Robert Clark "Bob" Allsbrook

Robert Clark "Bob" Allsbrook (83) of Mountain Brook, Alabama, beloved husband of DeLilah Ezzell, entered into the eternal embrace of his loving God peacefully on August 13, 2022. He was the proud father of Robert Colby (Anna DePalo) and Courtney Elizabeth (Douglas Reed), and adoring grandfather of four grandchildren: Robert Nicholas DePalo Allsbrook, Olivia Isabella DePalo Allsbrook, Lilah Cate Reed, and Sarah Beth Reed, all of whom lovingly referred to him (per his wishes) only as “Bob.”

Bob was born in West Virginia and grew up in Oakmont, Pennsylvania, although he spent his summers in his family’s home state of Mississippi. He matriculated at Brown University and completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Pittsburgh. After a brief time in Washington, DC, studying law at night at George Washington University while working days for his second cousin, Senator John C. Stennis, Bob chose to return south to pursue a master’s in Economics at The University of Alabama. It was there that he met the love of his life and soulmate of 58 years, DeLilah Ezzell, who was teaching nursing in Tuscaloosa, after earning her master’s degree at Emory University. They were married in her hometown of Abbeville, Alabama. His ashes will be interred there with the Ezzell family, who loved him dearly, and alongside his and DeLilah’s son Matthew, who died at the tender age of four months.

Bob’s career as an economist, trust officer, and financial advisor in Atlanta, Georgia, and Charlotte, North Carolina, ultimately led him to AmSouth Bank in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1984. He retired from its successor, Regions Financial Corporation, as Chief Economist in 2012. During his long and successful career, he advised leaders of our nation, including several Federal Reserve Board chairmen, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation directors, governors, legislators, and a U.S. President-elect; taught college-level economics to night students at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte; and earned the designation of Chartered Financial Analyst charterholder. He regularly spoke to audiences throughout the nation about the economy and was a featured economics writer and commentator for regional and national television and print media. His upbeat attitude and positive worldview informed his perceptive economic forecasts. Frequent business travel to New York City placed him at the World Trade Center for both the 1993 and 2001 attacks; on 9/11, he walked over 100 blocks (about 5 miles) from downtown to the safety of his daughter’s apartment on the Upper West Side.

Outside of work, he was active throughout his married life with DeLilah in the churches they attended, serving in many capacities, including deacon, Sunday school teacher for adults and children, and leader of church events and fellowship activities. They most recently have been members of Southminster Presbyterian Church in Vestavia Hills. In his spare time, Bob enjoyed reading about a wide variety of topics, and studying Biblical history and theology. He will be remembered by those who knew and loved him for his gentle humor, his kind and thoughtful nature, his intelligence and wit, his generous spirit, and his love for his family and for God.

A memorial celebrating Bob’s life will be held at 2pm on December 30 at Southminster Presbyterian Church, 1124 Montgomery Highway, Vestavia Hills, Alabama with visitation and a celebration gathering to follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in Bob’s memory to charitable organizations dedicated to supporting and nurturing children.