Frank Maxwell Moody, dedicated banker, and civic leader, learned early in life the value of the Puritan work ethic.
Moody attended The University of Alabama, excelling in athletics, military training, and academics. His achievements culminated with his selection into Phi Beta Kappa after his graduation in 1897. Moody developed a deep sense of loyalty to the University, serving as president of the alumni association in 1911 and 1912. Moody embarked on his banking career as a runner and junior clerk, working for First National Bank of Tuscaloosa, the bank his grandfather had established. In 1900, he married Beverly Hill, who died in 1906. In 1911, he married Sarah McCorkle. At the beginning of his career, Moody would sell Mutual Benefit Life Insurance to supplement his meager salary. Through this venture, he would eventually open an insurance firm, Meredith-Moody Insurance Firm, which Moody was a part of until he sold his interest in 1940. In 1921, Moody became the president of First National Bank, upon the death of his father, and served faithfully for almost two decades. Professionally, he was associated with the Alabama Bankers’ Association, as president, the American Bankers’ Association, and the Birmingham Branch of the Federal Reserve. He also served his community. During World War I, he was loan chairman for all liberty loan campaigns in the area and served as the director of the Alabama War Finance Corporation. In the community, he held positions with the Tuscaloosa Rotary Club, the Tuscaloosa Chamber of Commerce, and the Tuscaloosa Community Chest.
