Hamlin retires after 47 years of dedicated service at Community Trust

Ruth Hamlin is retiring after 47 years of dedicated service at Community Trust Bank in Williamsburg. She has been in her current position as vice-president and branch manager of the downtown Williamsburg location of the bank since May 2005.

Walter Brown and Demps Ballou hired Ruth on April 21, 1971 and her first position at the bank, which was then known as Farmer’s National Bank, was in the installment loan department, working with Johnny Brown. She also helped Barbara Neubert and Mary Lou Brown with general ledger balancing. Since then she has worked in many different departments and areas throughout the bank.

She has been talking about retirement for the past year. “As we get older, the body doesn’t want to work the same way as, let’s say, 10 years ago. So now, while I can, I hope to get back into fishing, four wheeling, golfing and gardening. For me, deciding now was the time to retire would have been just as hard a year ago as it would be a year from now”. As Ruth states, “these walls have been my home! I enjoyed being able to help people get their first car or buy that first home. There is no greater pleasure for me than seeing happiness. I love helping anyone with a problem from their checking account, loan payment or just listening.”

She goes on to say, “I will so very much miss the people I work with every day. I have been so very blessed to be a part of a great company, Community Trust Bank Inc., and to work with wonderful co-workers. The truth is, We are family! The good Lord has blessed me with a great job and I have made some lifelong friendships over the past 47 years.”

Ruth’s family is very excited for her and has started making plans to keep her busy so she won’t have time to miss going to work.

“Speaking on behalf of Ruthie’s co-workers, it’s been an honor and privilege for us to get to work alongside Ruthie with her grace, love and willingness to go the extra mile to assist us as well as our customers. She was truly a delight to work with and she enjoyed what she did. She always welcomed you with a smile and a willingness to help. She will greatly be missed, but we have been and will always be family.” said Mike Blount, Williamsburg Market President at Community Trust Bank.

Ruth mentions many people who have made a difference in her life during her career at the bank, and she says she will miss them all.

A retirement reception will be held in Ruth’s honor on April 25, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Williamsburg downtown office of Community Trust Bank. Ruth would be honored for everyone to come and spend a few minutes with her at the bank.