FDIC-Insured - Backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S Government

Our Story

Founded 120 years ago in the small East-Central Mississippi timber community of Forest, Community Bank is dedicated to serving our customers and giving back to the communities we cherish. We pride ourselves on fostering lasting relationships and providing personalized banking services that meet the unique needs of every client.

Since Thomas Colbert, our Senior Chairman and visionary leader, was named CEO in 1968, Community Bank has grown from a single office with 13 staff members and six million in assets to a robust institution with over 850 staff members, 55 offices, and $4.7 billion in assets. This remarkable growth is a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence and the dedication of our talented team.

Charles W. Nicholson, Jr.

1900s
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1905
FM building

Farmers and Merchants founded in Forest, MS

1960s
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1968
Freddie CEO

Thomas W. Colbert named president and CEO

1970s
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1977

Farmers and Merchants Corporation was incorporated

1980s
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1983

ESOP Began

1990s
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1995
Community Bank name

Farmers and Merchants changed name to COMMUNITY BANK

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1995
Community bank billboard

Acquired Merchants and Manufacturers Bank of Ellisville, MS and Peoples Bank of Mississippi based in Indianola, MS

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1996
Coast Community Bank

Formed Coast Community Bank in Biloxi, MS

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1997
Desoto billboard

Formed Community Operations, Inc., and Community Bank, DeSoto County. First cash dividend of $1 issued

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1999
Meridian Billboard

Formed Community Bank, Meridian

2000s
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2003

Acquired First National Bank of Lucedale

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2004

Acquired Security Bank in Amory, MS

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2005
Headshot of Freddie Bagley

Freddie J. Bagley named President & CEO. Formed Community Bank, National Association

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2006

Formed Community Bank, Destin

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2007
tupelo

Community Bank, North Mississippi formed. Community Bank, NA joined with Community Bank, Coast. Community Bank, NA opened an office in Mobile, AL

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2008
office

Community Bank, Meridian merged with Community Bank, Ellisville

2010s
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2010
mortgage

Community Bank aquired Mortgage Consultants

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2012

Community Bank acquired 100% ownership of Community Bank of Florida

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2013
2013 bank

Community Bank, NA and Community Bank, Destin merged with Community Bank, Coast

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2014
Charles W. Nicholson, Jr.

Charles W. Nicholson, Jr. named President & CEO

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2018

Community Bancshares, Inc. consolidated subsidary banks

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2019

Community Bank established a fifth region in Birmingham, AL

2020s
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2022
corporate office

Opened New Corporate Office

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2023
Headshot of Justin Martin

Justin C. Martin named President & CEO

Our mission is to provide top-notch financial services, deliver fair returns to our shareholders, empower our staff to succeed and thrive, and contribute to the growth and prosperity of our community. We are committed to looking ahead while effectively managing the present.

We prioritize our customers’ needs and strive to exceed their expectations.


We are dedicated to giving back and supporting the communities we serve.

We operate with the highest standards of integrity and build trust through transparency.


We embrace innovation to improve our services and enhance customer experiences.


We commit to excellence in every aspect of our business, from customer service to operational efficiency.

At Community Bank, people are at the heart of what we do. Our staff
members actively volunteer with local organizations, contributing time and
resources to make a positive impact.


Our success is driven by a passionate and dedicated team of professionals.