Longtime bank director Gravett retires; SimplyBank to add new ATM at Dayton office

March 23, 2023

SimplyBank director retires after more than four decades of service on board; bank to add new ATM

Stan Gravett, longtime bank director and Dayton native, embraces full retirement after four decades lending expertise and leadership at locally-owned bank; bank also prepares to add second drive-up ATM to better serve Dayton customers

DAYTON, Tenn. -- Stan Gravett’s four-decade run in leadership on the board of directors at SimplyBank ended on a high note earlier this year as Gravett announced intentions to retire at the bank’s annual January directors meeting.

Gravett and wife Lowanda are lifelong Dayton residents and graduates of Rhea Central High School, Class of 1961. Gravett is also a graduate of Samford University, Class of 1966. Lowanda is a graduate of Bryan College, Class of 1965.

“We can’t thank Stan enough for all he’s done for the bank over the last four decades serving on our board of directors,” said Cara Roberson, president at SimplyBank. “His experience and wisdom have been invaluable to all of us who have had the privilege to work with him, and he has helped make SimplyBank stronger and safer for our customers. On behalf of our ownership, leadership and all team members, thank you, Stan, and we wish you a very happy retirement filled with well-earned travel and time with your loved ones.”

During his tenure on the board, Gravett helped oversee the transition of ownership to the Calfee family in the 1980s and the bank’s growth from a roughly $19 million institution to an approximately $700 million bank today.

Gravett’s career includes more than 30 years as a successful businessman and entrepreneur. After graduating from Samford University in Alabama, Gravett returned to Dayton and in 1970 opened Stan’s Pharmacy. Stan’s Pharmacy went on to serve the Rhea County community for more than 30 years, and Gravett retired from full-time pharmacy work in 2003. Under Gravett’s direction, Stan’s Pharmacy was recognized as a Top 10 pharmacy in America by respected industry publication Drug Topics.

Additionally, Gravett and Lowanda also owned and operated a Gold Crown Hallmark store in south Dayton.

Gravett has served on the board of directors at SimplyBank continuously since 1977. And now, he now looks forward to enjoying a full retirement.

“Thinking about why I decided to hang it up now, I’ll be 80 years old this year,” Gravett said. “When you get 80, it’s time to give up some of these things.”

Not that he plans on simply sitting around.

There’s mowing to do, gardening to upkeep and “Stan’s Class” to teach at New Union Baptist Church, where Gravett has served as a deacon for 50 years and taught Sunday School for the last 30.

Not to mention time to spend with his wife Lowanda, his son Darrell and his daughter Kristy, plus his two grandsons currently enrolled at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga.

Gravett looks forward to traveling more and leaves one simple piece of advice to the next generation of local leaders.

“This is what I tell my kids,” Gravett said. “Make good decisions. Think about the decision you’re about to make and why you’re making it. If you can’t make a good decision, ask for a little time. All decisions do not have to be made instantly.”

SimplyBank to add second drive-up ATM in downtown Dayton

SimplyBank leaders also announced this week plans to install a second drive-up ATM under a lighted awning at the bank’s flagship branch at 420 Third Avenue in downtown Dayton.

The new machine will complement the existing drive-up ATM and both machines will operate around-the-clock for customers’ convenience. Including a wall-mounted ATM in the main lobby of the branch, customers will have three ATM options at the downtown location.

“Over the years, we’ve seen use at our drive-up ATM at Dayton-Main steadily increase, which is a great problem to have,” said Candace Colvard, chief financial and operating officer. “But more traffic has also meant more issues arising due to heavy use, which is not acceptable for our customers. After reviewing all options, we agree this is the best solution to make banking with us easier and more convenient than ever.”

The new drive-up ATM will sit immediately adjacent to the existing machine. Crews installed a new concrete pad for the new machine in February.

The new ATM is currently on order, and bank leaders expect the new machine to be installed later in the spring.

“This community is near and dear to our hearts, being not only home to many of our team members but also home of the bank itself,” Colvard said. “We have heard our customers’ feedback on this particular issue and we take that feedback seriously. We believe this investment will make banking with us faster, easier and more convenient for this community for many years to come.”

Follow SimplyBank on Facebook and Instagram for continued installation updates and timelines.

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About SimplyBank.

SimplyBank is a premier provider of community banking and financial services headquartered in Southeast Tennessee. Deeply-rooted with more than 130 years of community banking experience, SimplyBank operates across eight East Tennessee and North Georgia counties, offering retail, consumer and business banking solutions at 14 offices, including full-service branch locations in: Benton, Tenn.; Chattanooga, Tenn.; Cleveland, Tenn.; Dayton, Tenn.; Decatur, Tenn.; Flintstone, Ga.; Harriman, Tenn.; Ringgold, Ga.; Rockwood, Tenn.; Rossville, Ga.; Soddy-Daisy, Tenn.; Spring City, Tenn.; and south Dayton, Tenn. SimplyBank offers customers around-the-clock options at its convenient ATM locations and via the SimplyBank mobile banking application and online banking. Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender. For more information, visit www.simply.bank.