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Nashville, TENN. – January 5, 2026 – Two long-standing Middle Tennessee community banks, united by shared ownership and a longstanding commitment to local service, have taken a meaningful step forward. Effective January 1, 2026, Volunteer Bank and F&M Bank have legally aligned under a single bank charter and holding company, Lawrence Bank. Both Volunteer Bank and F&M Bank will continue operating as divisions of Lawrence Bank, maintaining their established brands and local market presence.

This alignment brings together two institutions with deep community roots, complementary markets, and a shared belief that strong banking begins with local decision-making, trusted relationships, and personal service. By uniting under one charter, Lawrence Bank strengthens its ability to serve customers while reaffirming its long-term commitment to community banking across Middle Tennessee.

“For over seven years, Volunteer Bank and F&M Bank have been aligned by common ownership, shared values, and a clear purpose—to serve our communities with integrity, consistency, and care,” said Gaylon Lawrence, Jr., sole shareholder of Volunteer Bank and F&M Bank. “Uniting under the Lawrence Bank charter allows us to build on that foundation and positions us to remain a locally owned, community-focused banking partner for Middle Tennessee—today and for generations to come.”

The combined organization is led by Tony Gregory as chairman, president and chief executive officer of Lawrence Bank and Mark Seaton as chief financial officer of Lawrence Bank — roles they previously held for Volunteer Bank. DeWayne Olive, former chairman and chief executive officer of F&M Bank, serves as chief operating officer of Lawrence Bank. David McDaniel will serve as president for Volunteer Bank, while John Wallace, Jr. will continue as president of F&M Bank.

“This union reflects intentional, disciplined growth—growth that honors our rich history while positioning us for the future,” said Tony Gregory, chairman, president, and chief executive officer of Lawrence Bank. “Operating under a single charter amplifies our ability to invest in our communities, expand capabilities, and deliver a consistent, high-quality banking experience across our markets. For our neighbors throughout Middle Tennessee, this means greater access to local decision-making, broader services, and the strength of a larger organization— while preserving the local leadership, relationships, and service culture that define both banks.”

With a combined presence across the Nashville and Clarksville markets, Lawrence Bank will rank among the top 10 banks in Middle Tennessee by deposit market share. Following a systems integration anticipated in mid-2026, the organization will serve customers across nine Middle Tennessee counties, offering expanded access to branches and services while continuing to operate under the Volunteer Bank and F&M Bank brands.

“This is an alliance driven by purpose, not scale alone,” said DeWayne Olive, chief operating officer of Lawrence Bank. “Our customers will continue working with the bankers they know and trust, supported by a stronger organization with the resources, stability, and shared vision to serve Middle Tennessee well into the future.”

About Volunteer Bank

Volunteer Bank is a privately owned, Tennessee-based community bank with over $1.5 billion in assets. Founded in 1977, Volunteer Bank operates 17 full-service branches throughout Middle Tennessee in Davidson, Robertson, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson and Wilson counties. Volunteer Bank offers a full suite of financial solutions designed to empower individuals and businesses at every stage of their financial journey. For more information on products, locations, and hours of operation, please visit Volunteer.Bank.

About F&M Bank

Founded in 1906, F&M Bank is a $1.5 billion community bank headquartered in Clarksville, Tennessee. For more than 119 years, we have remained committed to one guiding principle – providing superior, personalized customer service. F&M Bank offers modern financial solutions with seventeen full-service offices across Middle Tennessee – including locations in Montgomery, Robertson, Dickson, Stewart, Sumner, and Wilson counties – F&M Bank proudly supports our customers and neighbors with approachable, experienced bankers who care about your success.