Robert I. Gulledge, a lifelong resident of Baldwin County, Alabama, died on the 4th day of March, at the age of 87.
Robert was born on Oct. 5, 1932 in Summerdale, Alabama, and was preceded in death by his parents, Emmett S. Gulledge and Inez Resmondo Gulledge.
He is survived by four grandchildren, Robert I. Gulledge III, Angela Elizabeth Gulledge, Charles Patrick Gulledge of Mobile, Alabama and Braedon Wynn Gulledge of Fairhope, Alabama; and sister, Mary Carolyn (Ronnie) McDaniel, Summerdale, Alabama.
Robert I. Gulledge generously devoted his time and efforts to numerous activities locally, his state and country.
He was educated in the public schools of Baldwin County and earned his bachelor of science degree in 1956 from Auburn University (API). He was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity. Robert served his military commitment in the United States Army.
Upon fulfillment of his military commitment, Robert began a 50-year legendary career in banking at the American National Bank in Mobile, Alabama. In 1964 Robert returned to Baldwin County to serve as director and president of Baldwin County National Bank, successor in interest of Central Baldwin Bank. In 1981, Robert organized Citizen's Bank and subsequently Citizen's Capital Corporation where he was chairman, president and principal owner.
In 1970 Robert was appointed to the cabinet of Gov. George C. Wallace as superintendent of banks, where he supervised state chartered banks, savings and loan associations, credit unions and finance companies. He was appointed to the advisory committee of the Office of the Controller of the Currency in 1974.
Robert was elected to the Alabama Senate in 1978 where he developed a respected reputation for explaining conservative legislation. He was chief sponsor of the state banking code that was named the Gulledge-Cates Banking Code of Alabama, by the Senate membership. In a letter of commendation of then Lt. Gov. George McMillan Jr. He wrote, "Bob, your conscientious, deliberative genteel style has contributed greatly to the decorum of the Alabama Senate. If the entire Legislature were filled with the rational mind of Bob Gulledge, I could confidently stay in Birmingham during each year session and practice law."
He served two terms as chairman of the Community Bankers Association of Alabama, where he served 12 years on the board of directors.
Robert served two years as chairman of the board of directors of The Bankers Bank in Atlanta, Georgia, and on the board of directors over 10 years. He also served as interim president and CEO for seven months.
He was chairman and a board member of the Independent Community Bankers Association of America, a 6,300-member national association of bankers. He frequently testified on banking and tax issues before the Federal Reserve Bank Board of Directors, banking regulators and Congress.
He was named Central Baldwin Man of the Year in 1980.
Robert was a member of the First Baptist Church of Summerdale and a life member at Sonora Lodge 635.
He was retired from Citizen's Bank and Citizen's Capital Corporation after a 50-year career in banking in 2008. He attributed the foundation of his character and success as coming from the teaching of a Christian mother, the youth groups of his church and the 4-H and FFA Clubs.
The family wishes to thank Kindred Hospice and Homecare Companions for their compassion, care and support.
A memorial service will be held at Summerdale First Baptist Church on Saturday, March 7, at 11 a.m. with a reception at the Gulledge-McDaniel home at 501 SE 7th St. in Summerdale.
The family suggests in lieu of flowers, memorials may be donated to First Baptist Church, Summerdale Building Fund or the Rileigh & Raylee Angel Ride Foundation.
Arrangements by Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Homes & Crematory Inc., 19698 Greeno Road, Fairhope, AL 36532, 251-990-7775, www.wolfefuneralhomes.com.
