Banker, civic leader McGrew remembered

Sydney C. "Bud" McGrew, 75, is being mourned as a leader in the financial community but also the community at large.

McGrew died Sunday at Glen Oaks Convalescent Center.

"Bedford County is going to sadly miss Bud," said County Mayor Eugene Ray this morning. "He has contributed a great deal to our community."

In addition to being a long-time banker and founder of First Community Bank of Bedford County, McGrew was active in Bedford County Arts Council and the Fly Arts Center. Ray said McGrew was active and helpful in the ongoing effort to bring a satellite campus of Middle Tennessee State University to Shelbyville.

McGrew was on the board of directors of Bethsalem Chapel and was a former elder of the Presbyterian Church.

"Bud McGrew loved this bank and everyone associated with it -- employees, shareholders, customers," said First Community CEO Donna Stone. "He called us family and treated us as family -- crying with us during difficult times, rejoicing with the accomplishment of our children at graduations, weddings, or births, and always mentoring us to help each be the best we could be. Bud shaped the careers of bankers all across the southeast through his involvement in the banking schools.

"It's not uncommon at all to tell someone which bank you work for, and they reply -- 'Oh, that's Bud McGrew's bank -- I had him as a teacher at LSU.' There are so many in this community that Bud helped get started in business or made a loan for their first auto or home. He touched so many lives. We've all lost a dear friend -- one who will be missed for years to come."

Survivors include his wife, Evelyn Taylor McGrew; a daughter, Kate McGrew Canady of Monacca, Va.; a stepson, Andy Rambo; three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to the Bethsalem Chapel and the Arts Council.