James Michael “Mike” Ellenburg (March 23, 1952 – June 2, 2024)
Mike passed away at 72 years old at his home in Fairhope, AL on June 2, 2024. Mike was born March 23, 1952, and was a native of Arab and Scottsboro, Alabama. Even though he called these places home his heart always belonged to Auburn University and the Plains. He loved Auburn so much that in his retirement he a and Kathy had a second home to be able to say “War Eagle” whenever his heart desired.
Mike graduated from Arab High school in 1970 and Auburn University in December 1973 with a Bachelor’s in Accounting. He graduated from Alabama Banking School in 1981. He graduated from The Graduate School of Banking of the South at LSU in 1985.
Mike served in numerous committees in the community and at First United Methodist Church of Scottsboro. He was active in the Rotary Club. He served as chairman of CBAA in 2007 – 2008 and was also chairman of the Bankers Bank of Atlanta. He served on numerous committees of ICBA.
Mike was a lifelong community banker of over 49 years. He started his career at the Bank of Arab (later Am South) followed by Jackson County Bank in Scottsboro. Much of his career was at First Southern State Bank (formerly First National Bank of Stevenson). He joined the bank as Executive Vice President in 1987. He was later promoted to President and CEO. He finished his full-time career there in 2017, where he then retired to Fairhope, Alabama to be near their children and grandson, Jay. He remained on the board and was President of the holding company. He became Chairman of the Board in January 2024.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents Elbert and Bonnie McKelvy Ellenburg and in-laws Billy and Jean Handley. He is survived by his wife of 53 years Kathy Handley Ellenburg. He leaves behind one son, Adam Michael Ellenburg of Silverhill, AL and one daughter Abby (David) Lightsey of Orange Beach, AL and one beloved grandson, Jay Handley Lightsey. Brothers Tommy (Virginia) Ellenburg of Arab and Richard (Linda) Ellenburg of Titusville, FL. He also will be missed by brother-in-law, Jerry (Sandra) Handley of Hokes Bluff, AL and several nieces and nephews. He would like to recognize his honorary banking sons, Brad (Julie) Bolton of Red Bay, Al, David (Carla) Long of Birmingham, AL, and Scott (Carrie) Couch of Huntsville, Al.
Services will be held June 9, 2024 at 2pm at Rudder Funeral Home (716 South Broad Street, Scottsboro, AL 35768). Honorary pallbearers will be the Broad of Directors of First Southern State Bank. Immediately following those services, a Fond Farewell and Celebration of Life for Mike, will be held at First Southern State Bank in Scottsboro (20 Micah Way, Scottsboro, AL 35769).
In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to the Eagles Foundation at Auburn University. Checks may be sent to: The Eagles Foundation, c/o Denise Slupe, 2109 Vestavia Road, Birmingham, AL 35216, or online at www.theeaglesfoundation.org. Mike loved and supported this foundation. The Eagles Program at Auburn University gives students with learning disabilities the opportunity to experience college life that is appropriate for them and teaches them life skills to be independent and contributing members of society.
Online memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at www.rudderfuneralhomes.com
