But in Alabama, his lasting legacy was sealed over the state's radio airwaves.
The founder of the Alabama Football Network died Monday night in Tuscaloosa. He was 94.
Bank never fully retired from the radio network and continued to work until his death, under the title of producer emeritus. Just this past December, he was awarded an honorary doctorate degree by the university for his numerous accomplishments.
"Bert Bank's life and career reflect the qualities and service to which our students should aspire," Alabama president Robert Witt said of Bank when presenting the honorary degree.
After receiving a law degree from The University of Alabama, Bank served in World War II and survived the famous Bataan Death March that claimed several thousand lives. He was a prisoner of war for close to three years (1942-45) in the Philippines.
After being one of 513 American soldiers liberated from the prison camp, Bank spent two years in the Valley Forge (Pa.) General Hospital and was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star.
"I bear no bitterness or rancor," Bank had said of his experiences. "It was a different time and the world has changed. I hope there will come a day when all the people in the world will live in peace and happiness."
Bank eventually returned to Tuscaloosa where his radio career began.
Founder of two radio stations, WTBC-AM and WUOA-FM, Bank established the Alabama Football Network in 1953 and he remained in charge through the 1980s. The network, which included seven stations when Banks' former high school teammate Bear Bryant took the head coaching job in 1958, now numbers more than 60.
"Bert Bank was a great American war hero, a dedicated servant to his country and state, and a loyal fan and friend of the University of Alabama," Alabama athletics director Mal Moore said in a release. "Few individuals have had the impact on the university like Bert. He knew every football coach, dating back to Wallace Wade, on a first name basis. He saw the first game ever played in Denny Stadium."
Bank's reach extended well beyond the radio world. Bank served two terms in the state house of representatives and another in the state senate. Among the bills he sponsored, Bank authored the one that renamed Bryant-Denny Stadium to include Bryant's name.
Funeral services will be held Thursday at the Moody Music Building on campus. Visitation will run from 8:30-10 a.m. with a service to follow at 10. Bank will be buried alongside his parents and his brother at Evergreen Cemetery.
