opened in Lexington, Williamsburg, and Jellico to meet the increasing demand for banking services. In 2004, to better reflect the diverse range of financial services offered, First State Bank, The Lexington Bank, and Town and Country Bank were consolidated into First State Financial. In 2007, First State Financial opened the New Tazewell Banking Center, and the acquisition of Mountain Valley Insurance in 2008 allowed customers access to a full range of insurance products and services. To better serve customers in New Tazewell, a new branch was opened in 2017. First State Bank offers a wide range of financial products and services including checking and savings accounts, loans, individual retirement accounts, certificates of deposit, debit and credit cards, online banking, bill pay, and remote deposit capture. In 2017, First State Financial was renamed First State Bank (of the Southeast), restoring the original name of the historic bank. Over a century after its founding by George H. Reese, First State Bank continues to uphold the principles and standards of excellence set by its founder. The Reese family's long history of faithful involvement and commitment to customers serve as proof of the bank's unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction. Today, First State Bank is poised to continue providing top-notch financial services to its customers for many years to come.
