Induction Year: 1992

Hall W. Thompson

  • October 26th, 2021

Although Hall W. Thompson is a native of Tennessee, he has become a distinguished business leader in Alabama during the last thirty-five years. He is the retired Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Thompson Tractor Co., Inc., which he founded in 1957, and is currently President of Thompson Realty Co., which he established. in 1959.

One of four children of the late DeWitt C., Jr. and Mary (Gibson) Thompson, Hall W. Thompson was born in Nashville, Tennessee, on May 28, 1923. After graduating from Duncan Preparatory School in Nashville in 1941, he attended Vanderbilt University until called to serve his country in World War II. From March 1943 until January 1946, he served with the United States Army Air Corps in the Pacific.

Returning to Nashville in 1946, he again entered Vanderbilt, while at the same time assuming responsibilities at General Truck Sales, a company founded by his father. During his 12 years with General Truck Sales, the nation’s largest privately-owned GMC truck outlet, he served in all facets of the company and left the Tennessee business while serving as its Executive Vice President and General Manager.

In 1957, he acquired the North Alabama dealership for Caterpillar, Inc., the world’s largest manufacturer of earth-moving and construction equipment, and a major supplier of diesel and natural gas engines and gas turbines. Thompson Tractor Co., Inc., became an Alabama corpora­tion and established its headquarters in Birmingham.

Under Hall Thompson’s leadership, the firm would become one of the most successful Caterpillar dealerships in the nation. Building on the philosophy that customers consistently do business with firms dedicated to customer service, Thompson recruited an outstanding team of people, at one time totaling nearly 600, and set standards by which most Caterpillar franchises were then and are today measured.

Of particular significance in his career, according to Hall Thompson, was his part in convincing local and state banks that firms engaged in highway construction and in mining the coalfields in Alabama deserve significant support.

When Thompson Tractor Co., Inc. was established, Alabama was just beginning to use funds provided by the Highway Defense Act of 1956 (an Eisenhower program that authorized over $50 billion for construction of the nation’s highways). He found that banks at that time had shown no interest in investigating what was happening in two of the major markets that Thompson Tractor Co., Inc. would serve.

Thus, in 1958, he invited all the CEOs of Birmingham area banks to “spend a day with him in the highway industry.” The day began with breakfast at the old Tutwiler Hotel and ended with a dinner party at the Birmingham Country Club.

The main event of the day was a scenic tour through rural areas to several interstate highway projects in Blount and Cullman counties to let bankers see first-hand what ultramodern machinery would accomplish in completing Alabama’s portion of the highway program. He gave bankers a first-hand view of exactly what lay ahead for construction companies and what these companies would need in capital to accomplish these large projects if Alabama businesses and Alabama jobs were to be created. In effect, Hall Thompson set the stage that would lead to major bank participation and ultimately solve the problems that faced the contractors. He made similar efforts in the mining industry-an “iffy” opportunity for bankers when coal prices were very low, but an entirely different picture as the mid-70’s oil embargo sent coal prices soaring.

Unusual growth in construction, mining, and other industries throughout the state brought a change in the 37 counties in North Alabama. Thompson Tractor Co., Inc. facilities were built in Anniston, Decatur, and Tuscaloosa, and additional people were hired to meet rapidly expanding needs. Hall Thompson says that he was fortunate, as are most successful leaders, to have had his timing right and to be on the scene when rapid growth in all industries was taking place.

Thompson Tractor Co., Inc. today markets earth-moving equipment through its tractor division; provides complete product and product support offerings of Caterpillar and Crown through Thompson Lift Co.; and provides CAT diesel engines and power systems for prime and standby power for any application through Thompson Power Systems.

Under the leadership of Hall Thompson’s son, Michael, who became President and Chief Executive Officer in 1986, Thompson Tractor Co., Inc. has continued the tradition of excellence and service fostered by its founder.

In 1987, the company became the authorized Caterpillar Dealer for South Alabama and the panhandle of Florida. The firm has also added to its “full-service” and “mini-service” branches.

The corporate headquarters and main operations are still in Birmingham. “Full-service” branches are located in six Alabama cities and one in Florida. The company has three “mini­branches” in Alabama and one in Florida.

A dedicated golfer, Hall Thompson fulfilled a longtime goal by finding the perfect property on which to construct a superior golf course. A combination of his extensive background in golf, a magnificent piece of property, and the expert assistance of Jack Nicklaus developed the course now known as Shoal Creek. The course has gained national and international recognition in the world of golf and has hosted three national championships. In 1985, “Golf Digest” ranked Shoal Creek as the 14th finest golf course in America while elevating it to #3 in the quality of turfgrass found on courses throughout the country.

Hall Thompson is pleased that Shoal Creek has become an example to other clubs in the community to provide their membership with superior facilities. The support of the golf tournaments at Shoal Creek also did much to encourage entrepreneurs to build quality courses on which the daily fee golfer can play. The number of jobs created in the construction and maintenance of these facilities has been significant.

Taking a leaf out of his father’s book, Hall Thompson became very active in community affairs when he moved to Birmingham. An early membership in the Monday Morning Quarter­ back Club led to substantial involvement in many facets of community life.

He has served on a number of corporate boards, including AmSouth Bank, South Central Bell, BellSouth Telecommunications, Protective Life Corporation, and Alabama By Products Corp. He is a past director of both the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and the State Chamber of Commerce as well as the Associated Industries of Alabama. He is currently a member of Vanderbilt University’s Board of Trustees.

He became active in politics at the county, state, and national levels because he believed then, and still believes, that business people should have a voice in shaping the future of the nation. He became a Republican when, he has said, “it wasn’t all that popular to be so identified.” While never a candidate for office, he has served several candidates as a major fundraiser, and in one instance, as a state-wide campaign manager.

Hall Thompson has received well-deserved recognition for his leadership in business and community affairs. In 1978, he received an honorary Doctor of Law degree from the University of Alabama in Birmingham. In August 1982, he received an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree from Samford University. He has also received the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award from Judson College and was honored by the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame as Alabama’s first Distinguished Sportsman.

He and his wife-the former Lucille (Lucy) Ryals of Rhine, Georgia-have three sons, two daughters, and eight grandchildren.

Frank McCorkle Moody

  • October 26th, 2021

Frank McCorkle Moody has said that “a bank is nothing but a shadow of its administration.” During his fifty years with First National Bank of Tuskaloosa (now AmSouth Bank of Tuskaloosa), he set an example of excellence through his leadership in Alabama Banking; through his community service; and through the financial support of educational, cultural, and other worthy causes in the community.

This model citizen, as he has been called, was born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, on September 25, 1915, the son of Frank Maxwell and Sarah (McCorkle) Moody. He received his elementary education in public schools and his secondary education at Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Virginia. He then entered The University of Alabama and graduated with a B.A. degree in Economics in 1937. (He later did post-graduate work at the Finance School, Duke University, and in the Graduate School of Banking, Rutgers University).

After graduation from The University of Alabama, Frank Moody decided to follow in the footsteps of his forebears and pursue a career in banking at the First National Bank of Tuskaloosa (FNB). His great-grandfather (Judge Washington Moody) had established FNB in 1871; his grandfather, Frank Sims Moody, had led the bank for forty years; his father, Frank Maxwell Moody, was in 1937 the leading executive.

Frank McCorkle Moody would become the fourth member of the family to lead the First National Bank. But, he would climb to the top in an old-fashioned way. His first job in 1937 was in the bank’s proof department.

When the United States entered World War II in 1941, Frank Moody joined the U.S. Army Air Force and served until 1945 when he was honorably discharged with the rank of Captain.

The young veteran re­turned to Tuscaloosa where he became an assistant cashier at FNB. By 1949, he had become executive vice-president. By 1956, he was made president and CEO. In 1970, he became both CEO and Board Chair­ man, positions he held until he retired in 1987. Upon his retirement, he was named Chairman Emeritus of AmSouth Bank of Tuskaloosa, and still serves in that capacity. Frank Moody has said that investments in time and money are part of a “two-way street, … what helps community growth helps banks Communities that don’t

have aggressive banks don’t do much.” A bank must be “a catalyst and a leader.”

First National Bank has been a catalyst for growth since 1871 when Frank Moody’s great­ grandfather along with eight prominent citizens formed the bank. The bank’s credit was largely responsible for helping Tuscaloosa begin reconstruction. Under the leadership of Frank Moody’s grandfather and father, FNB continued to be a catalyst for growth in the West Alabama area as “a friend of the farmer.” When Frank McCorkle Moody became the fourth Moody to head FNB, the focus changed to commercial activity; and the bank became the leading bank in West Alabama, with at least ten branch banks. In the 1980s, with increasing competition in the banking industry and with powerful statewide banks in every community, Frank Moody felt that FNB’s potential for growth was decreasing. Thus, it was decided that the bank be sold to AmSouth Bancorporation. In 1987 Frank Moody oversaw the transition of Tuscaloosa’s strongest hometown bank, First National Bank of Tuskaloosa, to AmSouth Bank of Tuskaloosa.

During his years at First National Bank of Tuskaloosa, Frank Moody always stressed the importance of service and leadership. He personally set the example for the bank.

Frank Moody served in various leadership positions in the Alabama Bankers Association as well as the American Bankers Association. He also served as a member of the advisory board of the Federal Reserve Bank of Birmingham. For many years, he was a director of the Alabama Power Company, and a director and partner with R. L. Zeigler Co., and Creative Displays, Inc.

He has given his time to the community as president and member of the board of the Chamber of Commerce. As chair of the Chamber’s Aviation Committee, he spearheaded the paving of the runways at Tuscaloosa’s airport. He has also served as Chairman of the Board of Druid City Hospital (now DCH Regional Medical Center) and on the Tuscaloosa Housing Authority Board and the Tuscaloosa Development Board. For twenty-five years he was a board member, and also served as a chairman, of the Alabama State Mental Health Authority.

He has been president and chairman of the Tuscaloosa United Fund Drive; an active member of the Black Warrior Council of the Boy Scouts of America and also of the vestry of Christ Episcopal Church. He is a member of the University Club of New York City.

At his alma mater, Frank Moody has served as a member of the President’s Cabinet and the Board of Visitors of the College of Commerce and Business Administration. At Stillman College, he has served on the Board of Trustees and the executive committee.

During Frank Moody’s tenure at FNB, the bank established an employee welfare fund to encourage giving to educational, cultural, and other worthy causes. The resulting contributions, combined with money donated by the bank, had totaled over $3 million when Frank Moody retired.

The Moody family’s interest in the arts led to the construction of two facilities on The University of Alabama campus. Frank Moody, two sisters, and FNB contributed substantially toward the construction of a music building. Named the Frank Moody Music Building, it honors not only Frank McCorkle Moody but also his father and grandfather, also named Frank Moody.

And another UA facility, the Moody Gallery of Art, has been dedicated to honor his Mother (Sarah McCorkle Moody), a staunch supporter of the arts.

For his leadership and service, Frank McCorkle Moody has often been recognized. For example, in 1991, he was inducted into the Alabama Academy of Honor. His name was added to the list of other prominent Alabamians whose contributions, in a variety of areas, have greatly enriched Tuscaloosa, West Alabama, and the state.

In 1992, he and his wife Gloria were the recipients of the Frances S. Summersell Award and they were selected to ODK (leadership honorary) at his alma mater.

In 1986, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters by Stillman College; and in 1979, an honorary LLD. from The University of Alabama.

Other honors include the Silver Beaver Award from the Black Warrior Council of the Boy Scouts in 1987; the “Business and the Arts Award” presented by the Society for the Fine Arts (to Frank Moody in conjunction with FNB) in 1984; and a tribute – “To Tuscaloosa’s Finest,” placed in the Congressional Record by Richard Shelby on March 15, 1984.

In 1958, Frank Moody received the Tuscaloosa Citizen of the Year Award, and in 1957, he was named “Number One Boss” by the Business and Professional Women’s Association.

After Frank Moody announced that he would retire on June 30, 1987, the Tuscaloosa City Council proclaimed May 28 as Frank Moody Day. The Council’s resolution cited, among other things, Frank Moody’s leadership and “dedication to the economic growth and prosperity of the area and the meeting of humanitarian needs.”

The president pro-tern of the Council said that “rarely does one have an opportunity to see an individual who fits the mold of a model citizen… Most people know him as Frank Moody, but a lot of people call him ‘Mr. Tuscaloosa.'”

He and his wife, Gloria, are the parents of six children and five grandchildren.

Samuel Paul Garner

  • October 26th, 2021

Samuel Paul Gamer, Professor and Dean Emeritus of the College of Commerce and Business Administration at The University of Alabama, is recognized as a leader in the educational aspects of international business, with special attention to its accounting relationships. Even though he retired in 1971, he has remained an active participant in professional organizations throughout the world. His colleagues have said he is probably one of the best-known living academicians in America, Europe, and Asia.

During all of his fifty years of travels in pursuit of knowledge of the international aspects of business management and in attendance at numerous professional meetings, Paul Garner’s goal has been to inform people about The University of Alabama and its academic programs. His public relations efforts have earned him the unofficial title of The University of Alabama’s “Ambassador to the World.”

Samuel Paul Garner was born in Yadkinville, North Carolina (near Winston-Salem) on August 15, 1910. He was the oldest of the seven children of Samuel W. and Ila Jane (Hoots) Garner. His father owned and operated a large country store before opening a Yellow Cab Company in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, in 1921.

Paul Garner’s early education consisted of a combination of private tutorage and attendance in one-room schoolhouses. After the seventh grade, he attended Mineral Springs High School from which he graduated in 1927 as valedictorian in his class.

For twelve months after graduation, the young man worked full-time for his father’s taxi business and banked his savings in order to attend college. His savings, plus loans and a four-year tuition scholarship, enabled him to enter Duke University. In 1932, he graduated (Phi Beta Kappa) in the top ten of his class with an A.B. in economics (with minors in languages and physics).

Paul Garner’s interest in other countries and other cultures had been kindled by a sixth-grade geography teacher. Thus, the twenty­ one-year-old college grad­uate used the $500 he had managed to save from the many jobs he held during his college years to finance a graduation trip to Europe. This first venture abroad was the forerunner of sixty other trips he would take to ninety-five countries in years to come. But the ensuing trips would be primarily for business and to make contacts for the University.

Another scholarship enabled him to return to Duke University in September 1932 to work on his master’s degree, which he received in 1934. After serving as an instructor at Duke for the academic year 1934-35, he was an Assistant Professor at Mississippi State University for two years.

Between 1937 and 1939, Paul Garner served as an Instructor at the University of Texas while earning his Ph.D. During these two years, he not only completed his course work, passed his preliminary exams in four disciplines, and his oral comprehensive, but also almost completed his dissertation.

In 1939, he accepted the offer of Dean Lee Bidgood to become an Associate Professor of Accounting at The University of Alabama. By the fall of 1940, Paul Garner had finished his dissertation and was awarded his Ph.D. By 1943, he had been promoted to Professor. In 1949, he was named to succeed Chester Knight as head of the Accounting Department. In 1954, he became the second dean of the College of Commerce and Business Administration when Dean Lee Bidgood retired.

During his tenure as dean (1954-1971) Dr. Garner led the College to new heights through the example he set as a researcher, a writer, an administrator, a leader in professional organizations, and in interaction with the business community. He encouraged faculty members in these areas as well as in the development and expansion of activities in the College, such as the Ph.D. program.

During his years as an academician and administrator, Paul Garner has written more than fifty professional articles which have appeared in more than forty-nine publications involving at least twelve languages. He has also authored or co-authored seven textbooks. His revised dissertation, The Evolution of Cost Accounting to 1925 (first published in 1954) has been translated into Japanese and Chinese and was in 1991 called a significant milestone in inter­ national accounting literature (see The Costing Heritage: Studies in Honor of S. Paul Garner, published by the Academy of Accounting Historians, Harrisonburg, Virginia, 1991.) In recognition of Dr. Garner’s outstanding contribution to accounting research and education, the faculty of the University’s Culverhouse School of Accountancy voted unanimously in 1990 to call the school’s Center for Current Accounting Issues, “The Paul Garner Center.”

Over the years, Dr. Garner has been the president or a ranking officer in virtually all of the major accounting organizations. He has also held the presidency of major academic groups such as the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business (the accreditation body for business schools in the United States).

He has traveled and lectured extensively throughout the United States and the world. He has developed hundreds of contacts with businesses and universities in the U.S.; and with foreign educators, students, businessmen, and government officials through his attendance at more than thirty world congresses. By cross­ indexing the names of his national and international friends, he has established a file of more than 5,000 people in over 125 countries.

Even in retirement, Dean Emeritus Paul Garner maintains correspondence with people all over the world. Businesses, faculty members, students, and other individuals still come to or call Dean Garner for advice about whom to contact to help them achieve their desired goals in our “global village.”

Dr. Garner has also been active in civic affairs almost from the first day he arrived in Tuscaloosa. For example, he has been a financial advisor to the City for five decades. He has served on the boards of at least four local businesses – something he always encouraged faculty members to do so that they would have working experience in the business world. He has served as a director of the Chamber of Commerce, as a member of the board of the YMCA, and (since retirement) on the board of FOCUS. He has also been an active member of the Alabama Export Council, and many other groups.

For his leadership, Dr. Paul Garner has received numerous awards and honors over the years. For example, in 1988 alone he received public service awards from the American Institute of CPAs and the Alabama Society of CPAs, and the Financial Service Award from the city of Tuscaloosa. In 1990, he was named the International Accounting Educator of the year by the American Accounting Association; and in 1991, he received the Presidential Citation of Distinguished Service from Beta Gamma Sigma. Previous honors have included the prestigious Dow Jones Award and Prize in 1976 and honorary degrees from Pusan National University (Korea) in 1966 and The University of Alabama in 1971.

Dean Emeritus Paul Garner is married to the former Ruth Bailey, whom he met at Duke University. They have three children and four grandchildren.

Angelo J. Bruno

  • October 26th, 2021

The late Angelo Bruno, who was Chairman of the Board of Bruno’s, Inc., has been described as a quiet, shy man who enjoyed life, loved his family, and was proud of his family’s achievements. For years he worked with his brothers building a supermarket empire that is today by far the largest chain in Alabama.

One of the eight children of Vincent and Maria Theresa Costa Bruno, Angelo J. Bruno was born in Birmingham, Alabama, on May 29, 1924. His parents had come to America from Sicily in 1909 to pursue their dreams of a better life.

When Angelo Bruno was seven years old, his oldest brother Joe (then 19 years old) used the family savings – $600 – to purchase a grocery store on the corner of Eighth Avenue North and Tenth Street in Birmingham. (The 20′ by 40′ store would fit inside a modern meat cooler.) Joe and Sam (the two oldest of the brothers) quit their jobs and moved the family into the small living quarters next to the store.

Though Joe Bruno was considered “head of the family,” the whole family participated in various capacities in operating the store. Angelo, as one of the four youngest of the six brothers, dis­ tributed handbills after school. The store offered no credit, as did most small grocery stores at the time. But because Bruno’s bought in volume, it offered an abundance and variety of quality goods at low prices. Buying in volume and selling at advertised low prices for quality goods became two factors in the growth of the Bruno stores.

Angelo Bruno continued to work in the family business throughout his school years. In effect, he learned the grocery business from the ground up.

During World War II, Angelo Bruno served in the Armed Forces in the Pacific until 1946 when he returned home and joined the rapidly expanding family business. Angelo Bruno has been called a quieter version of his oldest brother Joe Bruno (who remains Chairman Emeritus of Bruno’s, Inc., and the Big B drug store chain). Angelo Bruno certainly shared Joe Bruno’s philosophy that “You can’t stand still, and you can never stop dreaming,” and that success comes only from “a lot of hard work.”

When Bruno’s incorporated in 1959, Angelo Bruno was named Executive Vice President. In 1977, he became President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). By 1985, he had been elected Chairman of the Board and CEO. In 1990, he remained Chairman of the Board and his son Ronald assumed the position of CEO.

When Angelo Bruno became CEO in 1977, the company’s sales were $230 million. By 1989, sales had exceeded $2 billion. By 1991, sales were approaching $3 billion.

In 1971, when Angelo Bruno was Vice President, the company went public with its first stock offering. Since that time, there have been six two-for-one stock splits. One share of Bruno’s stock purchased in 1971 for under $15 was worth 64 shares ($900) by 1990 when Angelo Bruno became Chairman of the Board.

During his tenure as CEO, the company expanded to over 230 stores in the Southeastern states. The company continued to anticipate and meet the changing needs of customers through diverse divisions of the company.

By 1991, when Angelo Bruno was Chairman of the Board, the company store formats included Food World, Bruno’s Food and Pharmacy, Food Max, Piggly Wiggly Stores in Southern Georgia, Food Fare, and Vincent’s Market.

Angelo Bruno had a genuine concern for others and a deep religious faith. (He was an active member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church.) During his lifetime, he shared his good fortune to improve the quality of life for others. For example, he (with his brothers) made possible the establishment of the Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit at UAB Medical Center in Birmingham.

And in 1991, Angelo, his wife Ann, and their 5 children gave $4 million dollars to The University of Alabama to help fund a new business library and computer center on the campus at Tuscaloosa. The gift was at that time the largest gift that the University had ever received from a living donor and was the lead gift in a $40 million campaign for the improvement of the College of Commerce and Business Administration and its facilities at the Capstone.

UA’s President, Dr. Roger Sayers said about the generous contribution, “It is fitting that one of the most successful, ‘home-grown’ business enterprises in the state … and the state’s oldest and most comprehensive business school … should join in addressing the needs of Alabama’s business leaders of tomorrow.”

Angelo Bruno’s statement about the generous gift is indicative of the type of person he was. He said simply, “We are very glad to have the opportunity to make a gift to the University in appreciation for the fine quality education our family has received.”

On December 11, 1991, Angelo Bruno’s life ended unexpectedly and tragically when the corporate jet crashed in Georgia, killing all on board, including the corporate pilots. Angelo Bruno; his brother (Vice Chairman of the Board and Senior Vice President) and other executives were making the traditional holiday visits to Bruno stores throughout the Southeast.

As stated in Bruno’s, Inc.’s memorial for those lost in the crash:

“This is a sad occasion for our company, our city, and our state.

“We have lost some wonderful people who have made a tremendous difference in our lives personally and professionally by the way they lived their lives.

“Lee and Angelo Bruno were among the founders of our company. Their success in business was matched by their generosity to their community.”

The memory of Angelo Bruno, a man of quiet dignity known for his spirit of sharing and helping others, will remain in the hearts of many. At the Capstone, the building which will house the Bruno Business Library and a computer center will be a “living” monument in recognition of Angelo Bruno’s lifetime achievements and contributions to his fellow man.

Angelo Bruno is survived by his wife Ann Marie Messina Bruno; four sons – Ronald, Ken, David, and Alan – and one daughter, Suzanne Bowness.

In the tradition of the Bruno family, Angelo Bruno’s son, Ronald G. Bruno, now Chairman and CEO of Bruno’s, Inc., is still looking to the future. The company is constantly anticipating the needs and concerns of the consumer by adding new stores and by participating in the support of environmental and educational programs.

Aaron M. Aronov

  • October 26th, 2021

Aron M. Aronov was a man of vision who through hard work, realistic evaluation of circumstances, and service to his fellow man, made the American Dream come true. Born in Montgomery, Alabama, on December 22, 1919, he was one of five children of Jake and Norah (Varlow) Aronov. His father had immigrated to the United States in 1912 from what is now Kiev in Ukraine.

After graduating from Sidney Lanier High School in 1937, he completed two years as a student in business at The University of Alabama before being forced to leave because of illness in 1939.

In 1942, after his father died, Aaron Aronov took charge of his father’s wholesale auto parts and tire business while his brothers were in the armed forces during World War II. (Medical reasons disqualified him from service.) He maintained the business to support the family. Because he did not really like the auto tire and parts business, he ventured into real estate as a sideline, as his father had done in a modest way.

Aaron Aronov’s astute business sense (inherited from his father, according to reports from those who knew them both) brought him success in his early endeavors in real estate sales and development. Thus in 1952, he left the family business and opened a realty office. Under Aaron Aronov’s leadership, this one-man operation would become Aronov Realty Company, Inc. – one of the largest and most diversified real estate firms in the South. He built a record of achievement by blending the visions and techniques of the future with the wisdom gained from yesterday.

In 1954, Aronov Realty made its debut in the shopping center field with Normandale (in Montgomery) – the first planned regional shopping center in Alabama. The company’s portfolio today includes over 15 million square feet of shopping center space – placing the company in the top 25 managers of retail property in the nation. The company has also become the fifth fastest-growing shopping center developer in the U.S

Aronov Realty Company, Inc. is now active in 15 states with not only a variety of shopping centers but also apartment complexes, resort condominiums, motels, office buildings, and warehouses. Through its subsidiary, Aronov Insurance, Inc., the company also provides a sensible approach to risk management to hundreds of firms by carefully analyzing their exposure to loss and thereby developing the best possible insurance programs.

Aaron Aronov rose to prominence as an innovative business leader while serving as President of Aronov Realty Co., Inc. from 1952. to 1984 and as Chairman of the Board from 1984 until his death in 1991.

He also became known as a man who gave generously of his time, efforts, and tangible resources in support of the well-being of the people of Alabama.

This pioneer in the development of shopping centers was, for example, one of the founding members (and later president) of the International Council on Shopping Centers, an educational and trade organization with over 25,000 members in the United States and foreign countries.

In his hometown, he was involved in “everything that was good for the community.” He was a founding member of the Industrial Development Board and a charter member of the Montgomery Area Committee of 100. He also served as chairman of the Montgomery Water and Sewer Board and as a member of the board of the YMCA. He was president of the Junior

Chamber of Commerce and the Montgomery Chapter of the National Foundation of Infantile Paralysis.

He was a member of The Board of Directors of Central Bank of the South and of St. Jude Catholic Hospital. He was also a member of the State of Alabama Industrial Revenue Bond Council and the State of Alabama Commission on Higher Education Council of Twenty-one. He was also one of five trustees of the state’s $450 million Heritage Trust Fund. Initially appointed by Governor Fob James, he was reappointed by both Governor George Wallace and Governor Guy Hunt. He served as president of the Jewish Federation of Montgomery and of Agudath Israel Synagogue and was a trustee of the National Conference of Christians and Jews.

Aaron Aronov was also an enthusiastic supporter of The University of Alabama because, according to reports, he believed that the University could be the fountainhead for new industry and a better life for the people of Alabama. He gave generously of his time and energy as a member of the President’s Cabinet as well as the Board of Visitors of the College of Commerce and Business Administration.

He also served for seven years (1983-1990) as a member of the Board of Trustees of The University of Alabama System. During his tenure on the Board, he played a key role in the growth of the U.A. System through service on the finance, investment, and audit committees. Aaron Aronov was also instrumental in raising over $1 million to fund a Chair of Judaic Studies at the University – later named in his honor. He also established an endowed scholar­ ship fund which assists deserving full-time students.

It has been said that all these endeavors stemmed from Aaron Aronov’s twin heritage – his dedication to his native Alabama and to his Judaic faith.

For his many-faceted contributions, Aaron Aronov received well-deserved recognition during his lifetime.

In 1982, he was named to the First Hall of Fame of the Montgomery Board of Realtors; he was the recipient of the Julia Tutwiler Distinguished Service Award at The University of Alabama and of the First Annual Marketers Award bestowed by the Sales and Marketing Executives International Club of Montgomery. He was also the recipient of the Brotherhood Medallion awarded by the National Conference of Christians and Jews in recognition of contributions to the improvement and general welfare of inter-group relations.

In 1988, Aaron Aronov was elected to the Alabama Academy of Honor for accomplishments and services greatly benefiting and reflecting great credit on the state. And, at Commencement Exercises in May 1991, he was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree by his alma mater – The University of Alabama – which he had served so well.

On December 12, 1991, ten days before he would have had his 72nd birthday, Aaron Aronov died at home of heart failure after an extended illness.

To paraphrase the words of Leon Weinberger, editor of the Judaic series at The University of Alabama, Aaron Aronov was a genius and to Alabama’s lasting benefit, he shared his gift.

Aaron Aronov is survived by his wife, Marjorie; two sons, Jake, and Owen; and daughter, Teri Aronov Grusin.

Jake Aronov, as president of Aronov Realty, Inc., and Owen, as Executive Vice-President, are continuing to lead the company in the tradition of excellence set by their father.

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