North Carolina Banking
Hall of Fame
Honoring the leaders whose vision, integrity and service have shaped North Carolina banking and strengthened communities across the state.
Honoring Leadership & Service
Class of 2024
The 2024 class honors four leaders whose careers span banking, regulation, education, law and public service—and whose work has left a lasting mark on North Carolina’s financial community.
Class of 2024
Dr. Harry Davis
Economist · Educator · Banking Leader
Class of 2024
Ray Grace
Former North Carolina Commissioner of Banks
Class of 2024
J.J. Sansom, Jr.
1917–1989 · Banker · Attorney · Civic Leader
Class of 2024
Paul Stock
Attorney · Advocate · NCBA Executive
NC Banking Hall of Fame · Class of 2024
Dr. Harry Davis
Economist · Educator · Banking Leader
Hall of Fame profile video
A Career in Banking Education
Dr. Harry Davis has spent decades connecting economics, banking and education. At Appalachian State University, he served as a finance professor and department chair while becoming a widely recognized economic commentator.
His relationship with the NCBA includes service as Professor of Banking and Economist as well as Dean of the North Carolina School of Banking, where generations of bankers have learned from his experience and perspective.
Davis has also advised financial institutions and served in bank governance, extending his influence beyond the classroom and into the development of North Carolina’s banking industry.
NC Banking Hall of Fame · Class of 2024
Ray Grace
Former North Carolina Commissioner of Banks
Hall of Fame profile video
Four Decades of Public Service
Ray Grace devoted roughly four decades to financial regulation in North Carolina, culminating in his service as Commissioner of Banks beginning in 2013 after previously serving as Acting Commissioner.
His career at the Office of the Commissioner of Banks included work as an examiner, supervisory examiner, director of bank applications and chief deputy commissioner.
A Marine Corps veteran who served during the Vietnam War, Grace built a career defined by public service and stewardship of North Carolina’s financial system.
NC Banking Hall of Fame · Class of 2024
J.J. Sansom, Jr.
1917–1989 · Banker · Attorney · Civic Leader
Hall of Fame profile video
Breaking Barriers in Banking
J.J. “Joe” Sansom, Jr. combined careers in banking, law and civic leadership. His banking career began at Mechanics and Farmers Bank in 1939 before he later became the first African American manager at Wachovia Bank and Trust.
Sansom returned to M&F Bank and ultimately rose to President and CEO in 1978 and chairman in 1983, helping lead one of the nation’s historic Black-owned financial institutions.
His public service included roles with the state banking commission, the UNC Board of Governors and the Wake County Board of Elections. He was also inducted into the National Bar Association Hall of Fame.
NC Banking Hall of Fame · Class of 2024
Paul Stock
Attorney · Advocate · NCBA Executive
Hall of Fame profile video
More Than Three Decades With NCBA
Paul Stock served the North Carolina Bankers Association as Executive Vice President and Counsel from 1979 through 2011, helping banks navigate decades of legal, legislative and regulatory change.
His earlier work included service as an attorney with the North Carolina General Assembly and the North Carolina Savings and Loan League. After retiring from NCBA, he continued his work in financial regulation with the Office of the Commissioner of Banks.
Stock’s professional and community leadership has included numerous board positions and recognition with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine.
Past Inductees
Explore the leaders recognized throughout the history of the North Carolina Banking Hall of Fame.Class of 2021
Larry Barbour
Larry R. Chavis
(1947 – 2022)
Kelly S. King
Class of 2019
Harold T. Keen
Class of 2016
John A. Allison, IV
Hugh L. McColl, Jr.
Nicholas W. Mitchell, Jr.
(1945 – 2015)
Thad Woodard
Class of 2013
V. “Pete” Allison, Jr.
(1923 -2014)
Ed Broadwell, Jr.
Frank B. Holding, Sr.
(1928 – 2018)
Robert R. Mauldin
(1935 – 2013)
Robert H. McInnis
(1951 – 2002)
Class of 2010
Lawrence R. Bowers
(1918 – 1987)
William L. Burns, Jr.
(1928 – 2011)
Richard Futrell, Jr.
Martha Guy
(1922 – 2019)
Lewis R. Holding
(1927 – 2009 )
Class of 2007
Harlan E. Boyles, Sr.
(1929 – 2003)
D. Gaskins, Sr.
(1912 – 2009)
Thomas I. Storrs, Jr.
(1918 – 2012)
William G. White, Jr.
(1929 – 2008)
Frederick Willets, Jr.
(1925 – 1998)
Class of 2004
James M. Culberson, Jr.
(1928 – 2020)
C.C. Hope, Jr.
(1920 – 1993)
Vincent Lowe, Jr.
(1936 – 1989)
John G. Medlin, Jr.
(1933 – 2012)
Addison H. Reese
(1908 – 1977)
Class of 2001
C. Cameron
(1920 – 2016)
Archibald K. Davis
(1911 – 1998)
John A. Forlines, Jr.
(1918 – 2010)
U.S. Sen. Jesse A. Helms, Jr.
(1921 – 2008)
Robert P. Holding, Sr.
(1896 – 1957)