ALABAMA NATIONAL BANCORPORATION
10-Q, 1999-05-17
STATE COMMERCIAL BANKS
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<PAGE>
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                  ------------

                                    FORM 10-Q

          [X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE
                         SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

                  For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 1999

                                       OR

    [ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES
                              EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

                           Commission File No. 0-25160

                         ALABAMA NATIONAL BANCORPORATION
                         -------------------------------
             (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

    DELAWARE                                              63-1114426 
    --------                                              ----------
(State of Incorporation)                    (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

             1927 FIRST AVENUE NORTH, BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA 35203-4009
             -------------------------------------------------------
                     (Address of principal executive office)

       Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (205) 583-3654
                                                            -------------

               ---------------------------------------------------
              (Former Name, Former Address and Former Fiscal Year,
                          if Changed Since Last Report)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
   the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
     required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
                       requirements for the past 90 days.

                                  Yes X    No
                                     ----    ----
      Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant's
           classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

         Class                                Outstanding at May 10, 1999
         -----                                ---------------------------
Common Stock, $1.00 Par Value                         11,052,948
<PAGE>
 
                                     INDEX

               ALABAMA NATIONAL BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

PART I.   FINANCIAL INFORMATION                                             PAGE
- -------------------------------                                             ----

Item 1.   Financial Statements (Unaudited)

          Consolidated statements of condition
          March 31, 1999 and December 31, 1998.............................   3

          Consolidated statements of income
          Three month periods ended March 31, 1999 and 1998................   4

          Consolidated statements of other comprehensive income
          Three month periods ended March 31, 1999 and 1998................   6

          Consolidated statements of cash flows
          Three month periods ended March 31, 1999 and 1998................   7

          Notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements
          March 31, 1999...................................................   8



Item 2.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
          Results of Operations............................................  10

PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION
- ---------------------------

Item 6.   Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.................................  24

SIGNATURES.................................................................  26

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
- ---------------------------

Statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q which are not
historical facts are forward-looking statements. In addition, Alabama National,
through its senior management, from time to time makes forward-looking public
statements concerning its expected future operations and performance and other
developments. Such forward-looking statements are necessarily estimates
reflecting Alabama National's best judgement based upon current information and
involve a number of risks and uncertainties, and various factors could cause
results to differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking
statements. Such factors could include those identified from time to time in
Alabama National's Securities and Exchange Commission filings and other public
announcements. With respect to the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses for
Alabama National, these factors include the rate of growth in the economy,
especially in the Southeast, the relative strength and weakness in the consumer
and commercial credit sectors and in the real estate markets and the performance
of the stock and bond markets.

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
Part I - Financial Information
- ------------------------------

                         Item 1 - Financial Statements
               Alabama National BanCorporation and Subsidiaries
                     Consolidated Statements of Condition
               ------------------------------------------------
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION>                                        March 31, 1999 
                                                   (Unaudited)   December 31, 1998
                                                 --------------  -----------------
                                                          (In thousands)
<S>                                               <C>              <C> 
Assets
  Cash and due from banks........................ $   62,298       $   70,813
  Interest-bearing deposits in other banks.......      1,490              225
  Investment securities (estimated market 
    values of $30,275 and $35,214)...............     29,708           34,655
  Securities available for sale..................    285,023          289,558
  Trading securities.............................     14,863            5,534
  Federal funds sold and securities purchased                    
    under resell agreements......................     68,109           57,076
  Loans..........................................  1,131,128        1,107,472
  Unearned income................................     (1,182)          (1,398)
                                                  ----------       ----------
  Loans, net of unearned income..................  1,129,946        1,106,074
  Allowance for loan losses......................    (17,167)         (16,540)
                                                  ----------       ----------
  Net loans......................................  1,112,779        1,089,534
  Property, equipment and leasehold improvements,        
    net..........................................     39,535           38,875
  Intangible assets..............................      8,101            8,226
  Cash surrender value of life insurance.........     29,839           29,669
  Receivable from investment division customers..     15,429           22,776
  Other assets...................................     26,776           25,108
                                                  ----------       ----------
  Totals......................................... $1,693,950       $1,672,049
                                                  ==========       ==========

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
  Deposits:
    Noninterest bearing.......................... $  236,373       $  232,450
    Interest bearing.............................  1,071,010        1,042,725
                                                  ----------       ----------
  Total deposits.................................  1,307,383        1,275,175
  Federal funds purchased and securities sold
    under repurchase agreements..................    138,761          162,633
  Treasury, tax and loan account.................      1,933            1,506
  Short-term borrowings..........................     31,700           21,700
  Accrued expenses and other liabilities.........     47,853           47,714
  Long-term debt.................................     32,313           32,328
                                                  ----------       ----------
  Total liabilities..............................  1,559,943        1,541,056

  Common stock, $1 par, authorized 17,500,000 
    shares; issued 11,032,042 and 10,971,686 
    shares at March 31, 1999 and December 31,
    1998, respectively...........................     11,032           10,972
  Additional paid-in capital.....................     78,870           78,570
  Retained earnings..............................     43,629           40,584
  Unearned ESOP shares...........................        (75)             (75)
  Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of      
    tax..........................................        551              942
                                                  ----------       ----------
  Total stockholders' equity.....................    134,007          130,993
                                                  ----------       ----------
  Totals......................................... $1,693,950       $1,672,049
                                                  ==========       ==========
</TABLE> 

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
               Alabama National BanCorporation and Subsidiaries
                 Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
                 ---------------------------------------------
                     (In thousands, except per share data)


                                                          For the three months
                                                             ended March 31,
                                                         ----------------------
                                                           1999           1998
                                                         -------        -------
Interest income:
  Interest and fees on loans...........................  $23,159        $23,361
  Interest on securities...............................    4,819          4,172
  Interest on deposits in other banks..................        4             29
  Interest on trading securities.......................       85             52
  Interest on Federal funds sold and securities
    purchased under resell agreements..................      744          1,226
                                                         -------        -------
Total interest income..................................   28,811         27,840
Interest expense
  Interest on deposits.................................   10,787         11,141
  Interest on Federal funds purchased and securities
    sold under repurchase agreements...................    1,796          1,688
  Interest on long and short-term borrowings...........      852            889
                                                         -------        -------
Total interest expense.................................   13,435         13,718
                                                         -------        -------
Net interest income....................................   15,376         14,122
Provision for loan losses..............................      562            345
                                                         -------        -------
Net interest income after provision for loan losses....   14,814         13,777

Noninterest income:
  Securities gains.....................................      166             28
  Gain (loss) on disposition of assets.................      (14)           133
  Service charges on deposit accounts..................    1,838          1,714
  Investment services..................................    3,064          3,089
  Trust department income..............................      525            420
  Origination and sale of mortgage loans...............    1,238            874
  Bank owned life insurance............................      363            332
  Other................................................      727            619
                                                         -------        -------
Total noninterest income...............................    7,907          7,209


                                       4
<PAGE>
 
               Alabama National BanCorporation and Subsidiaries
           Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) (Continued)
           ---------------------------------------------------------
                     (In thousands, except per share data)


                                                          For the three months
                                                             ended March 31,
                                                         ----------------------
                                                           1999           1998
                                                         -------        -------
Noninterest expense:
  Salaries and employee benefits........................   9,353          8,572
  Occupancy and equipment expenses.....................    1,665          1,680
  Other................................................    4,365          4,144
                                                         -------        -------
Total noninterest expense..............................   15,383         14,396
                                                         -------        -------
Income before provision for income taxes...............    7,338          6,590
Provision for income taxes.............................    2,319          2,040
                                                         -------        -------
Net income.............................................  $ 5,019        $ 4,550
                                                         =======        ======= 

Net income per common share (basic)....................  $   .46        $   .43
                                                         =======        ======= 

Weighted average common shares outstanding (basic).....   11,022         10,611
                                                         =======        ======= 

Net income per common share (diluted)..................  $   .45        $   .41
                                                         =======        ======= 
Weighted average common and common equivalent shares
  outstanding (diluted)................................   11,188         11,080
                                                         =======        ======= 

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements

                                       5

<PAGE>
 
 
               Alabama National BanCorporation and Subsidiaries
      Consolidated Statements of Other Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) 
      -----------------------------------------------------------------
                     (In thousands, except per share data)


                                                          For the three months
                                                             ended March 31,
                                                         ----------------------
                                                           1999           1998
                                                         -------        -------
Net income.............................................  $5,019         $4,550
Other comprehensive income (loss):
  Unrealized gains (loss) on securities available for
    sale...............................................    (426)           298
Less: Reclassification adjustment for net gains
  (losses) included in net income......................     166             28
                                                         ------         ------
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax..........    (592)           270 
Provision for (benefit of) income taxes related to
  items of other comprehensive income..................    (201)            92
                                                         ------         ------
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax..........    (391)           178 
                                                         ------         ------
Comprehensive income...................................  $4,628         $4,568
                                                         ======         ======


                                       6


<PAGE>
 
               Alabama National BanCorporation and Subsidiaries
               Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
               -------------------------------------------------
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                               For the three months
                                                                 ended March 31,
                                                              ----------------------
                                                                1999          1998
                                                              --------      --------
                                                                  (In thousands)
<S>                                                           <C>           <C> 
Net cash flows provided by (used by) operating activities..   $  3,271      $   (536)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from maturities of investment securities..........      4,925         4,228
Purchases of securities available for sale.................    (27,718)      (40,220)
Proceeds from sale of securities available for sale........        256            -
Proceeds from maturities of securities available for sale..     31,247        19,458
Net increase in interest bearing deposits in other banks...     (1,265)       (4,463)
Net increase in Federal funds sold and securities purchased                       
  under resell agreements..................................    (11,033)       (5,956)
Net increase in loans......................................    (24,154)      (14,544)
Purchases of property, equipment and leasehold            
  improvements.............................................     (1,371)       (1,645)
Proceeds from sale of other real estate....................        193            -
                                                              --------      --------
Net cash used in investing activities......................    (28,920)      (43,142)
                                                              --------      --------

Cash flows from financing activities:
Net increase in deposits...................................     32,208        62,644
Decrease in Federal funds purchased and securities sold
  under agreements to repurchase...........................    (23,872)      (18,919)
Net increase in short and long-term borrowings and                                     
  capital leases...........................................     10,412         1,066   
Exercise of stock options and conversion of debentures.....                            
                                                                   360           266   
Dividends on common stock..................................     (1,974)       (1,287)  
                                                              --------      --------   
Net cash provided by financing activities..................     17,134        43,770  
                                                              --------      --------    
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents...........     (8,515)           92
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period.............     70,813        53,216
                                                              --------      --------    
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period...................   $ 62,298      $ 53,308
                                                              ========      ========    

Supplemental schedule of noncash investing and financing 
Acquisition of collateral in satisfaction of loans.........   $    347      $     -
                                                              ========      ========    
Adjustment to market value of securities available for sale,
  net of deferred income taxes.............................   $   (612)     $     -
                                                              ========      ========    
</TABLE> 

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements

                                       7

<PAGE>
 
                ALABAMA NATIONAL BANCORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
            NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                 MARCH 31, 1999

NOTE A - BASIS OF PRESENTATION
- ------------------------------

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim
financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of
Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and
footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete
financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting
of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have
been included. Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 1999 are
not necessarily indicative of the results of the full year or any other interim
period. These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with
the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in Alabama
National's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998.

NOTE B - COMMITMENT AND CONTINGENCIES
- -------------------------------------

Alabama National's subsidiary banks make loan commitments and incur contingent
liabilities in the normal course of business which are not reflected in the
consolidated statements of condition.

NOTE C - RECENTLY ISSUED PRONOUNCEMENTS
- ---------------------------------------

Derivative Investments and Hedging Activities

     In June 1998, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,
("Statement 133"), effective for all fiscal quarters of all fiscal years
beginning after June 30, 1999. Statement 133 standardizes the accounting for
derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in
other contracts, by requiring that an entity recognize those items as assets or
liabilities in the statement of financial position and measure them at fair
value. If certain conditions are met, an entity may elect to designate a
derivative instrument as a hedging instrument. Statement 133 generally provides
for matching the timing of gain or loss recognition on the hedging instrument
with the recognition of (a) the changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or
liability that are attributable to the hedged risk or (b) the earnings effect of
the hedged forecasted transaction. Management of Alabama National does not
expect the adoption of Statement 133 to have a material impact on its financial
statements since it does not invest in derivative instruments.

Mortgage-Backed Securities

     In October 1998, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 134, Accounting for Mortgage-Backed Securities Retained after the
Securitization of Mortgage Loans Held for Sale by a Mortgage Banking Enterprise,
an amendment of FASB Statement No. 65, ("Statement 134"). Statement 134 amends
Statement 65 to require that after the securitization of mortgage loans held for
sale, an entity engaged in mortgage banking activities classify the resulting
mortgage-backed securities or other retained interests based on its ability and
intent to sell or hold those investments. This statement became effective for
the first quarter of 1999. Since Alabama National does not securitize mortgage
loans, no financial statement impact has resulted from adopting this statement.

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
NOTE D - EARNINGS PER SHARE
- ---------------------------

The following table reflects the reconciliation of the numerator and denominator
of the basic earnings per share computation to the diluted earnings per share
computation for the quarters ended March 31, 1999 and 1998.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                Per Share
                                                             Income   Shares      Amount
<S>                                                        <C>        <C>       <C> 
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1999
Basic EPS net income................................       $ 5,019    11,022    $   0.46   
Effect of dilutive securities options...............             -       166    ========
                                                           -------    ------    
Diluted EPS.........................................       $ 5,019    11,188    $   0.45
                                                           =======    ======    ========

THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1998
Basic EPS net income................................       $ 4,550    10,611    $   0.43
                                                                                ========
Effect of dilutive securities options...............             -       469
                                                           -------    ------    
Diluted EPS.........................................       $ 4,550    11,080    $   0.41
                                                           -------    ------    --------
</TABLE>

NOTE E - SEGMENT REPORTING
- --------------------------

Alabama National's reportable segments represent the distinct major product
lines it offers and are viewed separately for strategic planning purposes by
management. The following table is a reconciliation of the reportable segment
revenues, expenses, and profit to Alabama National's consolidated totals (in
thousands).

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                          Investment             Mortgage    Retail and
                                           Services      Trust   Lending     Commercial  Corporate    Elimination
                                           Division    Division  Division     Banking    Overhead       Entries      Total
                                          ----------   --------  --------    ----------  ---------    -----------   -------
<S>                                       <C>          <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>           <C>         <C> 
Three months ended March 31, 1999:
Interest income                             $  529                 $  125      $28,436                  $(279)      $28,811
Interest expense                               177                    102       13,435                   (279)       13,435
                                            ------       ----      ------      -------      -----       -----       -------
Net interest income                            352                     23       15,001                               15,376
Provision for loan losses                                                          562                                  562
Noninterest income                           3,134       $525       1,238        3,010                                7,907
Noninterest expense                          2,798        261         568       11,217      $ 539                    15,383
                                            ------       ----      ------      -------      -----       -----       -------
Net income before tax                       $  688       $264      $  693      $ 6,232      $(539)      $   -       $ 7,338
                                            ======       ====      ======      =======      =====       =====       =======

Three months ended March 31, 1998:                                                                
Interest income                             $  179                 $   59      $27,688                  $ (86)      $27,840
Interest expenses                               33                     53       13,718                    (86)       13,718
                                            ------       ----      ------      -------      -----       -----       -------
Net interest income                            146                      6       13,970                               14,122
Provision for loan losses                                                          345                                  345
Noninterest income                           2,855       $420         874        3,060                                7,209
Noninterest expense                          2,702        305         414       10,704      $ 271                    14,396
                                            ------       ----      ------      -------      -----       -----       -------
Net income before tax                       $  299       $115      $  466      $ 5,981      $(271)      $   -       $ 6,590
                                            ======       ====      ======      =======      =====       =====       =======
</TABLE> 

Corporate overhead is comprised of compensation and benefits for certain members
of management and merger-related costs.

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
                  Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis
                of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Basis of Presentation
- ---------------------

The following is a discussion and analysis of the consolidated financial
condition of Alabama National and results of operations as of the dates and for
the periods indicated. On December 31, 1998, Community Bank of Naples, National
Association ("Naples"), a bank headquartered in Naples, Florida, was merged with
and into a subsidiary of Alabama National, pursuant to which each share of
Naples common stock was converted into 0.53271 shares of Alabama National's
common stock for a total of 532,608 shares of Alabama National common stock
issued to Naples shareholders. On October 2, 1998, Community Financial
Corporation ("CFC"), a one bank holding company headquartered in Mableton,
Georgia, was merged with and into Alabama National, pursuant to which each share
of CFC common stock was converted into 0.351807 shares of Alabama National's
common stock for a total of 1,076,032 shares of Alabama National common stock
issued to CFC shareholders. On May 29, 1998, Public Bank Corporation ("PBC"), a
one bank holding company headquartered in St. Cloud, Florida, was merged with
and into Alabama National, pursuant to which each share of PBC common stock was
converted into 0.2353134 shares of Alabama National's common stock for a total
of 549,913 shares of Alabama National common stock issued to CFC shareholders.
The Naples, CFC, and PBC mergers were accounted for as poolings of interest and
accordingly, financial statements for all periods have been restated to reflect
the results of operations of the companies on a combined basis from the earliest
period presented, except for dividends per share.

This information should be read in conjunction with Alabama National's unaudited
consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this
report and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations" appearing in Alabama National's Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998.

Performance Overview
- --------------------

Alabama National's net income for the three month period ended March 31, 1999
(the "1999 three months") was $5.02 million compared to $4.55 million for the
three months ended March 31, 1998 (the "1998 three months"). Net income per
diluted common share for the 1999 three months and the 1998 three months was
$.45 and $.41, respectively.

The annualized return on average assets for Alabama National was 1.21% for both
the 1999 three months and the 1998 three months. The annualized return on
average stockholders' equity decreased for the 1999 three months to 15.22%, as
compared to 15.51% for the 1998 three months. Book value per share at March 31,
1999 was $12.15, an increase of $.21 from year-end 1998. Tangible book value per
share at March 31, 1999 was $11.41, an increase of $.22 from year-end 1998.
Alabama National paid an $.18 cash dividend per common share during the 1999
three months, compared to $.15 per common share paid during the 1998 three
months.

Net Income
- ----------

The principal reasons for the increase in net income for the 1999 three months,
compared to the 1998 three months, was the growth in net interest income and
noninterest income which exceeded the growth in the provision for loan losses
and noninterest expense. Net interest income in the 1999 three months totaled
$15.4 million compared to $14.1 million in the 1998 three months, an increase of
$1.3 million, or 8.9%. Total noninterest income increased by $698,000, or 9.7%,
to $7.9 million during the 1999 three months from $7.2 million during the 1998
three months. Total noninterest expense increased to $15.4 million during the
1999 three months from $14.4 million during the 1998 three months, an increase
of $1.0 million, or 6.9%. Alabama National's provision for loan losses was
$562,000 for the 1999 three months as compared with $345,000 for the 1998 three
months. The provision for loan losses was higher in the 1999 three months due to
a number of factors, but primarily attributable to the growth in outstanding
loans.

The largest component of Alabama National's net income is its net interest
income, which is the difference between the income earned on interest bearing
assets and the interest paid on deposits and borrowings used to support such
assets. Alabama National's net interest income totaled $15.4 million during the
1999 three months, an increase of $1.3 million

                                       10
<PAGE>
 
compared to the 1998 three months. Alabama National's net interest income
increased primarily as a result of the increase in average loans during the 1999
three months to $1.1 billion from $976.6 million during the 1998 three months,
an increase of $128.4 million, or 13.1%. Average earning assets for the 1999
three months increased by approximately $141.4 million as compared to the 1998
three months and exceeded the growth in average interest-bearing liabilities of
$87.5 million. The average taxable equivalent rate earned on assets was 7.89%
for the 1999 three months compared to 8.42% for the 1998 three months. The
average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities was 4.30% for the 1999 three
months compared to 4.72% for the 1998 three months. As a result of compression
resulting from a faster reduction in the yield on earning assets compared to the
cost of interest-bearing liabilities, the net interest margin for the 1999 three
months was 4.17% compared to 4.23% for the 1998 three months.

The following table depicts, on a taxable equivalent basis for the 1999 and 1998
three months, certain information related to Alabama National's average balance
sheet and its average yields on assets and average costs of liabilities. Such
yields or costs are derived by dividing income or expense by the average daily
balance of the associated assets or liabilities.

                                       11
<PAGE>

                AVERAGE BALANCES, INCOME AND EXPENSES AND RATES
                (Amounts in thousands, except yields and rates)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           Three months ended March 31,
                                                         ------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                      1999                              1998
                                                         -------------------------------    -------------------------------
                                                           Average     Income/    Yield/      Average     Income/    Yield/
                                                           Balance     Expense     Rate       Balance     Expense     Rate
                                                         ----------    -------    ------    ----------    -------    ------
<S>                                                      <C>           <C>        <C>       <C>           <C>        <C>
Assets:
Earning assets:
  Loans(1)(3).........................................   $1,105,021    $23,209     8.52%    $  976,626    $22,399     9.30%
  Securities:
    Taxable...........................................      287,648      4,405     6.21        235,767      3,727     6.41
    Tax exempt........................................       33,533        628     7.60         33,917        661     7.90
    Cash balances in other banks......................          184          4     8.82          1,994         29     5.90
    Funds sold........................................       60,927        744     4.95        100,637      1,226     4.94
    Trading account securities........................        6,501         85     5.30          3,452         52     6.11
                                                         ----------    -------              ----------    -------
      Total earning assets(2).........................    1,493,814     29,075     7.89      1,352,393     28,094     8.42
                                                         ----------    -------              ----------    -------
Cash and due from banks...............................       62,158                             46,441
Premises and equipment................................       39,216                             33,262
Other assets..........................................      106,184                            112,388
Allowance for loan losses.............................      (16,723)                           (14,954)
                                                         ----------                         ----------
      Total assets....................................   $1,684,649                         $1,529,530
                                                         ==========                         ==========

Liabilities:
Interest-bearing liabilities:
  Interest-bearing transaction accounts...............   $  181,644        979     2.19     $  158,255      1,055     2.70
  Savings deposits....................................      312,000      2,538     3.30        312,343      2,911     3.78
  Time deposits.......................................      550,980      7,270     5.35        512,301      7,175     5.68
  Funds purchased.....................................      156,859      1,796     4.64        138,043      1,688     4.96
  Other short-term borrowings.........................       33,158        438     5.36         41,925        654     6.33
  Long-term debt......................................       32,319        414     5.20         16,632        235     5.73
                                                         ----------    -------              ----------    -------
      Total interest-bearing liabilities..............    1,266,960     13,435     4.30      1,179,499     13,718     4.72
                                                         ----------    -------              ----------    -------
Demand deposits.......................................      213,967                            178,181
Accrued interest and other liabilities................       69,944                             52,880
Stockholders' equity..................................      133,778                            118,970
                                                         ----------                         ----------
      Total liabilities and stockholders' equity......   $1,684,649                         $1,529,530
                                                         ==========                         ==========

Net interest spread...................................                             3.59%                              3.70%
                                                                                   ====                               ====
Net interest income/margin on a taxable
  equivalent basis....................................                  15,640     4.25%                   14,376     4.31%
                                                                                   ====                               ====
Tax equivalent adjustment(2)..........................                     264                                254
                                                                       -------                            -------
Net interest income/margin............................                 $15,376     4.17%                  $14,122     4.23%
                                                                       =======     ====                   =======     ====
</TABLE>
- -----------------
(1)  Average loans include nonaccrual loans. All loans and deposits are 
     domestic.
(2)  Tax equivalent adjustments are based upon assumed tax rate of 34%, and do
     not reflect the disallowance for Federal income tax purposes of interest
     expense related to certain tax exempt assets.
(3)  Fees in the amount of $1,107,000 and $1,121,000 are included in interest
     and fees on loans for the three months ended March 31, 1999 and 1998,
     respectively.

                                       12
<PAGE>
 
The following table sets forth, on a taxable equivalent basis, the effect which
varying levels of earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and the
applicable rates had on changes in net interest income for the 1999 three months
compared to the 1998 three months. For the purposes of this table, changes which
are not solely attributable to volume or rate are allocated to volume and rate
on a pro rata basis.

                  ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET INTEREST INCOME
                            (Amounts in thousands)

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                                                                  March 31,
                                                                                       -------------------------------
                                                                                            1999 Compared to 1998
                                                                                               Variance Due to
                                                                                       -------------------------------
                                                                                       Volume    Yield/Rate     Total
                                                                                       -------------------------------
<S>                                                                                    <C>        <C>          <C>
Earning assets:
Loans.....................................................................              $2,772    $(1,962)     $  810
Securities:
  Taxable.................................................................                 800       (122)        678
  Tax exempt..............................................................                  (7)       (26)        (33)
Cash balances in other banks..............................................                 (34)         9         (25)
Funds sold................................................................                (482)         -        (482)
Trading account securities................................................                  41         (8)         33
                                                                                        ------    -------      ------

    Total interest income.................................................               3,090     (2,109)        981

Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing transaction accounts.....................................                 145       (221)        (76)
Savings and money market deposits.........................................                  (3)      (370)       (373)
Time deposits.............................................................                 521       (426)         95
Funds purchased...........................................................                 222       (114)        108
Other short-term borrowings...............................................                (124)       (92)       (216)
Long-term debt............................................................                 203        (24)        179
                                                                                        ------    -------      ------

    Total interest expense................................................                 964     (1,247)       (283)
                                                                                        ------    -------      ------  
    Net interest income on a taxable equivalent basis.....................              $2,126    $  (862)      1,264
                                                                                        ======    ======= 
Taxable equivalent adjustment.............................................                                        (10)
                                                                                                               ------
Net interest income.......................................................                                     $1,254
                                                                                                               ======
</TABLE>

The provision for loan losses represents a charge to current earnings necessary
to maintain the allowance for loan losses at an appropriate level based on
management's analysis of the potential risk in the loan portfolio. The amount of
the provision is a function of the level of loans outstanding, the level of
non-performing loans, historical loan loss experience, the amount of loan losses
actually charged against the allowance during a given period and current and
anticipated economic conditions. The provision for loan losses was $562,000 for
the 1999 three months, compared with $345,000 in the 1998 three months. Despite
net loan recoveries of $65,000 during the 1999 three months, a higher loan loss
provision in the 1999 three months resulted primarily from loan growth. The
allowance for loan losses as a percentage of outstanding loans, net of unearned
income, was 1.52% at March 31, 1999, compared to 1.50% at December 31, 1998.

                                       13
<PAGE>
 
Because of the inherent uncertainty of assumptions made during the assessment
process, there can be no assurance that loan losses in future periods will not
exceed the allowance for loan losses or that additional allocations to the
allowance will not be required. See Asset Quality. 
                                    -------------

Total noninterest income for the 1999 three months was $7.9 million, compared to
$7.2 million for the 1998 three months. Noninterest income includes securities
gains and losses, service charges on deposits, investment services revenues,
trust department revenues, fees relating to the sale and origination of mortgage
loans, and earnings on the cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance.
All sources of noninterest income increased with the exception of loss on the
disposition of assets and investment services revenues, which remained
substantially unchanged.

Noninterest expense was $15.4 million for the 1999 three months compared to
$14.4 million for the 1998 three months. Noninterest expense includes salaries
and employee benefits, occupancy and equipment expenses and other expenses.
Salaries and employee benefits were $9.4 million for the 1999 three months
compared to $8.6 million for the 1998 three months. The increase in salaries and
employee benefits is primarily attributable to bonus accruals and additional
volume in the mortgage origination division of Alabama National, as much of the
compensation in this division is commission-based. Occupancy and equipment
expense changed little in the 1999 three months. Other noninterest expense
increased to $4.4 million in the 1999 three months, compared with $4.1 million
in the 1998 three months.

Income tax expense was $2.3 million for the 1999 three months compared to $2.0
million for the 1998 three months, reflecting an increase in taxable income
during the 1999 three months. The effective tax rates for the 1999 three months
and the 1998 three months were 31.6% and 31.0%, respectively.

Earning Assets
- --------------

Loans comprised the largest single category of Alabama National's earning assets
on March 31, 1999. Loans, net of unearned income, were $1.13 billion or 66.7% of
total assets at March 31, 1999, compared to $1.11 billion or 66.2% at December
31, 1998. Loans grew $23.9 million, or 2.2%, during the 1999 three months. The
following table details the composition of the loan portfolio by category at the
dates indicated:

                         COMPOSITION OF LOAN PORTFOLIO
                   (Amount in thousands, except percentages)

                                March 31, 1999           December 31, 1998
                            ----------------------     ---------------------
                                          Percent                   Percent
                              Amount      of Total       Amount     of Total
                            ----------    --------     ----------   --------
Commercial, financial and
  agricultural............. $  255,237      22.56%     $  257,409     23.24%
Real estate:
  Construction.............     89,539       7.92          74,024      6.68
  Mortgage - residential...    310,281      27.43         310,691     28.06
  Mortgage - commercial....    312,007      27.58         291,437     26.32
  Mortgage - other.........      2,058        .18           2,215       .20
Consumer...................     75,867       6.71          77,187      6.97
Other......................     86,139       7.62          94,509      8.53
                            ----------     ------      ----------    ------

  Total gross loans........  1,131,128     100.00%      1,107,472    100.00%
                                           ======                    ======
Unearned income............     (1,182)                    (1,398)
                            ----------                 ----------
  Total loans, net of
   unearned income.........  1,129,946                  1,106,074
Allowance for loan losses..    (17,167)                   (16,540)
                            ----------                 ----------
  Total net loans.......... $1,112,779                 $1,089,534
                            ==========                 ==========

                                       14
<PAGE>
 
Investment securities decreased $4.9 million in the 1999 three months,
substantially all of which is attributable to paydowns of mortgage backed
securities.

Securities available for sale decreased $4.5 million in the 1999 three months.
Purchases of available for sale securities totaled $27.7 million and maturities,
calls, and sales of available for sale securities totaled $31.5 million. Write
down to estimated market value of available for sale securities totaled $391,000
net of income taxes, during the 1999 three months.

Trading account securities, which had a balance of $14.9 million at March 31,
1999, are securities owned by Alabama National prior to sale and delivery to
Alabama National's customers. It is the policy of Alabama National to limit
positions in such securities to reduce its exposure to market and interest rate
changes. Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell
totaled $68.1 million at March 31, 1999 and $57.1 at December 31, 1998.

Deposits and Other Funding Sources
- ----------------------------------

Deposits increased $32.2 million from year-end 1998, to $1.3 billion at March
31, 1999. Primarily all of the growth in deposits are related to consumer
certificates of deposit.

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase
totaled $138.8 million at March 31, 1999, a decrease of $23.9 million from
December 31, 1998. The treasury, tax and loan account increased to $1.9 million
at March 31, 1999, compared with $1.5 million at December 31, 1998. Short-term
borrowings at March 31, 1999 totaled $31.7 million, including a note payable to
an independent bank of $11.5 million and three advances from the Federal Home
Loan Bank ("FHLB") totaling $20.2 million.

Alabama National's short-term debt at March 31, 1999 and December 31, 1998 is
summarized as follows:

                             SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS
                            (Amounts in thousands)
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                                  March 31,       December 31,
                                                                                    1999              1998
                                                                                    ----              ----
<S>                                                                              <C>                 <C> 
Note payable to independent bank under secured master
note agreement; rate varies with LIBOR and was 6,6875%
and 6.3191% at March 31, 1999 and December 31, 1998, respectively;              
collateralized by the Company's stock in subsidiary banks.                         $11,500            $11,500

FHLB debt due May 24, 1999; rate varies with LIBOR and
was 5.04% at March 31, 1999;
collateralized by FHLB stock and
certain first mortgage loans.                                                        9,200              9,200         

FHLB debt due January 31, 1999; collateralized by
FHLB stock and certain first mortgage loans.                                                            1,000    

FHLB open ended notes payable, rate was 5.30% as
determined daily by the FHLB; collateralized by FHLB stock
and certain first mortgage loans.                                                   11,000
                                                                                   --------------------------
Total short-term borrowings.                                                       $31,700            $21,700
                                                                                   --------------------------
</TABLE> 
                                       15
<PAGE>
 
Alabama National's long-term debt at March 31, 1999 and December 31, 1998 is
summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION> 
                                         LONG-TERM BORROWINGS
                                        (Amounts in thousands)
                                                                                            March 31,   December 31,
                                                                                              1999         1998
                                                                                            ---------   ------------ 
<S>                                                                                         <C>         <C>
FHLB debt due July 11, 2002; interest at fixed rate of 5.78%; convertible at the
option of the FHLB on July 12, 1999 to a three month LIBOR advance; collateralized 
by FHLB stock and certain first mortgage loans.                                             $ 5,000       $ 5,000

FHLB debt due October 21, 2003; interest at fixed rate of 4.30%; convertible at the
option of the FHLB on October 21, 2000 to a three month LIBOR advance; collateralized
by FHLB stock and certain first mortgage loans.                                              10,000        10,000

FHLB debt due March 26, 2008; interest at fixed rate of 5.51%; convertible at the
option of the FHLB on March 26, 2003 to a three month LIBOR advance; collateralized
by FHLB stock and certain first mortgage loans.                                               5,000         5,000

FHLB debt due July 25, 2001; interest at fixed rate of 6.40%; collateralized
by FHLB stock and certain first pledged available for sale securities.                        2,000         2,000

FHLB debt due June 18, 2003; interest at fixed rate of 5.40%; convertible at the
option of the FHLB on June 18, 2000 to a three month LIBOR advance; collateralized
by FHLB stock and certain first mortgage loans.                                               5,000         5,000

FHLB debt due November 5, 2003; interest at fixed rate of 4.74%; convertible at the
option of the FHLB on November 5, 2001 to a three month LIBOR advance; collateralized
by FHLB stock and certain first mortgage loans.                                               5,000         5,000

Capital leases payable                                                                          313           328
                                                                                            ---------------------
Total long-term borrowings                                                                  $32,313       $32,328
                                                                                            =====================

</TABLE>

Asset Quality
- -------------

Nonperforming loans are comprised of loans past due 90 days or more and still
accruing interest, loans accounted for on a nonaccrual basis and loans in which
the terms have been restructured to provide a reduction or deferral of interest
or principal because of a deterioration in the financial position of the
borrower. Accrual of interest is discontinued on a 

                                       16
<PAGE>
 
loan when management believes, after considering economic and business
conditions and collection efforts, that the borrower's financial condition is
such that the collection of interest is doubtful. It is Alabama National's
policy to place a delinquent loan on nonaccrual status when it becomes 90 days
or more past due. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, all interest which
has been accrued on the loan but remains unpaid is reversed and deducted from
earnings as a reduction of reported interest income. No additional interest is
accrued on the loan balance until the collection of both principal and interest
becomes reasonably certain. When a problem loan is finally resolved, there may
ultimately be an actual writedown or charge-off of the principal balance of the
loan which could necessitate additional charges to earnings.

At March 31, 1999, nonperforming assets totaled $5.2 million, a decrease of
$902,000 from December 31, 1998. Nonperforming assets as a percentage of loans
plus other real estate were 0.46% at March 31, 1999 compared to 0.55% at
December 31,1998. The reduction in the level of nonperforming assets is
consistent with the elimination of the sub-prime mortgage lending portfolio and
the reduction in the indirect automobile portfolio. The indirect automobile
portfolio is reduced due to termination of new originations of these loans and
amortization of pre-existing loans in this portfolio.

                             NONPERFORMING ASSETS
                  (Amounts in thousands, except percentages)
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                                                                         March 31,      December 31,
                                                                                                           1999             1998
                                                                                                         ---------      ------------
<S>                                                                                                      <C>            <C>
Nonaccrual loans..............................................................................           $  3,565       $  4,357
Restructured loans............................................................................                492            499
Loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing.............................................                  -              -
                                                                                                         --------       --------

  Total nonperforming loans...................................................................              4,057          4,856

Other real estate owned.......................................................................              1,131          1,234
                                                                                                         --------       --------
  Total nonperforming assets..................................................................           $  5,188       $  6,090
                                                                                                         ========       ========

Allowance for loan losses to period-end loans.................................................               1.52%          1.50%

Allowance for loan losses to period-end nonperforming assets..................................             330.90         271.59

Net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans.................................................              (0.01)          0.01

Nonperforming assets to period-end loans and other real estate owned..........................               0.46           0.55

Nonperforming loans to period-end loans.......................................................               0.36           0.44

</TABLE>

Net loan recoveries for the 1999 three months totaled $65,000, or .01%
(annualized) of average loans for the period. The allowance for loan losses as a
percentage of total loans, net of unearned income, was 1.52% at March 31, 1999,

                                       17
<PAGE>
 
compared to 1.50% at December 31, 1998. The following table analyzes activity in
the allowance for loan losses for the 1999 three months.


                   ANALYSIS OF THE ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES
                   For the Three Months Ended March 31, 1999
                  (Amounts in thousands, except percentages)

Allowance for loan losses at
  beginning of period.......................................    $16,540

Charge-offs:
  Commercial, financial and agricultural....................         14
  Real estate - mortgage....................................         11
  Consumer..................................................        188
                                                                -------
    Total charge-offs.......................................        213
                                                                -------

Recoveries:
  Commercial, financial and agricultural....................         75
  Real estate - mortgage....................................        130
  Consumer..................................................         73
                                                                -------
     Total recoveries.......................................        278
                                                                -------
     Net recoveries.........................................        (65)
Provision for loan losses...................................        562
                                                                -------
Allowance for loan losses at
   period-end...............................................    $17,167
                                                                =======

The loan portfolio is periodically reviewed to evaluate the outstanding loans
and to measure both the performance of the portfolio and the adequacy of the
allowance for loan losses. This analysis includes a review of delinquency
trends, actual losses and internal credit ratings. Based on this analysis,
management considers the allowance for loan losses at March 31, 1999 to be
adequate to cover possible loan losses in the portfolio as of that date.
However, because of the inherent uncertainty of assumptions made during the
evaluation process, there can be no assurance that loan losses in future periods
will not exceed the allowance for loan losses or that additional allocations to
the allowance will not be required.

Interest Rate Sensitivity
- -------------------------

Alabama National monitors and manages the pricing and maturity of its assets and
liabilities in order to diminish the potential adverse impact that changes in
interest rates could have on its net interest income. The principal monitoring
technique employed by Alabama National is the measurement of the interest
sensitivity "gap," which is the positive or negative dollar difference between
assets and liabilities that are subject to interest rate repricing within a
given period of time. Interest rate sensitivity can be managed by repricing
assets and liabilities, selling securities available for sale, replacing an
asset or liability at maturity, or by adjusting the interest rate during the
life of an asset or liability. Managing the amount of assets and liabilities
repricing in the same time interval helps to hedge the risk and minimize the
impact of rising or falling interest rates on net interest income.

Alabama National evaluates interest sensitivity risk and then formulates
guidelines regarding asset generation and repricing, funding sources and
pricing, and off-balance sheet commitments in order to decrease interest
sensitivity risk. 

                                       18
<PAGE>
 
Alabama National uses computer simulations to measure the net income effect of
various interest rate scenarios. The modeling reflects interest rate changes and
the related impact on net income over specified periods of time.

The following table illustrates Alabama National's interest rate sensitivity at
March 31, 1999, assuming relevant assets and liabilities are collected and paid,
respectively, based upon historical experience rather than their stated
maturities.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                         INTEREST SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS
                     (Amounts in thousands, except ratios)

                                                                                   March 31, 1999
                                                -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                After One     After Three
                                                                 Through        Through
                                                Within One        Three         Twelve       Within One   Greater Than
                                                  Month          Months         Months         Year         One Year       Total
                                                ----------      --------       ----------    ----------   ------------     -----
<S>                                            <C>             <C>             <C>           <C>          <C>              <C>
Assets:
Earnings assets:
   Loans (1)................................    $454,110       $ 94,154        $203,937      $752,201       $374,180     $1,126,381
   Securities (2)...........................      29,338         34,566          91,376       155,280        169,073        324,353
   Interest-bearing deposits in
     other banks............................       1,490            --               --         1,490             --          1,490
   Funds sold...............................      68,109            --               --        68,109             --         68,109
                                                --------      --------         --------      --------       --------     ----------
        Total interest-earning assets.......    $553,047      $128,720         $295,313      $977,080       $543,253     $1,520,333

Liabilities:
Interest-bearing liabilities:
  Interest-bearing deposits:
    Demand deposits..........................   $     --      $     --        $ 190,432      $190,432       $     --     $  190,432
    Savings deposits.........................    322,380            --               --       322,380             --        322,380
    Time deposits (3)........................     79,000       101,361          281,775       462,136         96,062        558,198
  Funds purchased.............................   138,761            --               --       138,761             --        138,761
  Short-term borrowings (4)...................    24,433         9,200               --        33,633             --         33,633
  Long-term debt..............................         2             4               18            24         32,289         32,313
                                                --------      --------        ---------    ----------       --------     ----------
        Total interest-bearing liabilities..    $564,576      $110,565        $ 472,225    $1,147,366       $128,351     $1,275,717
                                                --------      --------        ---------    ----------       --------     ----------
Period gap..................................    $(11,529)     $ 18,155        $(176,912)   $ (170,286)      $414,902
                                                ========      ========        =========    ==========       ========
Cumulative gap..............................    $(11,529)     $  6,626        $(170,286)   $ (170,286)      $244,616     $  244,616
                                                ========      ========        =========    ==========       ========     ==========
Ratio of cumulative gap to total
   earning assets...........................      (0.76)%         0.44%         (11.20)%       (11.20)%        16.09%
</TABLE>

- -------------------
(1) Excludes nonaccural loans of $3,565,000.
(2) Excludes investment equity securities of $5,241,000.
(3) Excludes matured certificates which have not been redeemed by the customer
    and on which no interest is accuring.
(4) Includes treasury, tax and loan account of $1,933,000.

                                       19
<PAGE>
 
Alabama National generally would benefit from increasing market rates of
interest when it has an asset-sensitive gap and generally would benefit from
decreasing market rates of interest when it is liability sensitive. Alabama
National is liability sensitive through the one year time frame, except for the
one through three month period. However, Alabama National's gap analysis is not
a precise indicator of its interest sensitivity position. The analysis presents
only a static view of the timing of maturities and repricing opportunities,
without taking into consideration that changes in interest rates do not affect
all assets and liabilities equally. For example, rates paid on a substantial
portion of core deposits may change contractually within a relatively short time
frame, but those rates are viewed by management as significantly less
interest-sensitive than market-based rates, such as those paid on non-core
deposits. Accordingly, management believes that a liability-sensitive gap
position is not as indicative of Alabama National's true interest sensitivity as
it would be for an organization which depends to a greater extent on purchased
funds to support earning assets. Net interest income may be affected by other
significant factors in a given interest rate environment, including changes in
the volume and mix of earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities.

Market Risk
- -----------

Alabama National's earnings are dependent on its net interest income which is
the difference between interest income earned on all earning assets, primarily
loans and securities, and interest paid on all interest bearing liabilities,
primarily deposits. Market risk is the risk of loss from adverse changes in
market prices and rates. Alabama National's market risk arises primarily from
inherent interest rate risk in its lending, investing and deposit gathering
activities. Alabama National seeks to reduce its exposure to market risk through
actively monitoring and managing its interest rate risk. Management relies upon
static "gap" analysis to determine the degree of mismatch in the maturity and
repricing distribution of interest earning assets and interest bearing
liabilities which quantifies, to a large extent, the degree of market risk
inherent in Alabama National's balance sheet. Gap analysis is further augmented
by simulation analysis to evaluate the impact of varying levels of prevailing
interest rates and the sensitivity of specific earning assets and interest
bearing liabilities to changes in those prevailing rates. Simulation analysis
consists of evaluating the impact on net interest income given changes from 200
basis points below to 200 basis points above the current prevailing rates.
Management makes certain assumptions as to the effect varying levels of interest
rates have on certain earning assets and interest bearing liabilities, which
assumptions consider both historical experience and consensus estimates of
outside sources.

With respect to the primary earning assets, loans and securities, certain
features of individual types of loans and specific securities introduce
uncertainty as to their expected performance at varying levels of interest
rates. In some cases, imbedded options exist whereby the borrower may elect to
repay the obligation at any time. These imbedded prepayment options make
anticipating the performance of those instruments difficult given changes in
prevailing rates. At March 31, 1999, mortgage backed securities totaling $176.3
million, or 10.4% of total assets and essentially every loan, net of unearned
income, (totaling $1.13 billion, or 66.7% of total assets), carry such imbedded
options. Management believes that assumptions used in its simulation analysis
about the performance of financial instruments with such imbedded options are
appropriate. However, the actual performance of these financial instruments may
differ from management's estimates due to several factors, including the
diversity and financial sophistication of the customer base, the general level
of prevailing interest rates and the relationship to their historical levels,
and general economic conditions. The difference between those assumptions and
actual results, if significant, could cause the actual results to differ from
those indicated by the simulation analysis.

Deposits totaled $1.31 billion, or 77.2%, of total assets at March 31, 1999.
Since deposits are the primary funding source for earning assets, the associated
market risk is considered by management in its simulation analysis. Generally,
it is anticipated that deposits will be sufficient to support funding
requirements. However, the rates paid for deposits at varying levels of
prevailing interest rates have a significant impact on net interest income and
therefore, must be quantified by Alabama National in its simulation analysis.
Specifically, Alabama National's spread, the difference between the rates earned
on earning assets and rates paid on interest bearing liabilities, is generally
higher when prevailing rates are higher. As prevailing rates reduce, the spread
tends to compress, with severe compression at very low prevailing interest
rates. This characteristic is called "spread compression" and adversely effects
net interest income in the simulation analysis when anticipated prevailing rates
are reduced from current rates. Management relies upon historical experience to
estimate the degree of spread compression in its simulation analysis. Management
believes that such estimates of possible spread compression are reasonable.
However, if the degree of spread compression varies from that expected, the
actual results could differ from those indicated by the simulation analysis.

                                       20
<PAGE>
 
The following table illustrates the results of simulation analysis used by
Alabama National to determine the extent to which market risk would have
effected the net interest margin if prevailing interest rates differed from
actual rates during the 1999 three months. Because of the inherent use of
estimates and assumptions in the simulation model used to derive this
information, the actual results for the 1999 three months and the future impact
of market risk on Alabama National's net interest margin may differ from that
found in the table.

                                  MARKET RISK
                            (Amounts in thousands)

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                      Three months ended March 31, 1999       Three months ended March 31, 1998
     Change in        ---------------------------------       --------------------------------- 
Prevailing Interest    Net Interest        Change from         Net Interest        Change from  
      Rates           Income Amount       Income Amount       Income Amount       Income Amount 
- -------------------   -------------       --------------      -------------       ------------- 
<S>                   <C>                 <C>                 <C>                 <C> 
+200 basis points       $16,042              4.33%               $15,048             6.56%

+100 basis points        15,709              2.17                 14,585             3.28

0 basis points           15,376                 -                 14,122                -

- -100 basis points        14,835             (3.52)                13,623            (3.53)

- -200 basis points        14,293             (7.04)                13,124            (7.07)
</TABLE> 


Liquidity and Capital Adequacy
- ------------------------------

Alabama National's net loan to deposit ratio was 86.4% at March 31, 1999,
compared to 86.7% at year end 1998. Alabama National's liquid assets as a
percentage of total deposits were 10.1% at March 31, 1999, compared to 10.0% at
year-end 1998. At March 31, 1999, Alabama National had unused federal funds
lines of approximately $151.1 million, unused lines at the Federal Home Loan
Bank of $41.6 million and an unused credit line at an independent bank of $8.5
million. Management analyzes the level of off-balance sheet assets such as
unfunded loan commitments and outstanding letters of credit as they relate to
the levels of cash, cash equivalents, liquid investments, and available funds
lines in an attempt to minimize the possibility that a potential liquidity
shortfall will exist. Based on this analysis, management believes that Alabama
National has adequate liquidity to meet short-term operating requirements.
However, no assurances can be given in this regard.

Alabama National's stockholders' equity increased by $3.0 million from December
31, 1998 to $134.0 million at March 31, 1999. This increase was attributable to:

Net income......................................  $ 5,019,000
Exercise of options.............................      360,000
Dividends.......................................   (1,974,000)
Decrease in unrealized gain on securities
  available for sale, net of deferred taxes.....     (391,000)
                                                  -----------
Net increase....................................  $ 3,014,000
                                                  ===========

A strong capital position is vital to the continued profitability of Alabama
National because it promotes depositor and investor confidence and provides a
solid foundation for future growth of the organization. The capital of Alabama
National and its subsidiary banks (the "Banks") exceeded all prescribed
regulatory capital guidelines at March 31, 1999. Under the capital guidelines of
their regulators, Alabama National and the Banks are currently required to
maintain a minimum risk-


                                       21
<PAGE>
 
based total capital ratio of 8%, with at least 4% being Tier 1 capital. Tier 1
capital consists of common stockholders' equity, qualifying perpetual preferred
stock, and minority interests in equity accounts of consolidated subsidiaries,
less goodwill. In addition, Alabama National and the Banks must maintain a
minimum Tier 1 leverage ratio (Tier 1 capital to total assets) of at least 3%,
but this minimum ratio is increased by 100 to 200 basis points for other than
the highest rated institutions. The following table sets forth the risk-based
and leverage ratios of Alabama National and each subsidiary bank at March 31,
1999:

                                         Tier 1 Risk    Total Risk    Tier 1
                                            Based         Based      Leverage
                                            -----         -----      --------
Alabama National BanCorporation..........   9.92%         11.17%       7.52%

National Bank of Commerce of Birmingham..   9.57          10.82        7.52
Alabama Exchange Bank....................  13.47          14.72        8.34
Bank of Dadeville........................  12.83          13.84        9.27
Citizens & Peoples Bank, N.A.............  15.49          16.56       10.30
First American Bank......................  10.51          11.76        8.93
First Citizens Bank, N.A.................  14.80          16.05        8.77
First Gulf Bank..........................   8.64           9.89        7.15
Public Bank..............................  14.62          15.87        9.53
Georgia State Bank.......................  11.38          12.63        7.81
Community Bank of Naples, N.A............  12.56          13.81        7.37
Required minimums........................   4.00           8.00        4.00

Year 2000 - Technology Considerations

Alabama National is aware of the many areas affected by the Year 2000 computer
issue as addressed by the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council
("FFIEC") in its interagency statement which provided an outline for
institutions to effectively manage the Year 2000 challenges. The board of
directors has approved a Year 2000 plan, which includes multiple phases, tasks
to be completed, and target dates for completion. Issues addressed therein
include awareness, assessment, validation, implementation, testing and
contingency planning. Progress under this plan is reported to the board of
directors on a regular basis.

Alabama National's core bank operating software has been certified by the vendor
to be Year 2000 compliant. To verify this compliance, the Company loaded the
software along with general ledger data onto a separate test system. Dates on
the test system were advanced into 2000, and results from this test have been
validated by Alabama National personnel. Alabama National's testing and
validation of results indicate that the core bank operating software is 100%
Year 2000 compliant and Alabama National's mission critical systems are more
than 99% compliant. The Company also has a number of non-mission critical
systems, and any Year 2000 compliance testing that Alabama National itself can
perform on these systems is complete. There are also systems provided by third
party vendors for which Alabama National is reliant upon the vendors to provide
testing data to validate. All such outside vendors indicate that they will
provide all remaining test data to Alabama National prior to June 30, 1999. At
the present time, Alabama National is over 98% compliant on its non-mission
critical systems and plans to have validated compliance on the remaining systems
by June 30, 1999.

In addition to the systems outlined above, Alabama National is tracking the Year
2000 readiness of its utility companies and is finalizing contingency plans for
these services to critical operations.

Since it routinely upgrades and purchases technologically advanced software and
hardware, Alabama National has determined that the costs of making modifications
to correct any Year 2000 issues will not materially affect reported operating
results. Alabama National estimates that its remaining capital expenditures to
prepare for Year 2000 and correct for any Year 2000 issues should not exceed
$100,000, and its remaining operating expenditures (including personnel expenses
for Company employees) should not exceed $100,000.


                                       22
<PAGE>
 
Alabama National also recognizes the importance of determining that its
borrowers are addressing the Year 2000 problem to avoid deterioration of the
loan portfolio solely due to this issue. All material relationships have been
identified to assess the inherent risks and Year 2000 questionnaires have been
obtained from such borrowers where considered appropriate. Deposit customers
have received statement stuffers and informational material in this regard.
Alabama National is working on a one-on-one basis with any borrower that has
been identified as having high Year 2000 risk exposure.

Management does not believe that Alabama National will incur significant
additional costs associated with the Year 2000 issue. However, management cannot
predict the amount of financial difficulties it may incur due to customer and
vendor inability to perform according to their agreements with Alabama National
or the effects that other third parties may bring as a result of this issue.
Alabama National also anticipates that deposit customers may perceive a need for
increased cash in the latter part of 1999 and management has made liquidity
contingency plans to address this potential additional need for currency.
Management has held discussions with the Federal Reserve and the Federal Home
Loan Bank with regard to such potential increased currency and funding needs.
Although the Federal Reserve has announced plans to increase the amount of
currency in circulation in preparing for Year 2000, a lack of liquidity in the
financial system could have a significant negative impact on Alabama National.
Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the failure or delay of others to
address the issue or that the costs involved in such process will not have a
material adverse impact on Alabama National's business, financial condition and
results of operations.

Alabama National's contingency plans are being tested and may be modified as
testing progresses. The Securities and Exchange Commission has asked reporting
companies to address a reasonable "worst case" scenario with respect to the Year
2000 issue. Management's estimate of the "worst case" scenario is a loss of
electrical power and telecommunications service. Alabama National is preparing
to have a backup electrical power generator to run its mainframe computer system
in case of difficulties with its electricity vendor, but is unable to ascertain
how such a loss of electrical power would impact its operations and those of its
customers if such power loss was sustained for a material length of time.

                                       23
<PAGE>
 
Part II Other Information

                    Item 6 - Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

(a)   Exhibits:  Exhibit 3.1 - Certificate of Incorporation (filed as an
                           Exhibit to Alabama National's Registration
                           Statement on Form S-1 (Commission File no.
                           33-83800) and incorporated herein by reference).

                 Exhibit 3.1A - Certificate of Amendment of Certificate
                           of Incorporation (filed as an Exhibit to Alabama
                           National's Annual Report of Form 10-K for the year
                           ended December 31, 1996 and incorporated herein by
                           reference).

                 Exhibit 3.1B - Certificate of Merger (filed as an Exhibit to
                           Alabama National's Annual Report of Form 10-K for
                           the year ended December 31, 1997 and incorporated
                           herein by reference).

                 Exhibit 3.1C - Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of
                           Incorporation dated April 23, 1998 (filed as an
                           Exhibit to Alabama National's Report of Form 10-Q
                           for the quarter ended March 31, 1998 and
                           incorporated herein by reference).

                 Exhibit 3.2 - Bylaws (filed as an Exhibit to Alabama
                           National's Registration Statement on Form S-1
                           (Commission File No. 33-83800) and incorporated
                           herein by reference).

                 Exhibit 10.1. - Promissory Note dated April 15, 1999 executed
                           by John R. Bragg in favor of Alabama National
                           BanCorporation in the principal amount of
                           $107,871.00.

                 Exhibit 10.2. - Promissory Note dated April 15, 1999 executed
                           by John R. Bragg in favor of Alabama National
                           BanCorporation in the principal amount of
                           $19,800.00.

                 Exhibit 10.3. - Pledge Agreement dated April 15, 1999 between
                           John R. Bragg and Alabama National BanCorporation.

                 Exhibit 10.4. - Promissory Note dated April 15, 1999 executed
                           by John H. Holcomb, III in favor of Alabama
                           National BanCorporation in the principal amount of
                           $93,747.00.

                 Exhibit 10.5. - Promissory Note dated April 15, 1999 executed
                           by John H. Holcomb, III in favor of Alabama
                           National BanCorporation in the principal amount of
                           $83,400.00.

                 Exhibit 10.6. - Pledge Agreement dated April 15, 1999 between
                           John H. Holcomb III and Alabama National
                           BanCorporation.

                 Exhibit 10.7. - Promissory Note dated April 15, 1999 executed
                           by William E. Matthews, V in favor of Alabama
                           National BanCorporation in the principal amount of
                           $109,570.00.

                 Exhibit 10.8. - Promissory Note dated April 15, 1999 executed
                           by William E. Matthews, V in favor of Alabama
                           National BanCorporation in the principal amount of
                           $28,000.00.

                 Exhibit 10.9. - Pledge Agreement dated April 15, 1999 between
                           William E. Matthews, V and Alabama National
                           BanCorporation.

                 Exhibit 10.10. - Promissory Note dated April 15, 1999 executed
                           by Richard Murray, IV in favor of Alabama National
                           BanCorporation in the principal amount of
                           $111,739.00.

                                       24
<PAGE>
 
                 Exhibit 10.11. - Promissory Note dated April 15, 1999 executed
                           by Richard Murray, IV in favor of Alabama National
                           BanCorporation in the principal amount of
                           $29,400.00.

                 Exhibit 10.12. - Pledge Agreement dated April 15, 1999 between
                           Richard Murray, IV and Alabama National
                           BanCorporation.

                 Exhibit 10.13. - Promissory Note dated April 15, 1999 executed
                           by Victor E. Nichol, Jr. in favor of Alabama
                           National BanCorporation in the principal amount of
                           $99,558.00.

                 Exhibit 10.14. - Promissory Note dated April 15, 1999 executed
                           by Victor E. Nichol, Jr. in favor of Alabama
                           National BanCorporation in the principal amount of
                           $23,360.00.

                 Exhibit 10.15. - Pledge Agreement dated April 15, 1999 between
                           Victor E. Nichol, Jr. and Alabama National
                           BanCorporation.

                 Exhibit 10.16. - Promissory Note dated April 15, 1999 executed
                           by William G. Sanders, Jr. in favor of Alabama
                           National BanCorporation in the principal amount of
                           $109,833.00.

                 Exhibit 10.17. - Promissory Note dated April 15, 1999 executed
                           by William G. Sanders, Jr. in favor of Alabama
                           National BanCorporation in the principal amount of
                           $16,000.00.

                 Exhibit 10.18. - Pledge Agreement dated April 15, 1999 between
                           William G. Sanders, Jr. and Alabama National
                           BanCorporation.

                 Exhibit 11 - Computation of Earnings Per Share

                 Exhibit 27 - Financial Data Schedules (for SEC use only)

(b)   Reports on Form 8-K

                    None.

                                       25
<PAGE>
 
SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

                                        ALABAMA NATIONAL BANCORPORATION


Date: May 12, 1999                      /s/ John H. Holcomb, III
      ------------                      ------------------------
                                        John H. Holcomb, III, its Chairman and
                                        Chief Executive Officer




Date: May 12, 1999                      /s/ William E. Matthews, V.
      ------------                      --------------------------
                                        William E. Matthews, V., its Executive
                                        Vice President and Chief Financial 
                                        Officer


                                       26


<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.1


$107,871.00                                                  Birmingham, Alabama
                                                                  April 15, 1999

                                PROMISSORY NOTE
                                ---------------

       FOR VALUE RECEIVED, without grace JOHN R. BRAGG, (the "Borrower"),
promises to pay to the order of ALABAMA NATIONAL BANCORPORATION, a Delaware
corporation (herein called the "Lender," and together with any subsequent holder
of this note called the "Holder"), in the manner set forth below, the principal
sum of One Hundred Seven Thousand Eight Hundred Seventy-One and 00/100 Dollars
($107,871.00), plus interest at the rate set forth below.

       This Note shall bear interest (computed on an Actual/360 Day Basis) on
the unpaid principal balance hereof, from the date of disbursement until payment
in full or complete forgiveness, whichever occurs first, at the rate per annum
equal to the LIBOR-Based Rate (as defined below) adjusted on each Interest Rate
Determination Date (as defined below). If in the Lender's opinion it is
impossible or impractical to determine the LIBOR-Based Rate for a certain year,
this Note shall bear interest at the Prime Rate until the next Interest Rate
Determination Date. Interest payable hereunder shall be payable on each Interest
Rate Determination Date, commencing April 15, 2000.

       Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, if the
Borrower remains continually employed by the Lender or one of its subsidiaries
or affiliates (hereinafter referred to as a "Qualifying Employer") as of the
first ten (10) anniversaries of this Note, ten percent (10%) of the original
principal balance ($10,787.10) of this Note shall be forgiven as of each such
anniversary, commencing April 15, 2000. In addition, as long as the Borrower
remains continually employed by a Qualifying Employer, upon the occurrence of
(x) a Change in Control (as hereinafter defined), (y) the Borrower's death or
(z) the Total Disability (as hereinafter defined) of the Borrower, the entire
principal balance then remaining unpaid hereunder, shall be immediately forgiven
in full.

       The Borrower further agrees with the Holder as follows:

       SECTION 1  Rules of Construction. This Note is subject to the rules of
                  ---------------------
construction set forth in the Security Documents.

       SECTION 2  Definitions. As used in this Note, capitalized terms that are
                  -----------
not otherwise defined herein have the meanings defined for them in the Security
Documents and the following terms are defined as follows:

       (a)    Actual/360 Day Basis means a method of computing interest and
              --------------------
other charges on the basis of an assumed year of 360 days for the actual number
of days elapsed, meaning that the interest accrued for each day will be computed
by multiplying the interest rate applicable on that day by the unpaid principal
balance on that day and dividing the result by 360.

       (b)    Business Day means any day, excluding Saturday and Sunday, on
              ------------
which the Lender's main office in Birmingham, Alabama, is open to the public for
carrying on substantially all of its banking business.

       (c)    Change in Control of the Lender means (i) any transaction, whether
              -------------------------------
by merger, consolidation, asset sale, tender offer, reverse stock split, or
otherwise, which results in the acquisition or beneficial ownership (as such
term is defined under rules and regulations promulgated under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) by any person or entity or any group of
persons or entities acting in concert, of fifty percent (50%) or more of the
outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Lender; or (ii) the sale of all or
substantially all of the assets of the Lender; or (iii) the liquidation of the
Lender.

       (d)    Credit Documents means this Note, the Security Documents and all
              ----------------
other documents now or hereafter executed or delivered in connection with the
transactions contemplated thereby.

       (e)    Default Rate means a rate of interest equal to four percentage
              ------------
points(400 basis points) in excess of the highest interest rate that would
otherwise be payable on the principal indebtedness evidenced by this Note from
time to time in the absence of the existence of a default, or the maximum rate
permitted by law, whichever is less.

       (f)    Event of Default is defined in Section 6. An Event of Default
              ---------------
"exists" if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.
<PAGE>
 
       (g)    Interest Rate Determination Date means the fifteenth (15) day of
              --------------------------------
April of each year during the term hereof.

       (h)    LIBOR-Based Rate means a fixed rate of one percent (100 basis
              ----------------
points) in excess of the per annum rate of interest most recently published in
The Wall Street Journal as of the close of business on the date hereof and on
and after the most recent Interest Rate Determination Date (being the rate
quoted for the immediately preceding business day) as the London Interbank
Offered Rate for U.S. dollar deposits having a term of ninety (90) days. The
Lender shall determine the LIBOR-Based Rate on the date hereof and on each
Interest Rate Determination Date.

       (i)    Obligors means the Borrower, each other person executing any
              --------
Security Document as a grantor, (if the Borrower or any such grantor is a
partnership) any general partner thereof, and any other maker, endorser, surety,
guarantor or other person now or hereafter liable for the payment or
performance, in whole or in part, of any of the obligations evidenced by this
Note.

       (j)    Prime Rate means a floating interest rate equal to the rate of
              ----------
interest designated by the Lender from time to time as its "prime rate."

       (k)    Security Documents means the Pledge Agreement dated of even date
              ------------------
herewith executed by the Borrower in favor of the Lender and all other documents
now or hereafter securing or guaranteeing the obligations evidenced by this
Note, or any part thereof.

       (l)    Total Disability means the Borrower's inability, as a result of
              ----------------
illness or injury, to perform the normal duties of the Borrower's employment for
a period of ninety (90) consecutive days.

       SECTION 3 Place and Time of Payments.
                 --------------------------

       (a)    All payments by the Borrower to the Holder under this Note shall
be made in lawful currency of the United States and in immediately available
funds to the Lender at its Main Office in Birmingham, Alabama or at such other
address within the continental United States as shall be specified by the Holder
by notice to the Borrower. Any payment received by the Holder after 2:00 p.m.
(Birmingham, Alabama time) on a Business Day (or at any time on a day that is
not a Business Day) shall be deemed made by the Borrower and received by the
Holder on the following Business Day.

       (b)    The amount payable by the Borrower to the Holder under this Note
or any of the other Credit Documents for which a payment date is expressly set
forth herein or therein shall be payable on the specified due date without
notice or demand by the Holder.

       (c)    Payments that are due on a day that is not a Business Day shall be
payable on the next succeeding Business Day, and any interest payable thereon
shall be payable for such extended time at the specified rate.

       SECTION 4 Default Rate. If an Event of Default exists, this Note
                 ------------
shall bear interest at the Default Rate, until the earlier of (a) such time as
all amounts due hereunder are paid in full or (b) no such Event of Default
exists.

       SECTION 5 Security Documents. This Note with interest is secured by and
                 ------------------
entitled to the benefits of the Security Documents. Reference to the Security
Documents is hereby made for all of the provisions thereof. This Note shall be
secured by all security documents that by their terms secure this Note, and all
such documents shall constitute Security Documents.

       SECTION 6 Events of Default. The occurrence of any of the following
                 -----------------
events shall constitute an event of default ("Event of
Default") under this Note (whatever the reason for such event and whether or not
it shall be voluntary or involuntary or be effected by operation of law or
pursuant to any Governmental Requirement): (a) any representation or warranty
made in any of the Credit Documents shall prove to be false or misleading in any
material respect as of the time made; or (b) any report, certificate, financial
statement or other instrument furnished in connection with this Note or any of
the other Credit Documents shall prove to be false or misleading in any material
respect as of the time furnished; or (c) default shall be made in the payment
when due of any of the obligations evidenced by this Note or any part thereof;
or (d) the termination of the Borrower's employment with a Qualifying Employer
for any reason with or without cause, whether voluntary or involuntary, other
than the Borrower's death or Total Disability; or (e) any default or event of
default, as therein defined, shall occur under any of the other Credit Documents
(after giving effect to any applicable notice, grace or cure period specified
therein).

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
       SECTION 7 Acceleration. If an Event of Default exists that does not
                 ------------
already result in the automatic acceleration of this Note under another Credit
Document, the Holder shall have the right without further notice to the Borrower
to declare the entire unpaid principal balance of the indebtedness evidenced by
this Note, with accrued interest, to be immediately due and payable.
Notwithstanding anything in this Note or any other Security Document to the
contrary, the entire unpaid principal balance of the indebtedness evidenced by
this Note shall be immediately due and payable without written notice or demand,
upon the termination of the Borrower's employment with a Qualifying Employer for
any reason with or without cause, whether voluntary or involuntary, other than
the Borrower's death or Total Disability.

       SECTION 8 Certain Waivers and Agreements by Obligors.
                 ------------------------------------------

       (a)    As to the obligations evidenced by this Note, each Obligor
severally (1) waives demand, presentment, protest, notice of protest, suit and
all other requirements necessary to hold liable such Obligor or any of the other
Obligors; (2) waives all exemptions of personal property secured to any Obligor
under the Constitution and laws of the State of Alabama or any other state; and
(3) agrees to pay all costs of collection, including a reasonable attorney's
fee, in the event default should be made in the payment of any of the
obligations evidenced by this Note.

       (b)    Each Obligor severally (1) acknowledges that the Lender has not
made any representations or entered into any agreements with such Obligor to
induce such Obligor to enter into the transactions contemplated by this Note
except as set forth in writing in the Credit Documents; (2) agrees upon
request such Obligor will furnish financial statements to the Holder and grant
the Holder access to such Obligor's books and records; (3) agrees that any
obligations of any Obligor may, from time to time, in whole or in part, be
renewed, extended, modified, accelerated, compromised, discharged or released by
the Holder, and any collateral, lien, right of set-off or other security for the
obligations evidenced by this Note or any other obligations of any Obligor to
the Holder may, from time to time, in whole or in part, be exchanged, sold,
released, satisfied, or terminated, all without notice to, or in any way
affecting or releasing any of the obligations of any other Obligor; and (4)
agrees that the Holder will not be required first to resort to any Security
Document, any guaranty or any other security pledged or granted to the Holder,
but upon a default under this Note or any of the Security Documents, the Holder
may forthwith look to any Obligor for payment hereunder or may look to and
realize upon any other security held by the Holder, in any order the Holder
chooses, until the entire debt evidenced by this Note is paid.

       SECTION 9 Joint and Several Liability. If the Borrower is comprised of
                 ---------------------------
more than one person, all of the Borrower's representations, warranties,
covenants and agreements under this Note shall be joint and several and shall be
binding on and enforceable against either, any or all of the persons comprising
the Borrower. If any one or more of the persons comprising the Borrower is in
default, the Holder my exercise its remedies on default against all of the
persons comprising the Borrower.

       SECTION 10 Independent Obligations. The Borrower agrees that each of the
                  -----------------------
obligations of the Borrower to the Holder under this Note may be enforced
against the Borrower without the necessity of joining any other Obligor, any
other holders of Liens in any Property or any other person, as a party.

       SECTION 11 Heirs, Successors and Assigns. Whenever in this Note any party
                  -----------------------------
hereto is referred to, such reference shall be deemed to include the heirs,
successors and assigns of such party, except that the Borrower may not assign or
transfer its obligations under this Note without the prior written consent of
the Holder; and all obligations of the Borrower under this Note shall bind the
Borrower's heirs, successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of the
successors and assigns of the Holder.

       SECTION 12 Governing Law. This Note shall be construed in accordance with
                  -------------
and governed by Title 9 of the U.S. Code and the internal laws of the State of
Alabama except as required by mandatory provisions of law (without regard to
conflict of law principles).

       SECTION 13 Separability Clause. If any provision of the this Note shall
                  -------------------
be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability
of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired
thereby.

       SECTION 14 No Oral Agreements. This Note is the final expression of the
                  ------------------
agreement between the parties hereto, and this Note may not be contradicted by
evidence of any prior oral agreement between such parties. All previous oral
agreements between the parties hereto have been incorporated into this Note and
the other Credit Documents, and there is no unwritten oral agreement between the
parties hereto in existence.

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
       SECTION 15 Waiver and Election. The exercise by the Holder of any option
                  -------------------
given under this Note or the Security Documents shall not constitute a waiver of
the right to exercise any other option. No failure or delay on the part of the
Holder in exercising any right, power or remedy under this Note or the Security
Documents shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial
exercise of any such right, power or remedy preclude any further exercise
thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or remedy. No modification,
termination or waiver of any provisions of this Note, nor consent to any
departure by the Borrower therefrom, shall be effective unless in writing and
signed by an authorized officer of the Holder, and then such waiver or consent
shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose
for which given. No notice to or demand on the Borrower in any case shall
entitle the Borrower to any other or further notice or demand in similar or
other circumstances.

       SECTION 16 Set-off. While any Event of Default exists, the Lender is
                  -------
authorized at any time and from time to time, without notice to the Borrower
(any such notice being expressly waived by the Borrower), to set off and apply
any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final)
at any time held and other indebtedness at any time owing by the Lender to or
for the credit or the account of the Borrower against any and all of the
obligations evidenced by this Note, irrespective of whether or not the Lender
shall have made any demand under this Note and although such obligations may be
unmatured. The rights of the Lender under this Section 16 are in addition to all
other rights and remedies (including other rights of set-off or pursuant to any
banker's lien) that the Lender may have.

       SECTION 17 Time of Essence. Time is of the essence of this Note.
                  ---------------

       SECTION 18 Submission to Jurisdiction. The Borrower irrevocably (a)
                  --------------------------
acknowledges that this Note will be accepted by the Lender and performed by the
Borrower in the State of Alabama; (b) submits to the jurisdiction of each state
or federal court sitting in Jefferson County, Alabama (collectively, the
"Courts") over any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this
Note (to enforce the arbitration provisions hereof or, if the arbitration
provisions are found to be unenforceable, to determine any issues arising out of
or relating to this Note) or any of the other Credit Documents (individually, an
"Agreement Action"); (c) waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any
objection or defense that the Borrower may now or hereafter have based on
improper venue, lack of personal jurisdiction, inconvenience of forum or any
similar matter in any Agreement Action brought in any of the Courts; (d) agrees
that final judgment in any Agreement Action brought in any of the Courts shall
be conclusive and binding upon the Borrower and may be enforced in any other
court to the jurisdiction of which the Borrower is subject, by a suit upon such
judgment; (e) consents to the service of process on the Borrower in any
Agreement Action by the mailing of a copy thereof by registered or certified
mail, postage prepaid, to the Borrower at the Borrower's address designated at
the end of this Note; (f) agrees that service in accordance with Section 18(e)
shall in every respect be effective and binding on the Borrower to the same
extent as though served on the Borrower in person by a person duly authorized to
serve such process; and (g) AGREES THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION, EVEN IF
FOUND NOT TO BE STRICTLY ENFORCEABLE BY ANY COURT, SHALL CONSTITUTE "FAIR
WARNING" TO THE BORROWER THAT THE EXECUTION OF THIS NOTE MAY SUBJECT THE
BORROWER TO THE JURISDICTION OF EACH STATE OR FEDERAL COURT SITTING IN JEFFERSON
COUNTY, ALABAMA WITH RESPECT TO ANY AGREEMENT ACTIONS, AND THAT IT IS
FORESEEABLE BY THE BORROWER THAT THE BORROWER MAY BE SUBJECTED TO THE
JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURTS AND MAY BE SUED IN THE STATE OF ALABAMA IN ANY
AGREEMENT ACTIONS. Nothing in this Section 18 shall limit or restrict the
Lender's right to serve process or bring Agreement Actions in manners and in
courts otherwise than as herein provided.

       SECTION 19 Usury Laws. Any provision of this Note or any of the other
                  ----------
Credit Documents to the contrary notwithstanding, the Borrower and
the Lender agree that they do not intend for the interest or other consideration
provided for in this Note and the other Credit Documents to be greater than the
maximum amount permitted by applicable law. Regardless of any provision in this
Note or any of the other Credit Documents, the Lender shall not be entitled to
receive, collect or apply, as interest on the Obligations, any amount in excess
of the maximum rate of interest permitted to be charged under applicable law
until such time, if any, as that interest, together with all other interest then
payable, falls within the then applicable maximum lawful rate of interest. If
the Lender shall receive, collect or apply any amount in excess of the then
maximum rate of interest, the amount that would be excessive interest shall be
applied first to the reduction of the principal amount of the Obligations then
outstanding in the inverse order of maturity, and second, if such principal
amount is paid in full, any excess shall forthwith be returned to the Borrower.
In determining whether the interest paid or payable under any specific
contingency exceeds the highest lawful rate, the Borrower and the Lender shall,
to the maximum extent permitted under applicable law, (a) characterize any
nonprincipal payment as an expense, fee or premium rather than as interest, (b)
exclude voluntary prepayments and the effects thereof, (c) consider all the
Obligations as one general obligation of the Borrower, and (d) "spread" the
total amount of the interest throughout the entire term of this Note so that the
interest rate is uniform throughout the entire term of this Note.

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
       SECTION 20 Arbitration; Dispute Resolution; Preservation of Foreclosure
                  ------------------------------------------------------------
Remedies
- --------

       (a)    The Borrower represents to the Lender that its business and
affairs constitute substantial interstate commerce and that it contemplates
using the proceeds of this Note in substantial interstate commerce. Except as
otherwise specifically set forth below, any action, dispute, claim, counterclaim
or controversy ("Dispute" or "Disputes"), between or among the Lender, the
Borrower or any other Obligor, including any claim based on or arising from an
alleged tort, shall be resolved by arbitration as set forth below. As used
herein, Disputes shall include all actions, disputes, claims, counterclaims or
controversies arising in connection with this Note, any extension of or
commitment to extend credit by the Lender, any collection of any indebtedness
owed to the Lender, any security or collateral given to the Lender, any action
taken (or any omission to take any action) in connection with any of the
foregoing, any past, present and future agreement between or among the Lender,
the Borrower or any other Obligor (including this Note and any Credit Document),
and any past, present or future transactions between or among the Lender, the
Borrower or any other Obligor. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing,
Disputes shall include actions commonly referred to as lender liability actions.

       (b)    All Disputes shall be resolved by binding arbitration in
accordance with Title 9 of the U.S. Code and the Commercial Arbitration Rules of
the American Arbitration Association (the "AAA"). Defenses based on statutes of
limitation, estoppel, waiver, laches and similar doctrines, that would otherwise
be applicable to an action brought by a party, shall be applicable in any such
arbitration proceeding, and the commencement of an arbitration proceeding with
respect to this Note shall be deemed the commencement of an action for such
purposes.

       (c)    Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower and each other Obligor
agrees that the Lender shall have the option, but not the obligation, to submit
to and pursue in a court of law any claim against the Borrower or any other
Obligor for a debt due. The Borrower and each other Obligor agrees that, if the
Lender pursues such a claim in a court of law, (1) failure of the Lender to
assert any additional claim in such proceeding shall not be deemed a waiver of,
or estoppel to pursue, such claim as a claim or counterclaim in arbitration as
set forth above, and (2) the institution or maintenance of a judicial action
hereunder shall not constitute a waiver of the right of any party to submit any
other action, dispute, claim or controversy as described above, even though
arising out of the same transaction or occurrence, to binding arbitration as set
forth herein. If the Borrower asserts a claim against the Lender in arbitration
or otherwise during the pendency of a claim brought by the Lender in a court of
law, the court action shall be stayed and the parties shall submit to
arbitration all claims.

       (d)    No provision of, nor the exercise of any rights under this
Section, shall limit the right of any party (1) to foreclose against any real or
personal property collateral by exercise of a power of sale under any Credit
Document, or by exercise of any rights of foreclosure or of sale under
applicable law, (2) to exercise self-help remedies such as set-off, or (3) to
obtain provisional or ancillary remedies such as injunctive relief, attachment
or the appointment of a receiver from a court having jurisdiction before, during
or after the pendency of any arbitration or referral. The institution and
maintenance of an action for judicial relief or pursuit of provisional or
ancillary remedies or exercise of self-help remedies shall not constitute a
waiver of the right of any party, including the plaintiff in such an action, to
submit the Dispute to arbitration or, in the case of actions on a debt, to
judicial resolution.

       (e)    Whenever an arbitration is required hereunder, the arbitrator
shall be selected in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the
AAA. The AAA shall designate a panel of 10 potential arbitrators knowledgeable
in the subject matter of the Dispute. Each of the Lender and the Obligor shall
designate, within 30 days of the receipt of the list of potential arbitrators,
one of the potential arbitrators to serve, and the two arbitrators so designated
shall select a third arbitrator from the eight remaining potential arbitrators.
The panel of three arbitrators shall determine the resolution of the Dispute.

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
       IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed and delivered this Note
dated the date first written above.


                               /s/ John R. Bragg
                               ------------------------------------
                               Signature of Borrower


                               John R. Bragg
                               ------------------------------------
                               Please Print Name

                               Send Correspondence and Billings to:

                                  John R. Bragg
                                  ---------------------------------
                                  3339 E Briarcliff Road
                                  ---------------------------------
                                  Birmingham, Alabama  35223
                                  ---------------------------------

                                      -6-

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.2


$19,800.00                                                   Birmingham, Alabama
                                                                  April 15, 1999

                                PROMISSORY NOTE
                                ---------------

       FOR VALUE RECEIVED, without grace, JOHN R. BRAGG (the "Borrower"),
promises to pay to the order of Alabama National BanCorporation, a Delaware
corporation (herein called the "Lender," and together with any subsequent holder
of this note called the "Holder"), in the manner set forth below, the principal
sum of Nineteen Thousand Eight Hundred and 00/100 Dollars ($19,800.00), plus
interest at the rate set forth below.

       This Note shall bear interest (computed on an Actual/360 Day Basis) on
the unpaid principal balance hereof, from the date of disbursement until payment
in full, at a fixed interest rate equal to six percent (6.0%) per annum.

       Principal and interest shall be payable under this Note on April 15,
2000.

       The Borrower further agrees with the Holder as follows:

       SECTION 1 Rules of Construction. This Note is subject to the rules of
                 ---------------------
construction set forth in the Security Documents.

       SECTION 2 Definitions. As used in this Note, capitalized terms that are
                 -----------
not otherwise defined herein have the meanings defined for them in the Security
Documents and the following terms are defined as follows:

       (a)    Actual/360 Day Basis means a method of computing interest and
              --------------------
other charges on the basis of an assumed year of 360 days for the actual number
of days elapsed, meaning that the interest accrued for each day will be computed
by multiplying the interest rate applicable on that day by the unpaid principal
balance on that day and dividing the result by 360.

       (b)    Business Day means any day, excluding Saturday and Sunday, on
              ------------
which the Lender's main office in Birmingham, Alabama, is open to the public for
carrying on substantially all of its banking business.

       (c)    Credit Documents means this Note, the Security Documents and all
              ----------------
other documents now or hereafter executed or delivered in connection with the
transactions contemplated thereby.

       (d)    Default Rate means a rate of interest equal to four percentage
              ------------
points (400 basis points) in excess of the highest interest rate that would
otherwise be payable on the principal indebtedness evidenced by this Note from
time to time in the absence of the existence of a default, or the maximum rate
permitted by law, whichever is less.

       (e)    Event of Default is defined in Section 8. An Event of Default
              ----------------
"exists" if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.

       (f)    Obligors means the Borrower, each other person executing any
              --------
Security Document as a grantor, (if the Borrower or any such grantor is a
partnership) any general partner thereof, and any other maker, endorser, surety,
guarantor or other person now or hereafter liable for the payment or
performance, in whole or in part, of any of the obligations evidenced by this
Note.

       (g)    Security Documents means the Pledge Agreement dated of even date
              ------------------
herewith executed by the Borrower in favor of the Lender and all other documents
now or hereafter securing or guaranteeing the obligations evidenced by this
Note, or any part thereof.
<PAGE>
 
      SECTION 3   Place and Time of Payments.
                  --------------------------

       (a)    All payments by the Borrower to the Holder under this Note shall
be made in lawful currency of the United States and in immediately available
funds to the Lender at its Main Office in Birmingham, Alabama or at such other
address within the continental United States as shall be specified by the Holder
by notice to the Borrower. Any payment received by the Holder after 2:00 p.m.
(Birmingham, Alabama time) on a Business Day (or at any time on a day that is
not a Business Day) shall be deemed made by the Borrower and received by the
Holder on the following Business Day.

       (b)    All amounts payable by the Borrower to the Holder under this Note
or any of the other Credit Documents for which a payment date is expressly set
forth herein or therein shall be payable on the specified due date without
notice or demand by the Holder. All amounts payable by the Borrower to the
Holder under this Note or the other Credit Documents for which no payment date
is expressly set forth herein or therein shall be payable ten days after written
demand by the Holder to the Borrower. The Holder may, at its option, send
written notice or demand to the Borrower of amounts payable on a specified due
date pursuant to this Note or the other Credit Documents, but the failure to
send such notice shall not affect or excuse the Borrower's obligation to make
payment of the amounts due on the specified due date.

       (c)    Payments that are due on a day that is not a Business Day shall be
payable on the next succeeding Business Day, and any interest payable thereon
shall be payable for such extended time at the specified rate.

       SECTION 4 Default Rate. If an Event of Default exists, this Note shall
                 ------------
bear interest at the Default Rate, until the earlier of (a) such time as all
amounts due hereunder are paid in full or (b) no such Event of Default exists.

       SECTION 5 Security Documents. This Note with interest is secured by and
                 ------------------
entitled to the benefits of the Security Documents. Reference to the Security
Documents is hereby made for all of the provisions thereof. This Note shall be
secured by all security documents that by their terms secure this Note, whether
or not described herein, and all such documents shall constitute Security
Documents.

       SECTION 6 Events of Default. The occurrence of any of the following
                 -----------------
events shall constitute an event of default ("Event of Default") under this Note
(whatever the reason for such event and whether or not it shall be voluntary or
involuntary or be effected by operation of law or pursuant to any Governmental
Requirement): (a) any representation or warranty made in any of the Credit
Documents shall prove to be false or misleading in any material respect as of
the time made; or (b) any report, certificate, financial statement or other
instrument furnished in connection with this Note or any of the other Credit
Documents shall prove to be false or misleading in any material respect as of
the time furnished; or (c) default shall be made in the payment when due of any
of the obligations evidenced by this Note or any part thereof; or (d) any
default or event of default, as therein defined, shall occur under any of the
other Credit Documents (after giving effect to any applicable notice, grace or
cure period specified therein).

       SECTION 7 Acceleration. If an Event of Default exists that does not
                 ------------
already result in the automatic acceleration of this Note under another Credit
Document, the Holder shall have the right without further notice to the Borrower
to declare the entire unpaid principal balance of the indebtedness evidenced by
this Note, with accrued interest, to be immediately due and payable.

       SECTION 8 Certain Waivers and Agreements by Obligors.
                 ------------------------------------------
       (a)    As to the obligations evidenced by this Note, each Obligor
severally (1) waives demand, presentment, protest, notice of protest, suit and
all other requirements necessary to hold liable such Obligor or any of the other
Obligors; (2) waives all exemptions of personal property secured to any Obligor
under the Constitution and laws of the State of Alabama or any other state; and
(3) agrees to pay all costs of collection, including a reasonable attorney's
fee, in the event default should be made in the payment of any of the
obligations evidenced by this Note.

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
       (b)    Each Obligor severally (1) acknowledges that the Lender has not
made any representations or entered into any agreements with such Obligor to
induce such Obligor to enter into the transactions contemplated by this Note
except as set forth in writing in the Credit Documents; (2) agrees upon request
such Obligor will furnish financial statements to the Holder and grant the
Holder access to such Obligor's books and records; (3) agrees that any
obligations of any Obligor may, from time to time, in whole or in part, be
renewed, extended, modified, accelerated, compromised, discharged or released by
the Holder, and any collateral, lien, right of set-off or other security for the
obligations evidenced by this Note or any other obligations of any Obligor to
the Holder may, from time to time, in whole or in part, be exchanged, sold,
released, satisfied, or terminated, all without notice to, or in any way
affecting or releasing any of the obligations of any other Obligor; and (4)
agrees that the Holder will not be required first to resort to any Security
Document, any guaranty or any other security pledged or granted to the Holder,
but upon a default under this Note or any of the Security Documents, the Holder
may forthwith look to any Obligor for payment hereunder or may look to and
realize upon any other security held by the Holder, in any order the Holder
chooses, until the entire debt evidenced by this Note is paid.

       SECTION 9 Independent Obligations. The Borrower agrees that each of the
                 -----------------------
obligations of the Borrower to the Holder under this Note may be enforced
against the Borrower without the necessity of joining any other Obligor, any
other holders of Liens in any Property or any other person, as a party.

       SECTION 10 Heirs, Successors and Assigns. Whenever in this Note any
                  -----------------------------
party hereto is referred to, such reference shall be deemed to include the
heirs, successors and assigns of such party, except that the Borrower may not
assign or transfer its obligations under this Note without the prior written
consent of the Holder; and all obligations of the Borrower under this Note shall
bind the Borrower's heirs, successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit
of the successors and assigns of the Holder.

       SECTION 11 Governing Law. This Note shall be construed in accordance with
                  -------------
and governed by Title 9 of the U.S. Code and the internal laws of the State of
Alabama except as required by mandatory provisions of law (without regard to
conflict of law principles).

       SECTION 12 Separability Clause. If any provision of the this Note shall
                  -------------------
be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability
of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired
thereby.

       SECTION 13 No Oral Agreements. This Note is the final expression of the
                  ------------------
agreement between the parties hereto, and this Note may not be contradicted by
evidence of any prior oral agreement between such parties. All previous oral
agreements between the parties hereto have been incorporated into this Note and
the other Credit Documents, and there is no unwritten oral agreement between the
parties hereto in existence.

       SECTION 14 Waiver and Election. The exercise by the Holder of any option
                  -------------------
given under this Note or the Security Documents shall not constitute a waiver of
the right to exercise any other option. No failure or delay on the part of the
Holder in exercising any right, power or remedy under this Note or the Security
Documents shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial
exercise of any such right, power or remedy preclude any further exercise
thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or remedy. No modification,
termination or waiver of any provisions of this Note, nor consent to any
departure by the Borrower therefrom, shall be effective unless in writing and
signed by an authorized officer of the Holder, and then such waiver or consent
shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose
for which given. No notice to or demand on the Borrower in any case shall
entitle the Borrower to any other or further notice or demand in similar or
other circumstances.

       SECTION 15 Set-off. While any Event of Default exists, the Lender is
                  -------
authorized at any time and from time to time, without notice to the Borrower
(any such notice being expressly waived by the Borrower), to set off and apply
any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final)
at any time held and other indebtedness at any time owing by the Lender to or
for the credit or the account of the Borrower against any and all of the
obligations evidenced by this Note, irrespective of whether or not the Lender
shall have made any demand under this Note and although such obligations may be
unmatured. The rights of the Lender under this Section 18 are in addition to all
other rights and remedies (including other rights of set-off or pursuant to any
banker's lien) that the Lender may have.

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
       SECTION 16 Time of Essence. Time is of the essence of this Note.
                  ---------------

       SECTION 17 Submission to Jurisdiction. The Borrower irrevocably (a)
                  --------------------------
acknowledges that this Note will be accepted by the Lender and performed by the
Borrower in the State of Alabama; (b) submits to the jurisdiction of each state
or federal court sitting in Jefferson County, Alabama (collectively, the
"Courts") over any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this
Note (to enforce the arbitration provisions hereof or, if the arbitration
provisions are found to be unenforceable, to determine any issues arising out of
or relating to this Note) or any of the other Credit Documents (individually, an
"Agreement Action"); (c) waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any
objection or defense that the Borrower may now or hereafter have based on
improper venue, lack of personal jurisdiction, inconvenience of forum or any
similar matter in any Agreement Action brought in any of the Courts; (d) agrees
that final judgment in any Agreement Action brought in any of the Courts shall
be conclusive and binding upon the Borrower and may be enforced in any other
court to the jurisdiction of which the Borrower is subject, by a suit upon such
judgment; (e) consents to the service of process on the Borrower in any
Agreement Action by the mailing of a copy thereof by registered or certified
mail, postage prepaid, to the Borrower at the Borrower'saddress designated at
the end of this Note; (f) agrees that service inaccordance with Section 20(e)
shall in every respect be effective and binding on the Borrower to the same
extent as though served on the Borrower in person by a person duly authorized to
serve such process; and (g) AGREES THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION, EVEN IF
FOUND NOT TO BE STRICTLY ENFORCEABLE BY ANY COURT, SHALL CONSTITUTE "FAIR
WARNING" TO THE BORROWER THAT THE EXECUTION OF THIS NOTE MAY SUBJECT THE
BORROWER TO THE JURISDICTION OF EACH STATE OR FEDERAL COURT SITTING IN JEFFERSON
COUNTY, ALABAMA WITH RESPECT TO ANY AGREEMENT ACTIONS, AND THAT IT IS
FORESEEABLE BY THE BORROWER THAT THE BORROWER MAY BE SUBJECTED TO THE
JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURTS AND MAY BE SUED IN THE STATE OF ALABAMA IN ANY
AGREEMENT ACTIONS. Nothing in this Section 20 shall limit or restrict the
Lender's right to serve process or bring Agreement Actions in manners and in
courts otherwise than as herein provided.

       SECTION 18 Usury Laws. Any provision of this Note or any of the other
                  ----------
Credit Documents to the contrary notwithstanding, the Borrower and the Lender
agree that they do not intend for the interest or other consideration provided
for in this Note and the other Credit Documents to be greater than the maximum
amount permitted by applicable law. Regardless of any provision in this Note or
any of the other Credit Documents, the Lender shall not be entitled to receive,
collect or apply, as interest on the Obligations, any amount in excess of the
maximum rate of interest permitted to be charged under applicable law until such
time, if any, as that interest, together with all other interest then payable,
falls within the then applicable maximum lawful rate of interest. If the Lender
shall receive, collect or apply any amount in excess of the then maximum rate of
interest, the amount that would be excessive interest shall be applied first to
the reduction of the principal amount of the Obligations then outstanding in the
inverse order of maturity, and second, if such principal amount is paid in full,
any excess shall forthwith be returned to the Borrower. In determining whether
the interest paid or payable under any specific contingency exceeds the highest
lawful rate, the Borrower and the Lender shall, to the maximum extent permitted
under applicable law, (a) characterize any nonprincipal payment as an expense,
fee or premium rather than as interest, (b) exclude voluntary prepayments and
the effects thereof, (c) consider all the Obligations as one general obligation
of the Borrower, and (d) "spread" the total amount of the interest throughout
the entire term of this Note so that the interest rate is uniform throughout the
entire term of this Note.

       SECTION 19 Arbitration; Dispute Resolution; Preservation of Foreclosure
                  ------------------------------------------------------------
Remedies.
- --------

       (a) The Borrower  represents  to the Lender that its business and affairs

constitute substantial interstate commerce and that it contemplates using the
proceeds of this Note in substantial interstate commerce. Except as otherwise
specifically set forth below, any action, dispute, claim, counterclaim or
controversy ("Dispute" or "Disputes"), between or among the Lender, the Borrower
or any other Obligor, including any claim based on or arising from an alleged
tort, shall be resolved by arbitration as set forth below. As used herein,
Disputes shall include all actions, disputes, claims, counterclaims or
controversies arising in connection with this Note, any extension of or
commitment to extend credit by the Lender, any collection of any indebtedness
owed to the Lender, any security or collateral given to the Lender, any action
taken (or any omission to take any action) in connection with any of the
foregoing, any past, 

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
present and future agreement between or among the Lender, the Borrower or any
other Obligor (including this Note and any Credit Document), and any past,
present or future transactions between or among the Lender, the Borrower or any
other Obligor. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Disputes shall
include actions commonly referred to as lender liability actions.

       (b)    All Disputes shall be resolved by binding arbitration in
accordance with Title 9 of the U.S. Code and the Commercial Arbitration Rules of
the American Arbitration Association (the "AAA"). Defenses based on statutes of
limitation, estoppel, waiver, laches and similar doctrines, that would otherwise
be applicable to an action brought by a party, shall be applicable in any such
arbitration proceeding, and the commencement of an arbitration proceeding with
respect to this Note shall be deemed the commencement of an action for such
purposes.

       (c)    Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower and each other Obligor
agrees that the Lender shall have the option, but not the obligation, to submit
to and pursue in a court of law any claim against the Borrower or any other
Obligor for a debt due. The Borrower and each other Obligor agrees that, if the
Lender pursues such a claim in a court of law, (1) failure of the Lender to
assert any additional claim in such proceeding shall not be deemed a waiver of,
or estoppel to pursue, such claim as a claim or counterclaim in arbitration as
set forth above, and (2) the institution or maintenance of a judicial action
hereunder shall not constitute a waiver of the right of any party to submit any
other action, dispute, claim or controversy as described above, even though
arising out of the same transaction or occurrence, to binding arbitration as set
forth herein. If the Borrower asserts a claim against the Lender in arbitration
or otherwise during the pendency of a claim brought by the Lender in a court of
law, the court action shall be stayed and the parties shall submit to
arbitration all claims.

       (d)    No provision of, nor the exercise of any rights under this
Section, shall limit the right of any party (1) to foreclose against any real or
personal property collateral by exercise of a power of sale under any Credit
Document, or by exercise of any rights of foreclosure or of sale under
applicable law, (2) to exercise self-help remedies such as set-off, or (3) to
obtain provisional or ancillary remedies such as injunctive relief, attachment
or the appointment of a receiver from a court having jurisdiction before, during
or after the pendency of any arbitration or referral. The institution and
maintenance of an action for judicial relief or pursuit of provisional or
ancillary remedies or exercise of self-help remedies shall not constitute a
waiver of the right of any party, including the plaintiff in such an action, to
submit the Dispute to arbitration or, in the case of actions on a debt, to
judicial resolution.

       (e)    Whenever an arbitration is required hereunder, the arbitrator
shall be selected in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the
AAA. The AAA shall designate a panel of 10 potential arbitrators knowledgeable
in the subject matter of the Dispute. Each of the Lender and the Obligor shall
designate, within 30 days of the receipt of the list of potential arbitrators,
one of the potential arbitrators to serve, and the two arbitrators so designated
shall select a third arbitrator from the eight remaining potential arbitrators.
The panel of three arbitrators shall determine the resolution of the Dispute.

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
       IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed and delivered this Note
dated the date first written above.




                               /s/ JOHN R. BRAGG
                               ------------------------------------
                               Signature of Borrower


                               JOHN R. BRAGG
                               ------------------------------------
                               Please Print Name

                               Send Correspondence and Billings to:

                                  John R. Bragg
                                  ---------------------------------
                                  3339 E Briarcliff Road
                                  ---------------------------------
                                  Birmingham, Alabama  35223
                                  ---------------------------------

                                      -6-

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.3


                               PLEDGE AGREEMENT
                               ----------------

       THIS PLEDGE AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") dated April 15, 1999 is between
JOHN R. BRAGG, as pledgor and debtor (the "Borrower"), and ALABAMA NATIONAL
BANCORPORATION, a Delaware corporation, as pledgee and secured party (the
"Lender").

                                   Recitals
                                   --------

       The Borrower is the holder, beneficially and of record, of certain shares
of the outstanding capital stock of the Lender, more particularly described on
Exhibit A attached hereto and made a part hereof (the "Stock").
- ---------

       Capitalized terms used in these Recitals have the meanings defined for
them above or in Section 1.2. The Borrower has requested that the Lender extend
Credit to the Borrower under the Credit Documents. To secure the Obligations,
and to induce the Lender to extend Credit to the Borrower under the Credit
Documents, the Borrower has agreed to execute and deliver this Agreement to the
Lender.

                                   Agreement
                                   ---------

       NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing Recitals, and to induce
the Lender to extend Credit to the Borrower under the Credit Documents, the
Borrower agrees with the Lender as follows:

                                  ARTICLLE 1
 

                     Rules of Construction and Definitions
                     -------------------------------------

       SECTION 1.1 Rules of Construction. For the purposes of this Agreement,
                   ----------------------
except as otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires:

       (a)    Words of masculine, feminine or neuter gender include the
correlative words of other genders. Singular terms include the plural as well as
the singular, and vice versa.

       (b)    All references herein to designated "Articles," "Sections" and
other subdivisions or to lettered Exhibits are to the designated Articles,
Sections and subdivisions hereof and the Exhibits annexed hereto unless
expressly otherwise designated in context. All Article, Section, other
subdivision and Exhibit captions herein are used for reference only and do not
limit or describe the scope or intent of, or in any way affect, this Agreement.

       (c)    The terms "include," "including," and similar terms shall be
construed as if followed by the phrase "without being limited to."

       (d)    The terms "herein," "hereof" and "hereunder" and other words of
similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular
Article, Section, other subdivision or Exhibit.

       (e)    All Recitals set forth in, and all Exhibits to, this Agreement are
hereby incorporated in this Agreement byreference.

       (f)    No inference in favor of or against any party shall be drawn from
the fact that such party or such party's counsel has drafted any portion hereof.

       (g)    All references in this Agreement to a separate instrument are to
such separate instrument as the same may be amended or supplemented from time to
time pursuant to the applicable provisions thereof.

       SECTION 1.2 Definitions. As used in this Agreement, the following terms
                   -----------
are defined as follows:

       (a)    Unless otherwise defined herein, terms used in this Agreement that
are defined in Article 9 of the Alabama Uniform Commercial Code have the
meanings defined for them therein.
<PAGE>
 
       (b)    Additional Stock is defined in Section 2.2.
              ----------------

       (c)    Business Day means any day, excluding Saturday and Sunday, on
              ------------
which the Lender's main office in Birmingham, Alabama, is open to the public for
carrying on substantially all of its banking business.

       (d)    Credit means, individually and collectively, all loans,
              ------
forbearances, renewals, extensions, advances, disbursements and other extensions
of credit now or hereafter made by the Lender to or for the account of the
Borrower under the Credit Documents.

       (e)    Credit Documents means the documents described in Exhibit B and
              ----------------
all other documents now or hereafter executed or delivered in connection with
the transactions contemplated thereby.

       (f)    Debt of any person means (1) all indebtedness, whether or not
              ----
represented by bonds, debentures, notes or other securities, for the repayment
of borrowed money, (2) all deferred indebtedness for the payment of the purchase
price of property or assets purchased, (3) all capitalized lease obligations,
(4) all indebtedness secured by any Lien on any property of such person, whether
or not indebtedness secured thereby has been assumed, (5) all obligations with
respect to any conditional sale contract or title retention agreement, (6) all
indebtedness and obligations arising under acceptance facilities or in
connection with surety or similar bonds, and the outstanding amount of all
letters of credit issued for the account of such person, and (7) all obligations
with respect to interest rate swap agreements.

       (g)    Default Rate means a rate of interest equal to four percentage
              ------------
points (400 basis points) in excess of the highest interest rate that would
otherwise be payable on the principal amount of the Credit under the Credit
Documents from time to time in the absence of the existence of a default, or the
maximum rate permitted by law, whichever is less.

       (h)    Event of Default is defined in Section 4.1. An Event of Default
              ---------------
"exists" if the same has occurred and is continuing.

       (i)    Governmental Authority means any national, state, county,
              ----------------------
municipal or other government, domestic or foreign, and
any agency, authority, department, commission, bureau, board, court or other
instrumentality thereof.

       (j)    Lien means any mortgage, pledge, assignment, charge, encumbrance,
              ----
lien, security title, security interest or other preferential arrangement.

       (k)    Obligations means (1) the payment of all amounts now or hereafter
              -----------
becoming due and payable under the Credit Documents, including the principal
amount of the Credit, all interest thereon (including interest that, but for the
filing of a petition in bankruptcy, would accrue on any such principal) and all
other fees, charges and costs (including attorneys' fees and disbursements)
payable in connection therewith; (2) the observance and performance the Borrower
of all of the provisions of the Credit Documents; (3) the payment of all sums
advanced or paid by the Lender in exercising any of its rights, powers or
remedies under the Credit Documents, and all interest (including post-bankruptcy
petition interest, as aforesaid) on such sums provided for herein or therein;
and (4) all renewals, extensions, modifications and amendments of any of the
foregoing, whether or not any renewal, extension, modification or amendment
agreement is executed in connection therewith.

       (l)    Obligors means the Borrower each other person, if any, executing
              --------
any Security Document as a grantor, (if the Borrower is a partnership) any
general partner thereof, and any other maker, endorser, surety, guarantor or
other person now or hereafter liable for the payment or performance, in whole or
in part, of any of the Obligations.

       (m)    Permitted Encumbrances means the Liens granted to the Lender under
              ----------------------
this Agreement and any other Liens of the Lender.

       (n)    Person (whether or not capitalized) includes natural persons, sole
              ------
proprietorships, corporations, trusts, unincorporated organizations,
associations, companies, institutions, entities, joint ventures, partnerships,
limited liability companies and Governmental Authorities.

       (o)    Pledged Stock is defined in Section 2.2.
              -------------
       (p)    Property is defined in Section 2.2.
              --------

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
      (q) Security Documents means all Credit Documents that now or hereafter
          ------------------
grant or purport to grant to the Lender any guaranty, collateral or other
security for any of the Obligations.

                                   ARTICLE 2

                              Security Agreement
                              ------------------

       SECTION 2.1 Pledge of Stock. As security for the Obligations, the
                   ---------------
Borrower hereby grants to the Lender security title to and a continuing security
interest in, and assigns, transfers, conveys, pledges and hypothecates to the
Lender, all of the Borrower's right, title and interest in and to the Stock and
all proceeds thereof, and the Borrower hereby delivers to the Lender the stock
certificates evidencing the Stock, as described in Exhibit A, together with
                                                   ---------
separate assignments thereof, to be held by the Lender upon the terms and
conditions set forth in this Agreement.

       SECTION 2.2 Pledge of Additional Stock. If the Borrower shall acquire by
                   ---------------------------
exchange or replacement any additional shares of the capital stock of the
Company, of whatever class or description ("Additional Stock") at any time after
the date hereof, the Borrower hereby grants to the Lender a security interest
in, and assigns, transfers, conveys, pledges and hypothecates to the Lender, all
of the Borrower's right, title and interest in and to the Additional Stock and
such certificates, and immediately upon receipt thereof the Borrower shall
pledge and deposit the Additional Stock with the Lender and shall deliver to the
Lender certificates therefor registered in the name of the Borrower, together
with executed separate assignments thereof, to be held by the Lender under this
Agreement. The Stock, the Additional Stock, and any stock or other securities
issued in exchange therefor or replacement thereof, are hereinafter together
called the "Pledged Stock," and the Pledged Stock and all proceeds thereof and
all other securities and moneys received and at the time held by the Lender
hereunder are hereinafter together called the "Property," all of which shall be
subject to the Liens granted to the Lender under this Agreement.

       SECTION 2.3 Dividends and Other Distributions. Unless an Event of Default
                   ---------------------------------
exists, all cash dividends paid on the Pledged Stock shall be paid to the
Borrower, except that all cash dividends payable on the Pledged Stock that are
determined by the Lender in its sole discretion to represent in whole or in part
an extraordinary, liquidating or other distribution in return of capital shall
be paid to the Lender and retained by it as Property. The Lender shall also be
entitled to receive directly and to retain as Property:

       (a)    all stock and other securities or property (other than cash) paid
or distributed with respect to the Pledged Stock by way of dividend;

       (b)    all stock and other securities or property (including cash) paid
or distributed with respect to the Pledged Stock by way of stock-split,
spin-off, split-up, reclassification, combination of shares or similar or other
corporate rearrangement; and

       (c)    all stock and other securities or property (including cash) that
may be paid or distributed with respect to the Pledged Stock by reason of any
consolidation, merger, exchange of stock, conveyance of assets, liquidation or
similar corporate reorganization.

       SECTION 2.4 Voting While No Event of Default. Unless an Event of Default
                   --------------------------------
exists, the Borrower shall have the right to vote any and all shares of the
Pledged Stock and to give consents, waivers and ratifications with respect to
the Property and otherwise act with respect thereto. All such rights of the
Borrower to vote and to give consents, waivers and ratifications shall cease if
an Event of Default exists.

                                   ARTICLE 3

                   Representations, Warranties and Covenants
                   -----------------------------------------

       SECTION 3.1 Representations and Warranties. The Borrower represents and
                   ------------------------------
warrants to the Lender that (a) subject to Permitted Encumbrances, the Borrower
is the holder of record and sole beneficial owner of the Stock (which is fully
issued and non-assessable), free of Liens and adverse claims of any kind, except
Permitted Encumbrances; (b) the Borrower has a good right to grant to the Lender
the Liens in the Stock purported to be granted under this Agreement; (c) there
are no outstanding subscriptions, options, rights, warrants, calls, commitments
or agreements of any kind to acquire or transfer any of the Stock; and (d) to
the best of the Borrower's knowledge, no consent, authorization or other action
by, and no notice to or filing with, any other person (including any
stockholder, partner or creditor of the Borrower and any Governmental Authority)
is required for (1) the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the
Borrower, (2) the granting to the Lender of the Lienson the Property under this
Agreement, or (3) the exercise by the Lender of the rights, powers and remedies
granted to it under

                                    - 3 - 

<PAGE>
 
this Agreement, except as may be required in connection with any disposition by
the Lender of the Property under laws affecting the offering and sale of
securities generally.

       SECTION 3.2 Encumbrances and Dispositions. The Borrower shall not (a)
                   -----------------------------
encumber any of the Property, or permit any of the Property to be encumbered,
with any kind of Lien, other than Permitted Encumbrances, or (b) sell, transfer
or otherwise dispose of, or grant any option or warrant with respect to, any of
the Property.

       SECTION 3.3 Taxes and Assessments. The Borrower shall pay when due all
                   ----------------------
taxes, assessments and other charges levied or assessed against any of the
Property, and all other claims that are or may become Liens against any of the
Property, except any that are Permitted Encumbrances; and should default be made
in the payment of same, the Lender, at its option, may pay them.

       SECTION 3.4 Filing Fees and Taxes. The Borrower agrees, to the extent
                   ----------------------
permitted by law, to pay all recording and filing fees, revenue stamps, taxes
and other expenses and charges payable in connection with the execution and
delivery of the Credit Documents, and the recording, filing, satisfaction,
continuation and release thereof.

       SECTION 3.5 Further Assurances. At the Borrower's cost and expense, upon
                   -------------------
request of the Lender, the Borrower shall duly execute and deliver, or cause to
be duly executed and delivered, to the Lender such further instruments and do
and cause to be done such further acts as may be reasonably necessary or proper
in the opinion of the Lender or its counsel to perfect, preserve and protect the
validity of the Liens of the Lender in the Property and to carry out more
effectively the provisions and purposes of this Agreement.

       SECTION 3.6 Attorney-in-Fact. The Borrower hereby constitutes and
                   -----------------
appoints the Lender, or any other person whom the Lender may designate, as the
Borrower's attorney-in-fact, at the Borrower's sole cost and expense, effective
upon the existence of any Event of Default, with full authority in the place and
stead of the Borrower and in the name of the Borrower or otherwise, from time to
time in the Lender's discretion to take any action (a) that the Borrower has
agreed, but has failed, to take under this Agreement, (b) that the Lender in its
sole discretion deems necessary or advisable to maintain, preserve or protect
the security intended to be afforded by this Agreement, or (c) that the Lender
may deem necessary or advisable to accomplish the purposes of this Agreement and
the other Credit Documents.

                                   ARTICLE 4

                               Events of Default
                               -----------------

       SECTION 4.1 Events of Default. The occurrence of any of the
                   -----------------

following events shall constitute an event of default (an "Event of Default")
under this Agreement (whatever the reason for such event and whether or not it
shall be voluntary or involuntary or be effected by operation of law or pursuant
to any Governmental Requirement):

       (a)    any representation or warranty made in this Agreement or in any of
the other Credit Documents shall prove to be false or misleading in any material
respect as of the time made; or

       (b)    any report, certificate, financial statement or other instrument
furnished in connection with the Credit, this Agreement or any of the other
Credit Documents, shall prove to be false or misleading in any material respect
as of the time furnished; or

       (c)    default shall be made in the payment when due of any of the
Obligations; or

       (d)    default shall be made in the due observance or performance of any
covenant, condition or agreement on the part of the Borrower to be observed or
performedpursuant to the terms of this Agreement (other than any covenant,
condition oragreement, default in the observance or performance of which is
elsewhere inthis Section 4.1 specifically dealt with) and such default shall
continue unremedied for a period of thirty (30) days; or

       (e)    any default or event of default, as therein defined, shall occur
under any of the other Credit Documents (after giving effect to any applicable
notice, grace or cure period specified therein); or

       (f)    (1) default shall be made with respect to any Debt (other than the
Obligations) of any Obligor, if the effect of such default is to accelerate the
maturity of such Debt or to permit the holder thereof to cause such Debt to
become due prior 

                                     - 4 -
<PAGE>
 
to its stated maturity, or (2) any such Debt shall not be paid when due (after
giving effect to any applicable notice, grace or cure periods); or

       (g)    any Obligor shall (1) apply for or consent to the appointment of a
receiver, trustee, liquidator or other custodian of such Obligor or any of such
Obligor's properties or assets (including the Property), (2) fail or admit in
writing such Obligor's inability to pay such Obligor's debts generally as they
become due, (3) make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors, (4)
suffer or permit an order for relief to be entered against such Obligor in any
proceeding under the federal Bankruptcy Code, or (5) file a voluntary petition
in bankruptcy, or a petition or an answer seeking an arrangement with creditors
or to take advantage of any bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency, readjustment
of debt, dissolution or liquidation law or statute, or an answer admitting the
material allegations of a petition filed against such Obligor in any proceeding
under any such law or statute, or if corporate action shall be taken by any
Obligor for the purpose of effecting any of the foregoing; or

       (h)    a petition shall be filed, without the application, approval or
consent of any Obligor in any court of competent jurisdiction, seeking
bankruptcy, reorganization, rearrangement, dissolution or liquidation of such
Obligor or of all or a substantial part of the properties or assets of such
Obligor, or seeking any other relief under any law or statute of the type
referred to in Section 4.1(l)(5) against such Obligor, or the appointment of a
receiver, trustee, liquidator or other custodian of such Obligor or of all or a
substantial part of the properties or assets of such Obligor, and such petition
shall not have been stayed or dismissed within 30 days after the filing thereof;
or

       (i)    any writ of execution, attachment or garnishment shall be issued
against the assets of any Obligor and such writ of execution, attachment or
garnishment shall not be dismissed, discharged or quashed within 30 days of
issuance; or

       (j)    any final judgment for the payment of money shall be rendered
against any Obligor and the same shall remain undischarged for a period of 30
daysduring which execution shall not be effectively stayed; or

       (k)    any guarantor of any of the Obligations shall default in the due
observance or performance of any covenant, condition or agreement on such
guarantor's part to be observed or performed under such guarantor's guaranty
agreement (after giving effect to any applicable notice, grace or cure period
specified therein) or shall terminate or attempt to terminate such guarantor's
guaranty agreement.

                                   ARTICLE 5

                                   Remedies
                                   --------

       SECTION 5.1 Acceleration of Obligations. If an Event of Default exists
                   ---------------------------
under Section 4.1(l), 4.1(m) or 4.1(l), all of the Obligations shall
automatically become immediately due and payable. If any other Event of Default
exists that does not already result in the automatic acceleration of the
Obligations under another Credit Document, the Lender shall have the right
without further notice to the Borrower (except any such notice as may be
specifically required under the other Credit Documents) to declare all of the
Obligations immediately due and payable.

       SECTION 5.2 Remedies. If an Event of Default exists, the Lender shall be
                   --------
entitled to exercise all of the rights, powers and remedies vested in it by this
Agreement and applicable law (including all rights of a secured party under
Article 9 of the Alabama Uniform Commercial Code) for the protection and
enforcement of its rights with respect to the Property, including the rights:

       (a)    to receive all amounts payable with respect to the Property
otherwise payable to the Borrower under Section 2.3;

       (b)    to transfer all or any part of the Pledged Stock into the Lender's
name or the name of its nominee and to cause new certificates to be issued in
the name of such transferee;

       (c)    to vote all or any part of the Pledged Stock, whether or not
transferred into the name of the Lender or its nominee, and to give all
consents, waivers and ratifications with respect to the Property and otherwise
act with respect thereto as though the Lender were the outright owner thereof
(the Borrower hereby irrevocably constituting and appointing the Lender the
proxy and attorney-in-fact of the Borrower, with full power of substitution, to
do so);

       (d)    to settle, adjust, compromise and arrange all accounts,
controversies, claims and demands in relation to any Property; 

                                     - 5 -
<PAGE>
 
       (e) to execute all contracts, agreements, documents and instruments, to
bring, defend and abandon all actions and proceedings, and to take all other
actions, in relation to any Property as the Lender in its sole discretion may
determine; and

       (f)    at any time or from time to time to sell, assign and deliver, or
grant options to purchase, all or any part of the Property, or any interest
therein, at any public or private sale, at any exchange, broker's board or at
any of the Lender's offices, in one or more parcels, without demand of
performance, advertisement or notice of intention to sell or of the time or
place of sale or adjournment thereof or otherwise (all of which are hereby
waived by the Borrower), for cash, on credit, or for other property, for
immediate or future delivery without any assumption of credit risk, and for such
prices and on such terms as the Lender in its sole discretion may deem to be
commercially reasonable. The Lender shall not be obligated to make any sale of
Property regardless of notice having been given. The Lender may adjourn any sale
from time to time by announcement at the time and place fixed therefor, and any
such sale may, without further notice, be made at the time and place to which it
was adjourned. The Lender shall not be liable for any failure to collect or
realize upon any Property or for any delay in so doing, or shall it be obligated
to take any action whatsoever with respect thereto.

       SECTION 5.3 Non-Public Sale. If at any time when the Lender shall
                   ---------------
determine to exercise its right to sell all or any of the Pledged Stock and
other securities pursuant to Section 5.2, such Pledged Stock and other
securities or the part thereof to be sold shall not for any reason be
effectively registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as then in effect, the
Lender may, in its sole discretion, sell such Pledged Stock and other securities
or part thereof by private sale in such manner and under such circumstances as
the Lender may deem necessary or advisable in order that such sale may legally
be effected without such registration. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, in any such event the Lender, in its sole discretion (a) may proceed
to make such private sale notwithstanding that a registration statement
registering any such Pledged Stock shall have been filed under such Securities
Act, (b) may approach and negotiate with as few as one possible purchaser to
effect such sale, and (c) may restrict such sale to a purchaser who will
represent and agree that such purchaser is purchasing for its own account, for
investment, and not with a view to the distribution or sale of any such Pledged
Stock and who will satisfy such other conditions as at such time may be required
for lawful non-public sale. In the event of any such sale, the Lender shall
incur no responsibility or liability for selling all or any part of the Pledged
Stock at a price which the Lender, in its sole discretion, may deem reasonable
under the circumstances, notwithstanding the possibility that a substantially
higher price might be realized if the sale were deferred until after
registration.

       SECTION 5.4 Reasonable Care. The Lender shall be deemed to have exercised
                   ---------------
reasonable care in the custody and preservation of any Property in its
possession if it takes such reasonable actions for that purpose as the Borrower
shall request in writing, but the Lender shall have sole power to determine
whether such actions are reasonable. Any omission to do any act not requested by
the Borrower shall not be deemed a failure to exercise reasonable care.

       SECTION 5.5 Waiver of Redemption, Marshalling, etc. The Borrower hereby
                   --------------------------------------
waives and releases to the fullest extent permitted by law any right or equity
of redemption with respect to the Property, whether before or after sale
hereunder, and all rights, if any, of marshalling the Property and any other
security for the Obligations or otherwise. At any such sale, unless prohibited
by applicable law, the Lender may bid for and purchase all or any part of the
Property so sold free from any such right or equity of redemption.

       SECTION 5.6 Application of Proceeds. The net cash proceeds resulting from
                   -----------------------
the exercise of any of the rights and remedies of the Lender under this
Agreement, after deducting all charges, expenses, costs and attorneys' fees
relating thereto, including any and all costs and expenses referred to in
Section 6.2, shall be applied by the Lender to the payment of the Obligations,
whether due or to become due, in such order and in such proportions as the
Lender may elect; and the Borrower shall remain liable to the Lender for any
deficiency.

       SECTION 5.7 Additional Security, etc. Without notice to or consent of the
                   -------------------------
Borrower, and without impairment of the Liens and rights created by this
Agreement, the Lender may accept from the Borrower, any other Obligor or any
other person, additional security for the Obligations. Neither the giving of
this Agreement nor the acceptance of any such additional security shall prevent
the Lender from resorting first to any such additional security, or first to the
Liens created by this Agreement, without affecting the Liens and rights of the
Lender under this Agreement.

       SECTION 5.8 Default Rate. If an Event of Default exists, the Obligations
                   -------------
shall bear interest at the Default Rate, until the earlier of (a) such time as
all of the Obligations are paid in full or (b) no such Event of Default exists.

       SECTION 5.9 Remedies Cumulative. The rights and remedies of the Lender
                   -------------------
under this Agreement are cumulative and not exclusive of any other rights or
remedies now or hereafter existing at law or in equity.

                                     - 6 -

<PAGE>
 
                                   ARTICLE 6

                                 Miscellaneous
                                 -------------

       SECTION 6.1 Notices.
                   --------

       (a)    Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent,
waiver or other document provided or permitted by this Agreement to be made
upon, given or furnished to, or filed with, the Borrower or the Lender must
(except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement) be in writing and be
delivered by one of the following methods: (1) by personal delivery at the hand
delivery address specified below, (2) by first-class, registered or certified
mail, postage prepaid, addressed as specified below, or (3) if facsimile
transmission facilities for such party are identified below or pursuant to a
separate written notice from such party, sent by facsimile transmission to the
number specified below or in such notice.

       (b)    The hand delivery address, mailing address and (if applicable)
facsimile transmission number for receipt of notice or other documents by such
parties are as follows:

              (1)    Borrower:
                     --------

                     By hand
                     or mail:      John R. Bragg
                                   3339 E Briarcliff Road
                                   Birmingham, Alabama  35223

              (2)    Lender:
                     ------
 
                     By hand
                     or mail:      Alabama National Bancorporation
                                   1927 First Avenue North
                                   Birmingham, Alabama 35203
                                   Attention:  Chief Executive Officer

                  By facsimile:    (205) 583-3275

       Any of such parties may change the address or number for receiving any
such notice or other document by giving notice of the change to the other
parties named in this Section 6.1.

       (c)    Any such notice or other document shall be deemed delivered when
actually received by the party to whom directed (or, if such party is not an
individual, to an officer, director, partner or other legal representative of
the party) at the address or number specified pursuant to this Section 6.1, or,
if sent by mail, three Business Days after such notice or document is deposited
in the United States mail, addressed as provided above.

       (d)    Five Business Days' written notice to the Borrower as provided
above shall constitute reasonable notification to the Borrower when notification
is required by law; provided, however, that nothing contained in the foregoing
shall be construed as requiring five Business Days' notice if, under applicable
law and the circumstances then existing, a shorter period of time would
constitute reasonable notice.

       SECTION 6.2 Expenses. The Borrower shall promptly on demand pay all costs
                   --------
and expenses, including the fees and disbursements of counsel to the Lender,
incurred by the Lender in connection with (a) the negotiation, preparation and
review of this Agreement (whether or not the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement shall be consummated), (b) the enforcement of this Agreement, (c) the
custody and preservation of the Property, (d) the protection or perfection of
the Lender's rights and interests under this Agreement in the Property, (e) the
exercise by or on behalf of the Lender of any of its rights, powers or remedies
under this Agreement and (f) the prosecution or defense of any action or
proceeding by or against the Lender, the Borrower, any other Obligor, or any one
or more of them, concerning any matter related to this Agreement, any of the
Property or any of the Obligations. All such amounts shall bear interest from
the date demand is made at the Default Rate and shall be included in the
Obligations secured hereby. The Borrower's obligations under this Section 6.2
shall survive the payment in full of the Obligations and the termination of this
Agreement.

                                     - 7 -
<PAGE>
 
       SECTION 6.3 Heirs, Successors and Assigns. Whenever in this Agreement any
                   -----------------------------
party hereto is referred to, such reference shall be deemed to include the
heirs, successors and assigns of such party, except that the Borrower may not
assign or transfer this Agreement without the prior written consent of the
Lender; and all covenants and agreements of the Borrower contained in this
Agreement shall bind the Borrower's heirs, successors and assigns and shall
inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Lender.

       SECTION 6.4 Joint and Several Liability. If the Borrower is comprised of
                   ---------------------------
more than one person, all of the Borrower's representations, warranties,
covenants and agreements under this Agreement shall be joint and several and
shall be binding on and enforceable against either, any or all of the persons
comprising the Borrower. If any one or more of the persons comprising the
Borrower is in default, the Lender my exercise its remedies on default against
all of the person comprising the Borrower.

       SECTION 6.5 Independent Obligations. The Borrower agrees that each of the
                   -----------------------
obligations of the Borrower to the Lender under this Agreement may be enforced
against the Borrower without the necessity of joining any other Obligor, any
other holders of Liens in any Property or any other person, as a party.

       SECTION 6.6 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be construed in
                   -------------
accordance with and governed by Title 9 of the U.S. Code and the internal laws
of the State of Alabama (without regard to conflict of law principles) except as
required by mandatory provisions of law and except to the extent that the
validity and perfection of the Liens on the Property are governed by the laws of
any jurisdiction other than the State of Alabama.

       SECTION 6.7 Date of Agreement. The date of this Agreement is intended as
                   -----------------
a date for the convenient identification of this Agreement and is not intended
to indicate that this Agreement was executed and delivered on that date.

       SECTION 6.8 Separability Clause. If any provision of the Credit Documents
                   -------------------
shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and
enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or
impaired thereby.

       SECTION 6.9 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
                   ------------
counterparts, each of which so executed shall be deemed an original, but all
such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same agreement.

       SECTION 6.10 No Oral Agreements. This Agreement is the final expression
                    ------------------
of the agreement between the parties hereto, and this Agreement may not be
contradicted by evidence of any prior oral agreement between such parties. All
previous oral agreements between the parties hereto have been incorporated into
this Agreement and the other Credit Documents, and there is no unwritten oral
agreement between the parties hereto in existence.

       SECTION 6.11 Waiver and Election. The exercise by the Lender of any
                    -------------------
option given under this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver of the right to
exercise any other option. No failure or delay on the part of the Lender in
exercising any right, power or remedy under this Agreement shall operate as a
waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right,
power or remedy preclude any further exercise thereof or the exercise of any
other right, power or remedy. No modification, termination or waiver of any
provisions of the Credit Documents, nor consent to any departure by the Borrower
therefrom, shall be effective unless in writing and signed by an authorized
officer of the Lender, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only
in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given. No notice
to or demand on the Borrower in any case shall entitle the Borrower to any other
or further notice or demand in similar or other circumstances.

       SECTION 6.12 No Obligations of Lender; Indemnification. The Lender does
                    -----------------------------------------
not by virtue of this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated by the
Credit Documents assume any duties, liabilities or obligations with respect to
any of the Property unless expressly assumed by the Lender under a separate
agreement in writing, and this Agreement shall not be deemed to confer on the
Lender any duties or obligations that would make the Lender directly or
derivatively liable for any person's negligent, reckless or wilful conduct. The
Borrower agrees to indemnify and hold the Lender harmless against and with
respect to any damage, claim, action, loss, cost, expense, liability, penalty or
interest (including attorney's fees) and all costs and expenses of all actions,
suits, proceedings, demands, assessments, claims and judgments directly or
indirectly resulting from, occurring in connection with, or arising out of: (a)
any inaccurate representation made by the Borrower or any Obligor in this
Agreement or any other Credit Document; (b) any breach of any of the warranties
or obligations of the Borrower or any Obligor under this Agreement or any other
Credit Document; and (c) the Property, or the Liens of the Lender thereon. The
provisions of this Section 6.12 shall survive the payment of the Obligations in
full and the termination, satisfaction, release (in whole or in part) and
foreclosure of this Agreement.


                                     - 8 -
<PAGE>
 
       SECTION 6.13 Advances by the Lender. If the Borrower shall fail to comply
                    ----------------------
with any of the provisions of this Agreement, the Lender may (but shall not be
required to) make advances to perform the same, and where necessary enter any
premises where any Property is located for the purpose of performing the
Borrower's obligations under any such provision. The Borrower agrees to repay
all such sums advanced upon demand, with interest from the date such advances
are made at the Default Rate, and all sums so advanced with interest shall be a
part of the Obligations. The making of any such advances shall not be construed
as a waiver by the Lender of any Event of Default resulting from the Borrower's
failure to pay such amounts.

       SECTION 6.14 Rights, Liens and Obligations Absolute. All rights of the
                    ---------------------------------------
Lender hereunder, all Liens granted to the Lender hereunder, and all obligations
of the Borrower hereunder, shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be
affected by (a) any lack of validity or enforceability as to any other person of
any of the Credit Documents, (b) any change in the time, manner or place of
payment of, or any other term of the Obligations, (c) any amendment or waiver of
any of the provisions of the Credit Documents as to any other person, and (d)
any exchange, release or non-perfection of any other collateral or any release,
termination or waiver of any guaranty, for any of the Obligations.

       SECTION 6.15 Termination. This Agreement and the Lender's Liens in the
                    -----------
Property hereunder will not be terminated until one of the Lender's officers
signs a written termination agreement. Except as otherwise expressly provided
for in this Agreement, no termination of this Agreement shall in any way affect
or impair the representations, warranties, agreements or other obligations of
the Borrower or the rights, powers and remedies of the Lender under this
Agreement with respect to any transaction or event occurring prior to such
termination, all of which shall survive such termination.

       SECTION 6.16 Reinstatement. This Agreement, the obligations of the
                    -------------
Borrower hereunder, and the Liens, rights, powers and remedies of the Lender
hereunder, shall continue to be effective, or be automatically reinstated, as
the case may be, if at any time any amount applied to the payment of any of the
Obligations is rescinded or must otherwise be restored or returned to the
Borrower, any Obligor, or any other person (or paid to the creditors of any of
them, or to any custodian, receiver, trustee or other officer with similar
powers with respect to any of them, or with respect to any part of their
property) upon the insolvency, bankruptcy, dissolution, liquidation or
reorganization of the Borrower, any Obligor or any such person, or upon or as a
result of the appointment of a custodian, receiver, trustee or other officer
with respect to any of them, or with respect to any part of their property, or
otherwise, all as though such payment had not been made.

       SECTION 6.17 Submission to Jurisdiction. The Borrower irrevocably (a)
                    --------------------------
acknowledges that this Agreement will be accepted by the Lender and performed by
the Borrower in the State of Alabama; (b) submits to the jurisdiction of each
state or federal court sitting in Jefferson County, Alabama (collectively, the
"Courts") over any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this
Agreement (to enforce the arbitration provisions hereof or, if the arbitration
provisions are found to be unenforceable, to determine any issues arising out of
or relating to this Agreement) or any of the other Credit Documents
(individually, an "Agreement Action"); (c) waives, to the fullest extent
permitted by law, any objection or defense that the Borrower may now or
hereafter have based on improper venue, lack of personal jurisdiction,
inconvenience of forum or any similar matter in any Agreement Action brought in
any of the Courts; (d) agrees that final judgment in any Agreement Action
brought in any of the Courts shall be conclusive and binding upon the Borrower
and may be enforced in any other court to the jurisdiction of which the Borrower
is subject, by a suit upon such judgment; (e) consents to the service of process
on the Borrower in any Agreement Action by the mailing of a copy thereof by
registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, to the Borrower at the Borrower's
address designated in or pursuant to Section 6.1; (f) agrees that service in
accordance with Section 6.17(e) shall in every respect be effective and binding
on the Borrower to the same extent as though served on the Borrower in person by
a person duly authorized to serve such process; and (g) AGREES THAT THE
PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION, EVEN IF FOUND NOT TO BE STRICTLY ENFORCEABLE BY ANY
COURT, SHALL CONSTITUTE "FAIR WARNING" TO THE BORROWER THAT THE EXECUTION OF
THIS AGREEMENT MAY SUBJECT THE BORROWER TO THE JURISDICTION OF EACH STATE OR
FEDERAL COURT SITTING IN JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALABAMA WITH RESPECT TO ANY AGREEMENT
ACTIONS, AND THAT IT IS FORESEEABLE BY THE BORROWER THAT THE BORROWER MAY BE
SUBJECTED TO THE JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURTS AND MAY BE SUED IN THE STATE OF
ALABAMA IN ANY AGREEMENT ACTIONS. Nothing in this Section 6.17 shall limit or
restrict the Lender's right to serve process or bring Agreement Actions in
manners and in courts otherwise than as herein provided.

       SECTION 6.18 Arbitration; Dispute Resolution; Preservation of Foreclosure
                    ------------------------------------------------------------
Remedies
- --------

       (a)    The Borrower represents to the Lender that its business and
affairs constitute substantial interstate commerce and that it contemplates
using the proceeds of the Note in substantial interstate commerce. Except as
otherwise specifically set forth below, any action, dispute, claim, counterclaim
or controversy ("Dispute" or "Disputes"), between or among the Lender, the
Borrower or any other Obligor, including any claim based on or arising from an
alleged tort, shall be resolved by arbitration 

                                     - 9 -
<PAGE>
 
as set forth below. As used herein, Disputes shall include all actions,
disputes, claims, counterclaims or controversies arising in connection with the
Note, any extension of or commitment to extend Credit by the Lender, any
collection of any indebtedness owed to the Lender, any security or collateral
given to the Lender, any action taken (or any omission to take any action) in
connection with any of the foregoing, any past, present and future agreement
between or among the Lender, the Borrower or any other Obligor (including the
Note and any Credit Document), and any past, present or future transactions
between or among the Lender, the Borrower or any other Obligor. Without limiting
the generality of the foregoing, Disputes shall include actions commonly
referred to as lender liability actions.

       (b)    All Disputes shall be resolved by binding arbitration in
accordance with Title 9 of the U.S. Code and the Commercial Arbitration Rules of
the American Arbitration Association (the "AAA"). Defenses based on statutes of
limitation, estoppel, waiver, laches and similar doctrines, that would otherwise
be applicable to an action brought by a party, shall be applicable in any such
arbitration proceeding, and the commencement of an arbitration proceeding with
respect to this Agreement shall be deemed the commencement of an action for such
purposes.

       (c)    Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower and each other Obligor
agrees that the Lender shall have the option, but not the obligation, to submit
to and pursue in a court of law any claim against the Borrower or any other
Obligor for a debt due. The Borrower and each other Obligor agrees that, if the
Lender pursues such a claim in a court of law, (1) failure of the Lender to
assert any additional claim in such proceeding shall not be deemed a waiver of,
or estoppel to pursue, such claim as a claim or counterclaim in arbitration as
set forth above, and (2) the institution or maintenance of a judicial action
hereunder shall not constitute a waiver of the right of any party to submit any
other action, dispute, claim or controversy as described above, even though
arising out of the same transaction or occurrence, to binding arbitration as set
forth herein. If the Borrower asserts a claim against the Lender in arbitration
or otherwise during the pendency of a claim brought by the Lender in a court of
law, the court action shall be stayed and the parties shall submit to
arbitration all claims.

       (d)    No provision of, nor the exercise of any rights under this
Section, shall limit the right of any party (1) to foreclose against any real or
personal property collateral by exercise of a power of sale under any Credit
Document, or by exercise of any rights of foreclosure or of sale under
applicable law, (2) to exercise self-help remedies such as set-off, or (3) to
obtain provisional or ancillary remedies such as injunctive relief, attachment
or the appointment of a receiver from a court having jurisdiction before, during
or after the pendency of any arbitration or referral. The institution and
maintenance of an action for judicial relief or pursuit of provisional or
ancillary remedies or exercise of self-help remedies shall not constitute a
waiver of the right of any party, including the plaintiff in such an action, to
submit the Dispute to arbitration or, in the case of actions on a debt, to
judicial resolution.

       (e)    Whenever an arbitration is required hereunder, the arbitrator
shall be selected in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the
AAA. The AAA shall designate a panel of 10 potential arbitrators knowledgeable
in the subject matter of the Dispute. Each of the Lender and the Obligor shall
designate, within 30 days of the receipt of the list of potential arbitrators,
one of the potential arbitrators to serve, and the two arbitrators so designated
shall select a third arbitrator from the eight remaining potential arbitrators.
The panel of three arbitrators shall determine the resolution of the Dispute.

       IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Agreement dated
April 15, 1999.

                                /s/ John R. Bragg
                                --------------------------
                                (Signature of the Borrower)

                                John R. Bragg
                                --------------------------
                                (Printed Name)


                                    - 10 -
<PAGE>
 
                                   EXHIBIT A
                                   ---------

Certificate No.          No. of Shares         Issued To          Date
- ---------------          -------------         ---------          ----
ANB 2830                 7,043                 John R. Bragg








                                      A-1
<PAGE>
 
                                   EXHIBIT B
                                   ---------

                               (Credit Documents)

       The "Credit Documents" referred to in this Agreement include the
       following:

       (a)    Promissory Note dated of even date herewith in the principal
amount of $107,871.00 executed by the Borrower in favor of the Lender, which
evidences a loan made by the Lender to the Borrower.

       (b)    Promissory Note dated of even date herewith in the principal
amount of $19,800.00 executed by the Borrower in favor of the Lender, which
evidences a loan made available by the Lender to the Borrower and has a final
maturity date of April 15, 2000.


                                      B-1

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.4

$93,747.00                                                   Birmingham, Alabama
                                                                  April 15, 1999

                                PROMISSORY NOTE
                                ---------------

       FOR VALUE RECEIVED, without grace JOHN H. HOLCOMB, III, (the "Borrower"),
promises to pay to the order of ALABAMA NATIONAL BANCORPORATION, a Delaware
corporation (herein called the "Lender," and together with any subsequent holder
of this note called the "Holder"), in the manner set forth below, the principal
sum of Ninety-Three Thousand Seven Hundred Forty-Seven and 00/100 Dollars
($93,747.00), plus interest at the rate set forth below.

       This Note shall bear interest (computed on an Actual/360 Day Basis) on
the unpaid principal balance hereof, from the date of disbursement until payment
in full or complete forgiveness, whichever occurs first, at the rate per annum
equal to the LIBOR-Based Rate (as defined below) adjusted on each Interest Rate
Determination Date (as defined below). If in the Lender's opinion it is
impossible or impractical to determine the LIBOR-Based Rate for a certain year,
this Note shall bear interest at the Prime Rate until the next Interest Rate
Determination Date. Interest payable hereunder shall be payable on each Interest
Rate Determination Date, commencing April 15, 2000.

       Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, if the
Borrower remains continually employed by the Lender or one of its subsidiaries
or affiliates (hereinafter referred to as a "Qualifying Employer") as of the
first ten (10) anniversaries of this Note, ten percent (10%) of the original
principal balance ($9,374.70) of this Note shall be forgiven as of each such
anniversary, commencing April 15, 2000. In addition, as long as the Borrower
remains continually employed by a Qualifying Employer, upon the occurrence of
(x) a Change in Control (as hereinafter defined), (y) the Borrower's death or
(z) the Total Disability (as hereinafter defined) of the Borrower, the entire
principal balance then remaining unpaid hereunder, shall be immediately forgiven
in full.

       The Borrower further agrees with the Holder as follows:

       SECTION 1 Rules of Construction. This Note is subject to the rules of
                 ---------------------
construction set forth in the Security Documents.

       SECTION 2 Definitions. As used in this Note, capitalized terms that are
                 -----------
not otherwise defined herein have the meanings defined for them in the Security
Documents and the following terms are defined as follows:

       (a)    Actual/360 Day Basis means a method of computing interest and
              --------------------
other charges on the basis of an assumed year of 360 days for the actual number
of days elapsed, meaning that the interest accrued for each day will be computed
by multiplying the interest rate applicable on that day by the unpaid principal
balance on that day and dividing the result by 360.

       (b)    Business Day means any day, excluding Saturday and Sunday, on
              ------------
which the Lender's main office in Birmingham, Alabama, is open to the public for
carrying on substantially all of its banking business.

       (c)    Change in Control of the Lender means (i) any transaction, whether
              -------------------------------------
by merger, consolidation, asset sale, tender offer, reverse stock split, or
otherwise, which results in the acquisition or beneficial ownership (as such
term is defined under rules and regulations promulgated under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) by any person or entity or any group of
persons or entities acting in concert, of fifty percent (50%) or more of the
outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Lender; or (ii) the sale of all or
substantially all of the assets of the Lender; or (iii) the liquidation of the
Lender.

       (d)    Credit Documents means this Note, the Security Documents and all
              ----------------
other documents now or hereafter executed or delivered in connection with the
transactions contemplated thereby.

       (e)    Default Rate means a rate of interest equal to four percentage
              ------------
points (400 basis points) in excess of the highest interest rate that would
otherwise be payable on the principal indebtedness evidenced by this Note from
time to time in the absence of the existence of a default, or the maximum rate
permitted by law, whichever is less.

       (f)    Event of Default is defined in Section 6. An Event of Default
              ----------------
"exists" if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.
<PAGE>
 
       (g)    Interest Rate Determination Date means the fifteenth (15) day of
              --------------------------------
April of each year during the term hereof.

       (h)    LIBOR-Based Rate means a fixed rate of one percent (100 basis
              ----------------
points) in excess of the per annum rate of interest most recently published in
The Wall Street Journal as of the close of business on the date hereof and on
and after the most recent Interest Rate Determination Date (being the rate
quoted for the immediately preceding business day) as the London Interbank
Offered Rate for U.S. dollar deposits having a term of ninety (90) days. The
Lender shall determine the LIBOR-Based Rate on the date hereof and on each
Interest Rate Determination Date.

       (i)    Obligors means the Borrower, each other person executing any
              --------
Security Document as a grantor, (if the Borrower or any such grantor is a
partnership) any general partner thereof, and any other maker, endorser, surety,
guarantor or other person now or hereafter liable for the payment or
performance, in whole or in part, of any of the obligations evidenced by this
Note.

       (j)    Prime Rate means a floating interest rate equal to the rate of
              ----------
interest designated by the Lender from time to time as its "prime rate."

       (k)    Security Documents means the Pledge Agreement dated of even date
              ------------------
herewith executed by the Borrower in favor of the Lender and all other documents
now or hereafter securing or guaranteeing the obligations evidenced by this
Note, or any part thereof.

       (l)    Total Disability means the Borrower's inability, as a result of
              ----------------
illness or injury, to perform the normal duties of the Borrower's employment for
a period of ninety (90) consecutive days.

       SECTION 3 Place and Time of Payments.
                 --------------------------
       (a)    All payments by the Borrower to the Holder under this Note shall

be made in lawful currency of the United States and in immediately available
funds to the Lender at its Main Office in Birmingham, Alabama or at such other
address within the continental United States as shall be specified by the Holder
by notice to the Borrower. Any payment received by the Holder after 2:00 p.m.
(Birmingham, Alabama time) on a Business Day (or at any time on a day that is
not a Business Day) shall be deemed made by the Borrower and received by the
Holder on the following Business Day.

       (b)    The amount payable by the Borrower to the Holder under this Note

or any of the other Credit Documents for which a payment date is expressly set
forth herein or therein shall be payable on the specified due date without
notice or demand by the Holder.

       (c)    Payments that are due on a day that is not a Business Day shall be

payable on the next succeeding Business Day, and any interest payable thereon
shall be payable for such extended time at the specified rate.

       SECTION 4 Default Rate. If an Event of Default exists, this Note shall
                 ------------
bear interest at the Default Rate, until the earlier of (a) such time as all
amounts due hereunder are paid in full or (b) no such Event of Default exists.

       SECTION 5 Security Documents. This Note with interest is secured by and
                 ------------------
entitled to the benefits of the Security Documents. Reference to the Security
Documents is hereby made for all of the provisions thereof. This Note shall be
secured by all security documents that by their terms secure this Note, and all
such documents shall constitute Security Documents.

       SECTION 6 Events of Default. The occurrence of any of the following
                 -----------------
events shall constitute an event of default ("Event of Default") under this Note
(whatever the reason for such event and whether or not it shall be voluntary or
involuntary or be effected by operation of law or pursuant to any Governmental
Requirement): (a) any representation or warranty made in any of the Credit
Documents shall prove to be false or misleading in any material respect as of
the time made; or (b) any report, certificate, financial statement or other
instrument furnished in connection with this Note or any of the other Credit
Documents shall prove to be false or misleading in any material respect as of
the time furnished; or (c) default shall be made in the payment when due of any
of the obligations evidenced by this Note or any part thereof; or (d) the
termination of the Borrower's employment with a Qualifying Employer for any
reason with or without cause, whether voluntary or involuntary, other than the
Borrower's death or Total Disability; or (e) any default or event of default, as
therein defined, shall occur under any of the other Credit Documents (after
giving effect to any applicable notice, grace or cure period specified therein).

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
       SECTION 7 Acceleration. If an Event of Default exists that does not
                 ------------
already result in the automatic acceleration of this Note under another Credit
Document, the Holder shall have the right without further notice to the Borrower
to declare the entire unpaid principal balance of the indebtedness evidenced by
this Note, with accrued interest, to be immediately due and payable.
Notwithstanding anything in this Note or any other Security Document to the
contrary, the entire unpaid principal balance of the indebtedness evidenced by
this Note shall be immediately due and payable without written notice or demand,
upon the termination of the Borrower's employment with a Qualifying Employer for
any reason with or without cause, whether voluntary or involuntary, other than
the Borrower's death or Total Disability.

       SECTION 8 Certain Waivers and Agreements by Obligors.
                 ------------------------------------------

       (a)    As to the obligations evidenced by this Note, each Obligor
severally (1) waives demand, presentment, protest, notice of protest, suit and
all other requirements necessary to hold liable such Obligor or any of the other
Obligors; (2) waives all exemptions of personal property secured to any Obligor
under the Constitution and laws of the State of Alabama or any other state; and
(3) agrees to pay all costs of collection, including a reasonable attorney's
fee, in the event default should be made in the payment of any of the
obligations evidenced by this Note.

       (b)    Each Obligor severally (1) acknowledges that the Lender has not

made any representations or entered into any agreements with such Obligor to
induce such Obligor to enter into the transactions contemplated by this Note
except as set forth in writing in the Credit Documents; (2) agrees upon request
such Obligor will furnish financial statements to the Holder and grant the
Holder access to such Obligor's books and records; (3) agrees that any
obligations of any Obligor may, from time to time, in whole or in part, be
renewed, extended, modified, accelerated, compromised, discharged or released by
the Holder, and any collateral, lien, right of set-off or other security for the
obligations evidenced by this Note or any other obligations of any Obligor to
the Holder may, from time to time, in whole or in part, be exchanged, sold,
released, satisfied, or terminated, all without notice to, or in any way
affecting or releasing any of the obligations of any other Obligor; and (4)
agrees that the Holder will not be required first to resort to any Security
Document, any guaranty or any other security pledged or granted to the Holder,
but upon a default under this Note or any of the Security Documents, the Holder
may forthwith look to any Obligor for payment hereunder or may look to and
realize upon any other security held by the Holder, in any order the Holder
chooses, until the entire debt evidenced by this Note is paid.

       SECTION 9 Joint and Several Liability. If the Borrower is comprised of
                 ---------------------------
more than one person, all of the Borrower's representations, warranties,
covenants and agreements under this Note shall be joint and several and shall be
binding on and enforceable against either, any or all of the persons comprising
the Borrower. If any one or more of the persons comprising the Borrower is in
default, the Holder my exercise its remedies on default against all of the
persons comprising the Borrower.

       SECTION 10 Independent Obligations. The Borrower agrees that each of the
                  -----------------------
obligations of the Borrower to the Holder under this Note may be enforced
against the Borrower without the necessity of joining any other Obligor, any
other holders of Liens in any Property or any other person, as a party.

       SECTION 11 Heirs, Successors and Assigns. Whenever in this Note any party
                  -----------------------------
hereto is referred to, such reference shall be deemed to include the heirs,
successors and assigns of such party, except that the Borrower may not assign or
transfer its obligations under this Note without the prior written consent of
the Holder; and all obligations of the Borrower under this Note shall bind the
Borrower's heirs, successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of the
successors and assigns of the Holder.

       SECTION 12 Governing Law. This Note shall be construed in accordance with
                  -------------
and governed by Title 9 of the U.S. Code and the internal laws of the State of
Alabama except as required by mandatory provisions of law (without regard to
conflict of law principles).

       SECTION 13 Separability Clause. If any provision of the this Note shall
                  -------------------
be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability
of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired
thereby.

       SECTION 14 No Oral Agreements. This Note is the final expression of the
                  ------------------
agreement between the parties hereto, and this Note may not be contradicted by
evidence of any prior oral agreement between such parties. All previous oral
agreements between the parties hereto have been incorporated into this Note and
the other Credit Documents, and there is no unwritten oral agreement between the
parties hereto in existence.

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
       SECTION 15 Waiver and Election. The exercise by the Holder of any option
                  -------------------
given under this Note or the Security Documents shall not constitute a waiver of
the right to exercise any other option. No failure or delay on the part of the
Holder in exercising any right, power or remedy under this Note or the Security
Documents shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial
exercise of any such right, power or remedy preclude any further exercise
thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or remedy. No modification,
termination or waiver of any provisions of this Note, nor consent to any
departure by the Borrower therefrom, shall be effective unless in writing and
signed by an authorized officer of the Holder, and then such waiver or consent
shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose
for which given. No notice to or demand on the Borrower in any case shall
entitle the Borrower to any other or further notice or demand in similar or
other circumstances.

       SECTION 16 Set-off. While any Event of Default exists, the Lender is
                  -------
authorized at any time and from time to time, without notice to the Borrower
(any such notice being expressly waived by the Borrower), to set off and apply
any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final)
at any time held and other indebtedness at any time owing by the Lender to or
for the credit or the account of the Borrower against any and all of the
obligations evidenced by this Note, irrespective of whether or not the Lender
shall have made any demand under this Note and although such obligations may be
unmatured. The rights of the Lender under this Section 16 are in addition to all
other rights and remedies (including other rights of set-off or pursuant to any
banker's lien) that the Lender may have.

       SECTION 17 Time of Essence. Time is of the essence of this Note.
                  ---------------

       SECTION 18 Submission to Jurisdiction. The Borrower irrevocably (a)
                  --------------------------
acknowledges that this Note will be accepted by the Lender and performed by the
Borrower in the State of Alabama; (b) submits to the jurisdiction of each state
or federal court sitting in Jefferson County, Alabama (collectively, the
"Courts") over any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this
Note (to enforce the arbitration provisions hereof or, if the arbitration
provisions are found to be unenforceable, to determine any issues arising out of
or relating to this Note) or any of the other Credit Documents (individually, an
"Agreement Action"); (c) waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any
objection or defense that the Borrower may now or hereafter have based on
improper venue, lack of personal jurisdiction, inconvenience of forum or any
similar matter in any Agreement Action brought in any of the Courts; (d) agrees
that final judgment in any Agreement Action brought in any of the Courts shall
be conclusive and binding upon the Borrower and may be enforced in any other
court to the jurisdiction of which the Borrower is subject, by a suit upon such
judgment; (e) consents to the service of process on the Borrower in any
Agreement Action by the mailing of a copy thereof by registered or certified
mail, postage prepaid, to the Borrower at the Borrower's address designated at
the end of this Note; (f) agrees that service in accordance with Section 18(e)
shall in every respect be effective and binding on the Borrower to the same
extent as though served on the Borrower in person by a person duly authorized to
serve such process; and (g) AGREES THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION, EVEN IF
FOUND NOT TO BE STRICTLY ENFORCEABLE BY ANY COURT, SHALL CONSTITUTE "FAIR
WARNING" TO THE BORROWER THAT THE EXECUTION OF THIS NOTE MAY SUBJECT THE
BORROWER TO THE JURISDICTION OF EACH STATE OR FEDERAL COURT SITTING IN JEFFERSON
COUNTY, ALABAMA WITH RESPECT TO ANY AGREEMENT ACTIONS, AND THAT IT IS
FORESEEABLE BY THE BORROWER THAT THE BORROWER MAY BE SUBJECTED TO THE
JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURTS AND MAY BE SUED IN THE STATE OF ALABAMA IN ANY
AGREEMENT ACTIONS. Nothing in this Section 18 shall limit or restrict the
Lender's right to serve process or bring Agreement Actions in manners and in
courts otherwise than as herein provided.

       SECTION 19 Usury  Laws.  Any  provision  of this Note or any of the other
                  -----------
Credit  Documents to the contrary  notwithstanding,  the Borrower and the Lender
agree that they do not intend for the interest or other  consideration  provided
for in this Note and the other  Credit  Documents to be greater than the maximum
amount permitted by applicable law.  Regardless of any provision in this Note or
any of the other Credit Documents,  the Lender shall not be entitled to receive,
collect or apply,  as interest on the  Obligations,  any amount in excess of the
maximum rate of interest permitted to be charged under applicable law until such
time, if any, as that  interest,  together with all other interest then payable,
falls within the then applicable maximum lawful rate of interest.  If the Lender
shall receive, collect or apply any amount in excess of the then maximum rate of
interest,  the amount that would be excessive interest shall be applied first to
the reduction of the principal amount of the Obligations then outstanding in the
inverse order of maturity, and second, if such principal amount is paid in full,
any excess shall forthwith be returned to the Borrower.  In determining  whether
the interest paid or payable under any specific  contingency exceeds the highest
lawful rate, the Borrower and the Lender shall, to the maximum extent  permitted
under applicable law, (a)  characterize any nonprincipal  payment as an expense,
fee or premium rather than as interest,  (b) exclude  voluntary  prepayments and
the effects thereof,  (c) consider all the Obligations as one general obligation
of the  Borrower,  and (d) "spread" the total amount of the interest  throughout
the entire term of this Note so that the interest rate is uniform throughout the
entire term of this Note.

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
       SECTION 20 Arbitration; Dispute Resolution; Preservation of Foreclosure
                  ------------------------------------------------------------
Remedies
- --------

       (a)    The Borrower represents to the Lender that its business and
affairs constitute substantial interstate commerce and that it contemplates
using the proceeds of this Note in substantial interstate commerce. Except as
otherwise specifically set forth below, any action, dispute, claim, counterclaim
or controversy ("Dispute" or "Disputes"), between or among the Lender, the
Borrower or any other Obligor, including any claim based on or arising from an
alleged tort, shall be resolved by arbitration as set forth below. As used
herein, Disputes shall include all actions, disputes, claims, counterclaims or
controversies arising in connection with this Note, any extension of or
commitment to extend credit by the Lender, any collection of any indebtedness
owed to the Lender, any security or collateral given to the Lender, any action
taken (or any omission to take any action) in connection with any of the
foregoing, any past, present and future agreement between or among the Lender,
the Borrower or any other Obligor (including this Note and any Credit Document),
and any past, present or future transactions between or among the Lender, the
Borrower or any other Obligor. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing,
Disputes shall include actions commonly referred to as lender liability actions.

       (b)    All Disputes shall be resolved by binding arbitration in
accordance with Title 9 of the U.S. Code and the Commercial Arbitration Rules of
the American Arbitration Association (the "AAA"). Defenses based on statutes of
limitation, estoppel, waiver, laches and similar doctrines, that would otherwise
be applicable to an action brought by a party, shall be applicable in any such
arbitration proceeding, and the commencement of an arbitration proceeding with
respect to this Note shall be deemed the commencement of an action for such
purposes.

       (c)    Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower and each other Obligor
agrees that the Lender shall have the option, but not the obligation, to submit
to and pursue in a court of law any claim against the Borrower or any other
Obligor for a debt due. The Borrower and each other Obligor agrees that, if the
Lender pursues such a claim in a court of law, (1) failure of the Lender to
assert any additional claim in such proceeding shall not be deemed a waiver of,
or estoppel to pursue, such claim as a claim or counterclaim in arbitration as
set forth above, and (2) the institution or maintenance of a judicial action
hereunder shall not constitute a waiver of the right of any party to submit any
other action, dispute, claim or controversy as described above, even though
arising out of the same transaction or occurrence, to binding arbitration as set
forth herein. If the Borrower asserts a claim against the Lender in arbitration
or otherwise during the pendency of a claim brought by the Lender in a court of
law, the court action shall be stayed and the parties shall submit to
arbitration all claims.

       (d)    No provision of, nor the exercise of any rights under this
Section, shall limit the right of any party (1) to foreclose against any real or
personal property collateral by exercise of a power of sale under any Credit
Document, or by exercise of any rights of foreclosure or of sale under
applicable law, (2) to exercise self-help remedies such as set-off, or (3) to
obtain provisional or ancillary remedies such as injunctive relief, attachment
or the appointment of a receiver from a court having jurisdiction before, during
or after the pendency of any arbitration or referral. The institution and
maintenance of an action for judicial relief or pursuit of provisional or
ancillary remedies or exercise of self-help remedies shall not constitute a
waiver of the right of any party, including the plaintiff in such an action, to
submit the Dispute to arbitration or, in the case of actions on a debt, to
judicial resolution.

       (e)    Whenever an arbitration is required hereunder, the arbitrator
shall be selected in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the
AAA. The AAA shall designate a panel of 10 potential arbitrators knowledgeable
in the subject matter of the Dispute. Each of the Lender and the Obligor shall
designate, within 30 days of the receipt of the list of potential arbitrators,
one of the potential arbitrators to serve, and the two arbitrators so designated
shall select a third arbitrator from the eight remaining potential arbitrators.
The panel of three arbitrators shall determine the resolution of the Dispute.

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
       IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed and delivered this Note
dated the date first written above.

                            /s/ John H. Holcomb, III
                            ------------------------
                            Signature of Borrower


                            John H. Holcomb, III
                            --------------------
                            Please Print Name


                            Send Correspondence and Billings to:

                                   John H. Holcomb, III
                                   --------------------------
                                   56 Country Club Blvd      
                                   --------------------------
                                   Birmingham, Alabama  35213
                                   --------------------------

                                      -6-

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.5

                                                             Birmingham, Alabama
$83,400.00                                                        April 15, 1999

                                PROMISSORY NOTE
                                ---------------

       FOR VALUE RECEIVED, without grace, JOHN H. HOLCOMB, III (the "Borrower"),
promises to pay to the order of Alabama National BanCorporation, a Delaware
corporation (herein called the "Lender," and together with any subsequent holder
of this note called the "Holder"), in the manner set forth below, the principal
sum of Eighty-Three Thousand Four Hundred and 00/100 Dollars ($83,400.00), plus
interest at the rate set forth below.

       This Note shall bear interest (computed on an Actual/360 Day Basis) on
the unpaid principal balance hereof, from the date of disbursement until payment
in full, at a fixed interest rate equal to six percent (6.0%) per annum.

       Principal and interest shall be payable under this Note on April 15,
2000.

       The Borrower further agrees with the Holder as follows:

       SECTION 1 Rules of Construction. This Note is subject to the rules of
                 ---------------------
construction set forth in the Security  Documents.

       SECTION 2 Definitions. As used in this Note, capitalized terms that are
                 -----------
not otherwise defined herein have the meanings defined for them in the Security
Documents and the following terms are defined as follows:

       (a)    Actual/360 Day Basis means a method of computing interest and
              --------------------
other charges on the basis of an assumed year of 360 days for the actual number
of days elapsed, meaning that the interest accrued for each day will be computed
by multiplying the interest rate applicable on that day by the unpaid principal
balance on that day and dividing the result by 360.

       (b)    Business Day means any day, excluding Saturday and Sunday, on
              ------------
which the Lender's main office in Birmingham, Alabama, is open to the public for
carrying on substantially all of its banking business.

       (c)    Credit Documents means this Note, the Security Documents and all
              ----------------
other documents now or hereafter executed or delivered in connection with the
transactions contemplated thereby.

       (d)    Default Rate means a rate of interest equal to four percentage
              ------------
points (400 basis points) in excess of the highest interest rate that would
otherwise be payable on the principal indebtedness evidenced by this Note from
time to time in the absence of the existence of a default, or the maximum rate
permitted by law, whichever is less.

       (e) Event of Default is defined in Section 8. An Event of Default
           ----------------
"exists" if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.

       (f)    Obligors means the Borrower, each other person executing any
              --------
Security Document as a grantor, (if the Borrower or any such grantor is a
partnership) any general partner thereof, and any other maker, endorser, surety,
guarantor or other person now or hereafter liable for the payment or
performance, in whole or in part, of any of the obligations evidenced by this
Note.

       (g)    Security Documents means the Pledge Agreement dated of even date
              ------------------
herewith executed by the Borrower in favor of the Lender and all other documents
now or hereafter securing or guaranteeing the obligations evidenced by this
Note, or any part thereof.
<PAGE>
 
       SECTION 3 Place and Time of Payments.
                 --------------------------

       (a)    All payments by the Borrower to the Holder under this Note shall
be made in lawful currency of the United States and in immediately available
funds to the Lender at its Main Office in Birmingham, Alabama or at such other
address within the continental United States as shall be specified by the Holder
by notice to the Borrower. Any payment received by the Holder after 2:00 p.m.
(Birmingham, Alabama time) on a Business Day (or at any time on a day that is
not a Business Day) shall be deemed made by the Borrower and received by the
Holder on the following Business Day.

       (b)    All amounts payable by the Borrower to the Holder under this Note
or any of the other Credit Documents for which a payment date is expressly set
forth herein or therein shall be payable on the specified due date without
notice or demand by the Holder. All amounts payable by the Borrower to the
Holder under this Note or the other Credit Documents for which no payment date
is expressly set forth herein or therein shall be payable ten days after written
demand by the Holder to the Borrower. The Holder may, at its option, send
written notice or demand to the Borrower of amounts payable on a specified due
date pursuant to this Note or the other Credit Documents, but the failure to
send such notice shall not affect or excuse the Borrower's obligation to make
payment of the amounts due on the specified due date.

       (c)    Payments that are due on a day that is not a Business Day shall be
payable on the next succeeding Business Day, and any interest payable thereon
shall be payable for such extended time at the specified rate.

       SECTION 4 Default Rate. If an Event of Default exists, this Note shall
                 ------------
bear interest at the Default Rate, until the earlier of (a) such time as all
amounts due hereunder are paid in full or (b) no such Event of Default exists.

       SECTION 5 Security Documents. This Note with interest is secured by and
                 ------------------
entitled to the benefits of the Security Documents. Reference to the Security
Documents is hereby made for all of the provisions thereof. This Note shall be
secured by all security documents that by their terms secure this Note, whether
or not described herein, and all such documents shall constitute Security
Documents.

       SECTION 6 Events of Default. The occurrence of any of the following
                 -----------------
events shall constitute an event of default ("Event of Default") under this Note
(whatever the reason for such event and whether or not it shall be voluntary or
involuntary or be effected by operation of law or pursuant to any Governmental
Requirement): (a) any representation or warranty made in any of the Credit
Documents shall prove to be false or misleading in any material respect as of
the time made; or (b) any report, certificate, financial statement or other
instrument furnished in connection with this Note or any of the other Credit
Documents shall prove to be false or misleading in any material respect as of
the time furnished; or (c) default shall be made in the payment when due of any
of the obligations evidenced by this Note or any part thereof; or (d) any
default or event of default, as therein defined, shall occur under any of the
other Credit Documents (after giving effect to any applicable notice, grace or
cure period specified therein).

       SECTION 7 Acceleration. If an Event of Default exists that does not
                 ------------
already result in the automatic acceleration of this Note under another Credit
Document, the Holder shall have the right without further notice to the Borrower
to declare the entire unpaid principal balance of the indebtedness evidenced by
this Note, with accrued interest, to be immediately due and payable.

       SECTION 8 Certain Waivers and Agreements by Obligors.
                 ------------------------------------------

       (a)    As to the obligations evidenced by this Note, each Obligor
severally (1) waives demand, presentment, protest, notice of protest, suit and
all other requirements necessary to hold liable such Obligor or any of the other
Obligors; (2) waives all exemptions of personal property secured to any Obligor
under the Constitution and laws of the State of Alabama or any other state; and
(3) agrees to pay all costs of collection, including a reasonable attorney's
fee, in the event default should be made in the payment of any of the
obligations evidenced by this Note.

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
       (b)    Each Obligor severally (1) acknowledges that the Lender has not
made any representations or entered into any agreements with such Obligor to
induce such Obligor to enter into the transactions contemplated by this Note
except as set forth in writing in the Credit Documents; (2) agrees upon request
such Obligor will furnish financial statements to the Holder and grant the
Holder access to such Obligor's books and records; (3) agrees that any
obligations of any Obligor may, from time to time, in whole or in part, be
renewed, extended, modified, accelerated, compromised, discharged or released by
the Holder, and any collateral, lien, right of set-off or other security for the
obligations evidenced by this Note or any other obligations of any Obligor to
the Holder may, from time to time, in whole or in part, be exchanged, sold,
released, satisfied, or terminated, all without notice to, or in any way
affecting or releasing any of the obligations of any other Obligor; and (4)
agrees that the Holder will not be required first to resort to any Security
Document, any guaranty or any other security pledged or granted to the Holder,
but upon a default under this Note or any of the Security Documents, the Holder
may forthwith look to any Obligor for payment hereunder or may look to and
realize upon any other security held by the Holder, in any order the Holder
chooses, until the entire debt evidenced by this Note is paid.

       SECTION 9 Independent Obligations. The Borrower agrees that each of the
                 -----------------------
obligations of the Borrower to the Holder under this Note may be enforced
against the Borrower without the necessity of joining any other Obligor, any
other holders of Liens in any Property or any other person, as a party.

       SECTION 10 Heirs, Successors and Assigns. Whenever in this Note any party
                  -----------------------------
hereto is referred to, such reference shall be deemed to include the heirs,
successors and assigns of such party, except that the Borrower may not assign or
transfer its obligations under this Note without the prior written consent of
the Holder; and all obligations of the Borrower under this Note shall bind the
Borrower's heirs, successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of the
successors and assigns of the Holder.

       SECTION 11 Governing Law. This Note shall be construed in accordance with
                  -------------
and governed by Title 9 of the U.S. Code and the internal laws of the State of
Alabama except as required by mandatory provisions of law (without regard to
conflict of law principles).

       SECTION 12 Separability Clause. If any provision of the this Note shall
                  -------------------
be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability
of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired
thereby.

       SECTION 13 No Oral Agreements. This Note is the final expression of the
                  ------------------
agreement between the parties hereto, and this Note may not be contradicted by
evidence of any prior oral agreement between such parties. All previous oral
agreements between the parties hereto have been incorporated into this Note and
the other Credit Documents, and there is no unwritten oral agreement between the
parties hereto in existence.

       SECTION 14 Waiver and Election. The exercise by the Holder of any option
                  -------------------
given under this Note or the Security Documents shall not constitute a waiver of
the right to exercise any other option. No failure or delay on the part of the
Holder in exercising any right, power or remedy under this Note or the Security
Documents shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial
exercise of any such right, power or remedy preclude any further exercise
thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or remedy. No modification,
termination or waiver of any provisions of this Note, nor consent to any
departure by the Borrower therefrom, shall be effective unless in writing and
signed by an authorized officer of the Holder, and then such waiver or consent
shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose
for which given. No notice to or demand on the Borrower in any case shall
entitle the Borrower to any other or further notice or demand in similar or
other circumstances.

       SECTION 15 Set-off. While any Event of Default exists, the Lender is
                  -------
authorized at any time and from time to time, without notice to the Borrower
(any such notice being expressly waived by the Borrower), to set off and apply
any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final)
at any time held and other indebtedness at any time owing by the Lender to or
for the credit or the account of the Borrower against any and all of the
obligations evidenced by this Note, irrespective of whether or not the Lender
shall have made any demand under this Note and although such obligations may be
unmatured. The rights of the Lender under this Section 18 are in addition to all
other rights and remedies (including other rights of set-off or pursuant to any
banker's lien) that the Lender may have.

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
       SECTION 16 Time of Essence. Time is of the essence of this Note.
                  ---------------

       SECTION 17 Submission to Jurisdiction. The Borrower irrevocably (a)
                  --------------------------
acknowledges that this Note will be accepted by the Lender and performed by the
Borrower in the State of Alabama; (b) submits to the jurisdiction of each state
or federal court sitting in Jefferson County, Alabama (collectively, the
"Courts") over any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this
Note (to enforce the arbitration provisions hereof or, if the arbitration
provisions are found to be unenforceable, to determine any issues arising out of
or relating to this Note) or any of the other Credit Documents (individually, an
"Agreement Action"); (c) waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any
objection or defense that the Borrower may now or hereafter have based on
improper venue, lack of personal jurisdiction, inconvenience of forum or any
similar matter in any Agreement Action brought in any of the Courts; (d) agrees
that final judgment in any Agreement Action brought in any of the Courts shall
be conclusive and binding upon the Borrower and may be enforced in any other
court to the jurisdiction of which the Borrower is subject, by a suit upon such
judgment; (e) consents to the service of process on the Borrower in any
Agreement Action by the mailing of a copy thereof by registered or certified
mail, postage prepaid, to the Borrower at the Borrower's address designated at
the end of this Note; (f) agrees that service in accordance with Section 20(e)
shall in every respect be effective and binding on the Borrower to the same
extent as though served on the Borrower in person by a person duly authorized to
serve such process; and (g) AGREES THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION, EVEN IF
FOUND NOT TO BE STRICTLY ENFORCEABLE BY ANY COURT, SHALL CONSTITUTE "FAIR
WARNING" TO THE BORROWER THAT THE EXECUTION OF THIS NOTE MAY SUBJECT THE
BORROWER TO THE JURISDICTION OF EACH STATE OR FEDERAL COURT SITTING IN JEFFERSON
COUNTY, ALABAMA WITH RESPECT TO ANY AGREEMENT ACTIONS, AND THAT IT IS
FORESEEABLE BY THE BORROWER THAT THE BORROWER MAY BE SUBJECTED TO THE
JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURTS AND MAY BE SUED IN THE STATE OF ALABAMA IN ANY
AGREEMENT ACTIONS. Nothing in this Section 20 shall limit or restrict the
Lender's right to serve process or bring Agreement Actions in manners and in
courts otherwise than as herein provided.

       SECTION 18 Usury Laws. Any provision of this Note or any of the other
                  ----------
Credit Documents to the contrary notwithstanding, the Borrower and the Lender
agree that they do not intend for the interest or other consideration provided
for in this Note and the other Credit Documents to be greater than the maximum
amount permitted by applicable law. Regardless of any provision in this Note or
any of the other Credit Documents, the Lender shall not be entitled to receive,
collect or apply, as interest on the Obligations, any amount in excess of the
maximum rate of interest permitted to be charged under applicable law until such
time, if any, as that interest, together with all other interest then payable,
falls within the then applicable maximum lawful rate of interest. If the Lender
shall receive, collect or apply any amount in excess of the then maximum rate of
interest, the amount that would be excessive interest shall be applied first to
the reduction of the principal amount of the Obligations then outstanding in the
inverse order of maturity, and second, if such principal amount is paid in full,
any excess shall forthwith be returned to the Borrower. In determining whether
the interest paid or payable under any specific contingency exceeds the highest
lawful rate, the Borrower and the Lender shall, to the maximum extent permitted
under applicable law, (a) characterize any nonprincipal payment as an expense,
fee or premium rather than as interest, (b) exclude voluntary prepayments and
the effects thereof, (c) consider all the Obligations as one general obligation
of the Borrower, and (d) "spread" the total amount of the interest throughout
the entire term of this Note so that the interest rate is uniform throughout the
entire term of this Note.

       SECTION 19 Arbitration; Dispute Resolution; Preservation of Foreclosure
                  ------------------------------------------------------------
Remedies.
- --------

       (a)    The Borrower represents to the Lender that its business and
affairs constitute substantial interstate commerce and that it contemplates
using the proceeds of this Note in substantial interstate commerce. Except as
otherwise specifically set forth below, any action, dispute, claim, counterclaim
or controversy ("Dispute" or "Disputes"), between or among the Lender, the
Borrower or any other Obligor, including any claim based on or arising from an
alleged tort, shall be resolved by arbitration as set forth below. As used
herein, Disputes shall include all actions, disputes, claims, counterclaims or
controversies arising in connection with this Note, any extension of or
commitment to extend credit by the Lender, any collection of any indebtedness
owed to the Lender, any security or collateral given to the Lender, any action
taken (or any omission to take any action) in connection with any of the
foregoing, any past, 

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
present and future agreement between or among the Lender, the Borrower or any
other Obligor (including this Note and any Credit Document), and any past,
present or future transactions between or among the Lender, the Borrower or any
other Obligor. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Disputes shall
include actions commonly referred to as lender liability actions.

       (b)    All Disputes shall be resolved by binding arbitration in
accordance with Title 9 of the U.S. Code and the Commercial Arbitration Rules of
the American Arbitration Association (the "AAA"). Defenses based on statutes of
limitation, estoppel, waiver, laches and similar doctrines, that would otherwise
be applicable to an action brought by a party, shall be applicable in any such
arbitration proceeding, and the commencement of an arbitration proceeding with
respect to this Note shall be deemed the commencement of an action for such
purposes.

       (c)    Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower and each other Obligor
agrees that the Lender shall have the option, but not the obligation, to submit
to and pursue in a court of law any claim against the Borrower or any other
Obligor for a debt due. The Borrower and each other Obligor agrees that, if the
Lender pursues such a claim in a court of law, (1) failure of the Lender to
assert any additional claim in such proceeding shall not be deemed a waiver of,
or estoppel to pursue, such claim as a claim or counterclaim in arbitration as
set forth above, and (2) the institution or maintenance of a judicial action
hereunder shall not constitute a waiver of the right of any party to submit any
other action, dispute, claim or controversy as described above, even though
arising out of the same transaction or occurrence, to binding arbitration as set
forth herein. If the Borrower asserts a claim against the Lender in arbitration
or otherwise during the pendency of a claim brought by the Lender in a court of
law, the court action shall be stayed and the parties shall submit to
arbitration all claims.

       (d)    No provision of, nor the exercise of any rights under this
Section, shall limit the right of any party (1) to foreclose against any real or
personal property collateral by exercise of a power of sale under any Credit
Document, or by exercise of any rights of foreclosure or of sale under
applicable law, (2) to exercise self-help remedies such as set-off, or (3) to
obtain provisional or ancillary remedies such as injunctive relief, attachment
or the appointment of a receiver from a court having jurisdiction before, during
or after the pendency of any arbitration or referral. The institution and
maintenance of an action for judicial relief or pursuit of provisional or
ancillary remedies or exercise of self-help remedies shall not constitute a
waiver of the right of any party, including the plaintiff in such an action, to
submit the Dispute to arbitration or, in the case of actions on a debt, to
judicial resolution.

       (e)    Whenever an arbitration is required hereunder, the arbitrator
shall be selected in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the
AAA. The AAA shall designate a panel of 10 potential arbitrators knowledgeable
in the subject matter of the Dispute. Each of the Lender and the Obligor shall
designate, within 30 days of the receipt of the list of potential arbitrators,
one of the potential arbitrators to serve, and the two arbitrators so designated
shall select a third arbitrator from the eight remaining potential arbitrators.
The panel of three arbitrators shall determine the resolution of the Dispute.]

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
       IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed and delivered this Note
dated the date first written above.



                            /s/ JOHN H. HOLCOMB, III
                            ------------------------
                            Signature of Borrower   
                                                    
                                                    
                            JOHN H. HOLCOMB, III    
                            ------------------------
                            Please Print Name

                            Send Correspondence and Billings to:

                                   John H. Holcomb, III
                                   --------------------------
                                   56 Country Club Blvd      
                                   --------------------------
                                   Birmingham, Alabama  35213

                                      -6-

<PAGE>

                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.6

 
                               PLEDGE AGREEMENT
                               ----------------

       THIS PLEDGE AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") dated April 15, 1999 is between
JOHN H. HOLCOMB, III, as pledgor and debtor (the "Borrower"), and ALABAMA
NATIONAL BANCORPORATION, a Delaware corporation, as pledgee and secured party
(the "Lender").

                                   Recitals
                                   --------

       The Borrower is the holder, beneficially and of record, of certain shares
of the outstanding capital stock of the Lender, more particularly described on
Exhibit A attached hereto and made a part hereof (the "Stock").
- ---------
       Capitalized terms used in these Recitals have the meanings defined for
them above or in Section 1.2. The Borrower has requested that the Lender extend
Credit to the Borrower under the Credit Documents. To secure the Obligations,
and to induce the Lender to extend Credit to the Borrower under the Credit
Documents, the Borrower has agreed to execute and deliver this Agreement to the
Lender.

                                   Agreement
                                   ---------

       NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing Recitals, and to induce
the Lender to extend Credit to the Borrower under the Credit Documents, the
Borrower agrees with the Lender as follows:

                                   ARTICLE 1

                     Rules of Construction and Definitions
                     -------------------------------------

       SECTION 1.1 Rules of Construction. For the purposes of this Agreement,
                   ---------------------
except as otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires:

       (a)    Words of masculine, feminine or neuter gender include the
correlative words of other genders. Singular terms include the plural as well as
the singular, and vice versa.

       (b)    All references herein to designated "Articles," "Sections" and
other subdivisions or to lettered Exhibits are to the designated Articles,
Sections and subdivisions hereof and the Exhibits annexed hereto unless
expressly otherwise designated in context. All Article, Section, other
subdivision and Exhibit captions herein are used for reference only and do not
limit or describe the scope or intent of, or in any way affect, this Agreement.

       (c)    The terms "include," "including," and similar terms shall be
construed as if followed by the phrase "without being limited to."

       (d)    The terms "herein," "hereof" and "hereunder" and other words of
similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular
Article, Section, other subdivision or Exhibit.

       (e)    All Recitals set forth in, and all Exhibits to, this Agreement are
hereby incorporated in this Agreement by reference.

       (f)    No inference in favor of or against any party shall be drawn from
the fact that such party or such party's counsel has drafted any portion hereof.

       (g)    All references in this Agreement to a separate instrument are to
such separate instrument as the same may be amended or supplemented from time to
time pursuant to the applicable provisions thereof.

       SECTION 1.2 Definitions. As used in this Agreement, the following terms
                   -----------
are defined as follows:

       (a)    Unless otherwise defined herein, terms used in this Agreement that
are defined in Article 9 of the Alabama Uniform Commercial Code have the
meanings defined for them therein.
<PAGE>
 
       (b)    Additional Stock is defined in Section 2.2.
              ----------------

       (c)    Business Day means any day, excluding Saturday and Sunday, on
              ------------
which the Lender's main office in Birmingham, Alabama, is open to the public for
carrying on substantially all of its banking business.

       (d)    Credit means, individually and collectively, all loans,
              -----
forbearances, renewals, extensions, advances, disbursements and other extensions
of credit now or hereafter made by the Lender to or for the account of the
Borrower under the Credit Documents.

       (e)    Credit Documents means the documents described in Exhibit B and
              ----------------
all other documents now or hereafter executed or delivered in connection with
the transactions contemplated thereby.

       (f)    Debt of any person means (1) all indebtedness, whether or not
              ----
represented by bonds, debentures, notes or other securities, for the repayment
of borrowed money, (2) all deferred indebtedness for the payment of the purchase
price of property or assets purchased, (3) all capitalized lease obligations,
(4) all indebtedness secured by any Lien on any property of such person, whether
or not indebtedness secured thereby has been assumed, (5) all obligations with
respect to any conditional sale contract or title retention agreement, (6) all
indebtedness and obligations arising under acceptance facilities or in
connection with surety or similar bonds, and the outstanding amount of all
letters of credit issued for the account of such person, and (7) all obligations
with respect to interest rate swap agreements.

       (g)    Default Rate means a rate of interest equal to four percentage
              ------------
points (400 basis points) in excess of the highest interest rate that would
otherwise be payable on the principal amount of the Credit under the Credit
Documents from time to time in the absence of the existence of a default, or the
maximum rate permitted by law, whichever is less.

       (h)    Event of Default is defined in Section 4.1. An Event of Default
              ----------------
"exists" if the same has occurred and is continuing.

       (i)    Governmental Authority means any national, state, county,
              ----------------------
municipal or other government, domestic or foreign, and any agency, authority,
department, commission, bureau, board, court or other instrumentality thereof.

       (j)    Lien means any mortgage, pledge, assignment, charge, encumbrance,
              ----
lien, security title, security interest or other preferential arrangement.

       (k)    Obligations means (1) the payment of all amounts now or hereafter
              -----------
becoming due and payable under the Credit Documents, including the principal
amount of the Credit, all interest thereon (including interest that, but for the
filing of a petition in bankruptcy, would accrue on any such principal) and all
other fees, charges and costs (including attorneys' fees and disbursements)
payable in connection therewith; (2) the observance and performance the Borrower
of all of the provisions of the Credit Documents; (3) the payment of all sums
advanced or paid by the Lender in exercising any of its rights, powers or
remedies under the Credit Documents, and all interest (including post-bankruptcy
petition interest, as aforesaid) on such sums provided for herein or therein;
and (4) all renewals, extensions, modifications and amendments of any of the
foregoing, whether or not any renewal, extension, modification or amendment
agreement is executed in connection therewith.

       (l)    Obligors means the Borrower each other person, if any, executing
              --------
any Security Document as a grantor, (if the Borrower is a partnership) any
general partner thereof, and any other maker, endorser, surety, guarantor or
other person now or hereafter liable for the payment or performance, in whole or
in part, of any of the Obligations.

       (m)    Permitted Encumbrances means the Liens granted to the Lender under
              ----------------------
this Agreement and any other Liens of the Lender.

       (n)    Person (whether or not capitalized) includes natural persons, sole
              ------
proprietorships, corporations, trusts, unincorporated organizations,
associations, companies, institutions, entities, joint ventures, partnerships,
limited liability companies and Governmental Authorities.

       (o)    Pledged Stock is defined in Section 2.2.
              -------------

       (p)    Property is defined in Section 2.2.
              --------

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
       (q)    Security Documents means all Credit Documents that now or
              ------------------
hereafter grant or purport to grant to the Lender any guaranty, collateral or
other security for any of the Obligations.

                                   ARTICLE 2

                              Security Agreement
                              ------------------

       SECTION 2.1 Pledge of Stock. As security for the Obligations, the
                   ---------------
Borrower hereby grants to the Lender security title to and a continuing security
interest in, and assigns, transfers, conveys, pledges and hypothecates to the
Lender, all of the Borrower's right, title and interest in and to the Stock and
all proceeds thereof, and the Borrower hereby delivers to the Lender the stock
certificates evidencing the Stock, as described in Exhibit A, together with
separate assignments thereof, to be held by the Lender upon the terms and
conditions set forth in this Agreement.

       SECTION 2.2 Pledge of Additional Stock. If the Borrower shall acquire by
                   --------------------------
exchange or replacement any additional shares of the capital stock of the
Company, of whatever class or description ("Additional Stock") at any time after
the date hereof, the Borrower hereby grants to the Lender a security interest
in, and assigns, transfers, conveys, pledges and hypothecates to the Lender, all
of the Borrower's right, title and interest in and to the Additional Stock and
such certificates, and immediately upon receipt thereof the Borrower shall
pledge and deposit the Additional Stock with the Lender and shall deliver to the
Lender certificates therefor registered in the name of the Borrower, together
with executed separate assignments thereof, to be held by the Lender under this
Agreement. The Stock, the Additional Stock, and any stock or other securities
issued in exchange therefor or replacement thereof, are hereinafter together
called the "Pledged Stock," and the Pledged Stock and all proceeds thereof and
all other securities and moneys received and at the time held by the Lender
hereunder are hereinafter together called the "Property," all of which shall be
subject to the Liens granted to the Lender under this Agreement.

       SECTION 2.3 Dividends and Other Distributions. Unless an Event of Default
                   ---------------------------------
exists, all cash dividends paid on the Pledged Stock shall be paid to the
Borrower, except that all cash dividends payable on the Pledged Stock that are
determined by the Lender in its sole discretion to represent in whole or in part
an extraordinary, liquidating or other distribution in return of capital shall
be paid to the Lender and retained by it as Property. The Lender shall also be
entitled to receive directly and to retain as Property:

       (a)    all stock and other securities or property (other than cash) paid
or distributed with respect to the Pledged Stock by way of dividend;

       (b)    all stock and other securities or property (including cash) paid
or distributed with respect to the Pledged Stock by way of stock-split,
spin-off, split-up, reclassification, combination of shares or similar or other
corporate rearrangement; and

       (c)    all stock and other securities or property (including cash) that
may be paid or distributed with respect to the Pledged Stock by reason of any
consolidation, merger, exchange of stock, conveyance of assets, liquidation or
similar corporate reorganization.

       SECTION 2.4 Voting While No Event of Default. Unless an Event of Default
                   --------------------------------
exists, the Borrower shall have the right to vote any and all shares of the
Pledged Stock and to give consents, waivers and ratifications with respect to
the Property and otherwise act with respect thereto. All such rights of the
Borrower to vote and to give consents, waivers and ratifications shall cease if
an Event of Default exists.


                                   ARTICLE 3

                   Representations, Warranties and Covenants
                   -----------------------------------------

       SECTION 3.1 Representations and Warranties. The Borrower represents and
                   ------------------------------
warrants to the Lender that (a) subject to Permitted Encumbrances, the Borrower
is the holder of record and sole beneficial owner of the Stock (which is fully
issued and non-assessable), free of Liens and adverse claims of any kind, except
Permitted Encumbrances; (b) the Borrower has a good right to grant to the Lender
the Liens in the Stock purported to be granted under this Agreement; (c) there
are no outstanding subscriptions, options, rights, warrants, calls, commitments
or agreements of any kind to acquire or transfer any of the Stock; and (d) to
the best of the Borrower's knowledge, no consent, authorization or other action
by, and no notice to or filing with, any other person (including any
stockholder, partner or creditor of the Borrower and any Governmental Authority)
is required for (1) the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the
Borrower, (2) the granting to the Lender of the Liens on the Property under 
this Agreement, or (3) the exercise by the Lender of the rights, powers and
remedies granted to it under
                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
this Agreement, except as may be required in connection with any disposition by
the Lender of the Property under laws affecting the offering and sale of
securities generally.

       SECTION 3.2 Encumbrances and Dispositions. The Borrower shall not (a)
                   -----------------------------
encumber any of the Property, or permit any of the Property to be encumbered,
with any kind of Lien, other than Permitted Encumbrances, or (b) sell, transfer
or otherwise dispose of, or grant any option or warrant with respect to, any of
the Property.

       SECTION 3.3 Taxes and Assessments. The Borrower shall pay when due all
                   ---------------------
taxes, assessments and other charges levied or assessed against any of the
Property, and all other claims that are or may become Liens against any of the
Property, except any that are Permitted Encumbrances; and should default be made
in the payment of same, the Lender, at its option, may pay them.

       SECTION 3.4 Filing Fees and Taxes. The Borrower agrees, to the extent
                   ---------------------
permitted by law, to pay all recording and filing fees, revenue stamps, taxes
and other expenses and charges payable in connection with the execution and
delivery of the Credit Documents, and the recording, filing, satisfaction,
continuation and release thereof.

       SECTION 3.5 Further Assurances. At the Borrower's cost and expense, upon
                   ------------------
request of the Lender, the Borrower shall duly execute and deliver, or cause to
be duly executed and delivered, to the Lender such further instruments and do
and cause to be done such further acts as may be reasonably necessary or proper
in the opinion of the Lender or its counsel to perfect, preserve and protect the
validity of the Liens of the Lender in the Property and to carry out more
effectively the provisions and purposes of this Agreement.

       SECTION 3.6 Attorney-in-Fact. The Borrower hereby constitutes and
                   ----------------
appoints the Lender, or any other person whom the Lender may designate, as the
Borrower's attorney-in-fact, at the Borrower's sole cost and expense, effective
upon the existence of any Event of Default, with full authority in the place and
stead of the Borrower and in the name of the Borrower or otherwise, from time to
time in the Lender's discretion to take any action (a) that the Borrower has
agreed, but has failed, to take under this Agreement, (b) that the Lender in its
sole discretion deems necessary or advisable to maintain, preserve or protect
the security intended to be afforded by this Agreement, or (c) that the Lender
may deem necessary or advisable to accomplish the purposes of this Agreement and
the other Credit Documents.


                                   ARTICLE 4

                               Events of Default
                               -----------------

       SECTION 4.1 Events of Default. The occurrence of any of the following
                   -----------------
events shall constitute an event of default (an "Event of Default") under this
Agreement (whatever the reason for such event and whether or not it shall be
voluntary or involuntary or be effected by operation of law or pursuant to any
Governmental Requirement):

       (a)    any representation or warranty made in this Agreement or in any of
the other Credit Documents shall prove to be false or misleading in any material
respect as of the time made; or

       (b)    any report, certificate, financial statement or other instrument
furnished in connection with the Credit, this Agreement or any of the other
Credit Documents, shall prove to be false or misleading in any material respect
as of the time furnished; or

       (c)    default shall be made in the payment when due of any of the
Obligations; or

       (d)    default shall be made in the due observance or performance of any
covenant, condition or agreement on the part of the Borrower to be observed or
performed pursuant to the terms of this Agreement (other than any covenant,
condition or agreement, default in the observance or performance of which is
elsewhere in this Section 4.1 specifically dealt with) and such default shall
continue unremedied for a period of thirty (30) days; or

       (e)    any default or event of default, as therein defined, shall occur
under any of the other Credit Documents (after giving effect to any applicable
notice, grace or cure period specified therein); or

       (f)    (1) default shall be made with respect to any Debt (other than the
Obligations) of any Obligor, if the effect of such default is to accelerate the
maturity of such Debt or to permit the holder thereof to cause such Debt to
become due prior 

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
to its stated maturity, or (2) any such Debt shall not be paid when due (after
giving effect to any applicable notice, grace or cure periods); or

       (g)    any Obligor shall (1) apply for or consent to the appointment of a
receiver, trustee, liquidator or other custodian of such Obligor or any of such
Obligor's properties or assets (including the Property), (2) fail or admit in
writing such Obligor's inability to pay such Obligor's debts generally as they
become due, (3) make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors, (4)
suffer or permit an order for relief to be entered against such Obligor in any
proceeding under the federal Bankruptcy Code, or (5) file a voluntary petition
in bankruptcy, or a petition or an answer seeking an arrangement with creditors
or to take advantage of any bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency, readjustment
of debt, dissolution or liquidation law or statute, or an answer admitting the
material allegations of a petition filed against such Obligor in any proceeding
under any such law or statute, or if corporate action shall be taken by any
Obligor for the purpose of effecting any of the foregoing; or

       (h)    a petition shall be filed, without the application, approval or
consent of any Obligor in any court of competent jurisdiction, seeking
bankruptcy, reorganization, rearrangement, dissolution or liquidation of such
Obligor or of all or a substantial part of the properties or assets of such
Obligor, or seeking any other relief under any law or statute of the type
referred to in Section 4.1(l)(5) against such Obligor, or the appointment of a
receiver, trustee, liquidator or other custodian of such Obligor or of all or a
substantial part of the properties or assets of such Obligor, and such petition
shall not have been stayed or dismissed within 30 days after the filing thereof;
or
       (i)    any writ of execution, attachment or garnishment shall be issued
against the assets of any Obligor and such writ of execution, attachment or
garnishment shall not be dismissed, discharged or quashed within 30 days of
issuance; or

       (j)    any final judgment for the payment of money shall be rendered
against any Obligor and the same shall remain undischarged for a period of 30
days during which execution shall not be effectively stayed; or

       (k)    any guarantor of any of the Obligations shall default in the due
observance or performance of any covenant, condition or agreement on such
guarantor's part to be observed or performed under such guarantor's guaranty
agreement (after giving effect to any applicable notice, grace or cure period
specified therein) or shall terminate or attempt to terminate such guarantor's
guaranty agreement.


                                   ARTICLE 5

                                   Remedies
                                   --------

       SECTION 5.1 Acceleration of Obligations. If an Event of Default exists
                   ---------------------------
under Section 4.1(l), 4.1(m) or 4.1(l), all of the Obligations shall
automatically become immediately due and payable. If any other Event of Default
exists that does not already result in the automatic acceleration of the
Obligations under another Credit Document, the Lender shall have the right
without further notice to the Borrower (except any such notice as may be
specifically required under the other Credit Documents) to declare all of the
Obligations immediately due and payable.

       SECTION 5.2 Remedies. If an Event of Default exists, the Lender shall be
                   --------
entitled to exercise all of the rights, powers and remedies vested in it by this
Agreement and applicable law (including all rights of a secured party under
Article 9 of the Alabama Uniform Commercial Code) for the protection and
enforcement of its rights with respect to the Property, including the rights:

       (a)    to receive all amounts payable with respect to the Property
otherwise payable to the Borrower under Section 2.3;

       (b)    to transfer all or any part of the Pledged Stock into the Lender's
name or the name of its nominee and to cause new certificates to be issued in
the name of such transferee;

       (c)    to vote all or any part of the Pledged Stock, whether or not
transferred into the name of the Lender or its nominee, and to give all
consents, waivers and ratifications with respect to the Property and otherwise
act with respect thereto as though the Lender were the outright owner thereof
(the Borrower hereby irrevocably constituting and appointing the Lender the
proxy and attorney-in-fact of the Borrower, with full power of substitution, to
do so);

       (d)    to settle, adjust, compromise and arrange all accounts,
controversies, claims and demands in relation to any Property; 

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
       (e) to execute all contracts, agreements, documents and instruments, to
bring, defend and abandon all actions and proceedings, and to take all other
actions, in relation to any Property as the Lender in its sole discretion may
determine; and

       (f)    at any time or from time to time to sell, assign and deliver, or
grant options to purchase, all or any part of the Property, or any interest
therein, at any public or private sale, at any exchange, broker's board or at
any of the Lender's offices, in one or more parcels, without demand of
performance, advertisement or notice of intention to sell or of the time or
place of sale or adjournment thereof or otherwise (all of which are hereby
waived by the Borrower), for cash, on credit, or for other property, for
immediate or future delivery without any assumption of credit risk, and for such
prices and on such terms as the Lender in its sole discretion may deem to be
commercially reasonable. The Lender shall not be obligated to make any sale of
Property regardless of notice having been given. The Lender may adjourn any sale
from time to time by announcement at the time and place fixed therefor, and any
such sale may, without further notice, be made at the time and place to which it
was adjourned. The Lender shall not be liable for any failure to collect or
realize upon any Property or for any delay in so doing, or shall it be obligated
to take any action whatsoever with respect thereto.

       SECTION 5.3 Non-Public Sale. If at any time when the Lender shall
                   ---------------
determine to exercise its right to sell all or any of the Pledged Stock and
other securities pursuant to Section 5.2, such Pledged Stock and other
securities or the part thereof to be sold shall not for any reason be
effectively registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as then in effect, the
Lender may, in its sole discretion, sell such Pledged Stock and other securities
or part thereof by private sale in such manner and under such circumstances as
the Lender may deem necessary or advisable in order that such sale may legally
be effected without such registration. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, in any such event the Lender, in its sole discretion (a) may proceed
to make such private sale notwithstanding that a registration statement
registering any such Pledged Stock shall have been filed under such Securities
Act, (b) may approach and negotiate with as few as one possible purchaser to
effect such sale, and (c) may restrict such sale to a purchaser who will
represent and agree that such purchaser is purchasing for its own account, for
investment, and not with a view to the distribution or sale of any such Pledged
Stock and who will satisfy such other conditions as at such time may be required
for lawful non-public sale. In the event of any such sale, the Lender shall
incur no responsibility or liability for selling all or any part of the Pledged
Stock at a price which the Lender, in its sole discretion, may deem reasonable
under the circumstances, notwithstanding the possibility that a substantially
higher price might be realized if the sale were deferred until after
registration.

       SECTION 5.4 Reasonable Care. The Lender shall be deemed to have exercised
                   ---------------
reasonable care in the custody and preservation of any Property in its
possession if it takes such reasonable actions for that purpose as the Borrower
shall request in writing, but the Lender shall have sole power to determine
whether such actions are reasonable. Any omission to do any act not requested by
the Borrower shall not be deemed a failure to exercise reasonable care.

       SECTION 5.5 Waiver of Redemption, Marshalling, etc. The Borrower hereby
                   --------------------------------------
waives and releases to the fullest extent permitted by law any right or equity
of redemption with respect to the Property, whether before or after sale
hereunder, and all rights, if any, of marshalling the Property and any other
security for the Obligations or otherwise. At any such sale, unless prohibited
by applicable law, the Lender may bid for and purchase all or any part of the
Property so sold free from any such right or equity of redemption.

       SECTION 5.6 Application of Proceeds. The net cash proceeds resulting from
                   -----------------------
the exercise of any of the rights and remedies of the Lender under this
Agreement, after deducting all charges, expenses, costs and attorneys' fees
relating thereto, including any and all costs and expenses referred to in
Section 6.2, shall be applied by the Lender to the payment of the Obligations,
whether due or to become due, in such order and in such proportions as the
Lender may elect; and the Borrower shall remain liable to the Lender for any
deficiency.

       SECTION 5.7 Additional Security, etc. Without notice to or consent of the
                   ------------------------
 Borrower, and without impairment of the Liens and rights created by this
Agreement, the Lender may accept from the Borrower, any other Obligor or any
other person, additional security for the Obligations. Neither the giving of
this Agreement nor the acceptance of any such additional security shall prevent
the Lender from resorting first to any such additional security, or first to the
Liens created by this Agreement, without affecting the Liens and rights of the
Lender under this Agreement.

       SECTION 5.8 Default Rate. If an Event of Default exists, the Obligations
                   ------------
shall bear interest at the Default Rate, until the earlier of (a) such time as
all of the Obligations are paid in full or (b) no such Event of Default exists.

       SECTION 5.9 Remedies Cumulative. The rights and remedies of the Lender
                   -------------------
under this Agreement are cumulative and not exclusive of any other rights or
remedies now or hereafter existing at law or in equity.

                                      -6-
<PAGE>
 
                                   ARTICLE 6

                                 Miscellaneous
                                 -------------

       SECTION 6.1 Notices.
                   -------

       (a)    Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent,
waiver or other document provided or permitted by this Agreement to be made
upon, given or furnished to, or filed with, the Borrower or the Lender must
(except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement) be in writing and be
delivered by one of the following methods: (1) by personal delivery at the hand
delivery address specified below, (2) by first-class, registered or certified
mail, postage prepaid, addressed as specified below, or (3) if facsimile
transmission facilities for such party are identified below or pursuant to a
separate written notice from such party, sent by facsimile transmission to the
number specified below or in such notice.

       (b)    The hand delivery address, mailing address and (if applicable)
facsimile transmission number for receipt of notice or other documents by such
parties are as follows:

       (1)    Borrower:
              --------

              By hand
              or mail:        John H. Holcomb, III
                              56 Country Club Blvd
                              Birmingham, Alabama 35213

       (2)    Lender:
              ------

              By hand
              or mail:        Alabama National Bancorporation
                              1927 First Avenue North Birmingham,
                              Alabama 35203 Attention: Chief Executive Officer

              By facsimile:   (205) 583-3275

Any of such parties may change the address or number for receiving any such
notice or other document by giving notice of the change to the other parties
named in this Section 6.1.

       (c)    Any such notice or other document shall be deemed delivered when
actually received by the party to whom directed (or, if such party is not an
individual, to an officer, director, partner or other legal representative of
the party) at the address or number specified pursuant to this Section 6.1, or,
if sent by mail, three Business Days after such notice or document is deposited
in the United States mail, addressed as provided above.

       (d)    Five Business Days' written notice to the Borrower as provided
above shall constitute reasonable notification to the Borrower when notification
is required by law; provided, however, that nothing contained in the foregoing
shall be construed as requiring five Business Days' notice if, under applicable
law and the circumstances then existing, a shorter period of time would
constitute reasonable notice.

       SECTION 6.2 Expenses. The Borrower shall promptly on demand pay all costs
                   --------
and expenses, including the fees and disbursements of counsel to the
Lender, incurred by the Lender in connection with (a) the negotiation,
preparation and review of this Agreement (whether or not the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement shall be consummated), (b) the enforcement of
this Agreement, (c) the custody and preservation of the Property, (d) the
protection or perfection of the Lender's rights and interests under this
Agreement in the Property, (e) the exercise by or on behalf of the Lender of any
of its rights, powers or remedies under this Agreement and (f) the prosecution
or defense of any action or proceeding by or against the Lender, the Borrower,
any other Obligor, or any one or more of them, concerning any matter related to
this Agreement, any of the Property or any of the Obligations. All such amounts
shall bear interest from the date demand is made at the Default Rate and shall
be included in the Obligations secured hereby. The Borrower's obligations under
this Section 6.2 shall survive the payment in full of the Obligations and the
termination of this Agreement.

                                      -7-
<PAGE>
 
       SECTION 6.3 Heirs, Successors and Assigns. Whenever in this Agreement any
                   -----------------------------
party hereto is referred to, such reference shall be deemed to include the
heirs, successors and assigns of such party, except that the Borrower may not
assign or transfer this Agreement without the prior written consent of the
Lender; and all covenants and agreements of the Borrower contained in this
Agreement shall bind the Borrower's heirs, successors and assigns and shall
inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Lender.

       SECTION 6.4 Joint and Several Liability. If the Borrower is comprised of
                   ---------------------------
more than one person, all of the Borrower's representations, warranties,
covenants and agreements under this Agreement shall be joint and several and
shall be binding on and enforceable against either, any or all of the persons
comprising the Borrower. If any one or more of the persons comprising the
Borrower is in default, the Lender my exercise its remedies on default against
all of the person comprising the Borrower.

       SECTION 6.5 Independent Obligations. The Borrower agrees that each of the
                   -----------------------
obligations of the Borrower to the Lender under this Agreement may be enforced
against the Borrower without the necessity of joining any other Obligor, any
other holders of Liens in any Property or any other person, as a party.

       SECTION 6.6 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be construed in
                   -------------
accordance with and governed by Title 9 of the U.S. Code and the internal laws
of the State of Alabama (without regard to conflict of law principles) except as
required by mandatory provisions of law and except to the extent that the
validity and perfection of the Liens on the Property are governed by the laws of
any jurisdiction other than the State of Alabama.

       SECTION 6.7 Date of Agreement. The date of this Agreement is intended as
                   -----------------
a date for the convenient identification of this Agreement and is not intended
to indicate that this Agreement was executed and delivered on that date.

       SECTION 6.8 Separability Clause. If any provision of the Credit Documents
                   -------------------
shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and
enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or
impaired thereby.

       SECTION 6.9 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
                   ------------
counterparts, each of which so executed shall be deemed an original, but all
such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same agreement.

       SECTION 6.10 No Oral Agreements. This Agreement is the final expression
                    ------------------
of the agreement between the parties hereto, and this Agreement may not be
contradicted by evidence of any prior oral agreement between such parties. All
previous oral agreements between the parties hereto have been incorporated into
this Agreement and the other Credit Documents, and there is no unwritten oral
agreement between the parties hereto in existence.

       SECTION 6.11 Waiver and Election. The exercise by the Lender of any
                    -------------------
option given under this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver of the right to
exercise any other option. No failure or delay on the part of the Lender in
exercising any right, power or remedy under this Agreement shall operate as a
waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right,
power or remedy preclude any further exercise thereof or the exercise of any
other right, power or remedy. No modification, termination or waiver of any
provisions of the Credit Documents, nor consent to any departure by the Borrower
therefrom, shall be effective unless in writing and signed by an authorized
officer of the Lender, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only
in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given. No notice
to or demand on the Borrower in any case shall entitle the Borrower to any other
or further notice or demand in similar or other circumstances.

       SECTION 6.12 No Obligations of Lender; Indemnification. The Lender does
                    -----------------------------------------
not by virtue of this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated by the
Credit Documents assume any duties, liabilities or obligations with respect to
any of the Property unless expressly assumed by the Lender under a separate
agreement in writing, and this Agreement shall not be deemed to confer on the
Lender any duties or obligations that would make the Lender directly or
derivatively liable for any person's negligent, reckless or wilful conduct. The
Borrower agrees to indemnify and hold the Lender harmless against and with
respect to any damage, claim, action, loss, cost, expense, liability, penalty or
interest (including attorney's fees) and all costs and expenses of all actions,
suits, proceedings, demands, assessments, claims and judgments directly or
indirectly resulting from, occurring in connection with, or arising out of: (a)
any inaccurate representation made by the Borrower or any Obligor in this
Agreement or any other Credit Document; (b) any breach of any of the warranties
or obligations of the Borrower or any Obligor under this Agreement or any other
Credit Document; and (c) the Property, or the Liens of the Lender thereon. The
provisions of this Section 6.12 shall survive the payment of the Obligations in
full and the termination, satisfaction, release (in whole or in part) and
foreclosure of this Agreement.

                                      -8-
<PAGE>
 
       SECTION 6.13 Advances by the Lender. If the Borrower shall fail to comply
                    ----------------------
with any of the provisions of this Agreement, the Lender may (but shall not be
required to) make advances to perform the same, and where necessary enter any
premises where any Property is located for the purpose of performing the
Borrower's obligations under any such provision. The Borrower agrees to repay
all such sums advanced upon demand, with interest from the date such advances
are made at the Default Rate, and all sums so advanced with interest shall be a
part of the Obligations. The making of any such advances shall not be construed
as a waiver by the Lender of any Event of Default resulting from the Borrower's
failure to pay such amounts.

       SECTION 6.14 Rights, Liens and Obligations Absolute. All rights of the
                    --------------------------------------
Lender hereunder, all Liens granted to the Lender hereunder, and all obligations
of the Borrower hereunder, shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be
affected by (a) any lack of validity or enforceability as to any other person of
any of the Credit Documents, (b) any change in the time, manner or place of
payment of, or any other term of the Obligations, (c) any amendment or waiver of
any of the provisions of the Credit Documents as to any other person, and (d)
any exchange, release or non-perfection of any other collateral or any release,
termination or waiver of any guaranty, for any of the Obligations.

       SECTION 6.15 Termination. This Agreement and the Lender's Liens in the
                    -----------
Property hereunder will not be terminated until one of the Lender's officers
signs a written termination agreement. Except as otherwise expressly provided
for in this Agreement, no termination of this Agreement shall in any way affect
or impair the representations, warranties, agreements or other obligations of
the Borrower or the rights, powers and remedies of the Lender under this
Agreement with respect to any transaction or event occurring prior to such
termination, all of which shall survive such termination.

       SECTION 6.16 Reinstatement. This Agreement, the obligations of the
                    -------------
Borrower hereunder, and the Liens, rights, powers and remedies of the Lender
hereunder, shall continue to be effective, or be automatically reinstated, as
the case may be, if at any time any amount applied to the payment of any of the
Obligations is rescinded or must otherwise be restored or returned to the
Borrower, any Obligor, or any other person (or paid to the creditors of any of
them, or to any custodian, receiver, trustee or other officer with similar
powers with respect to any of them, or with respect to any part of their
property) upon the insolvency, bankruptcy, dissolution, liquidation or
reorganization of the Borrower, any Obligor or any such person, or upon or as a
result of the appointment of a custodian, receiver, trustee or other officer
with respect to any of them, or with respect to any part of their property, or
otherwise, all as though such payment had not been made.

       SECTION 6.17 Submission to Jurisdiction. The Borrower irrevocably (a)
                    --------------------------
acknowledges that this Agreement will be accepted by the Lender and performed by
the Borrower in the State of Alabama; (b) submits to the jurisdiction of each
state or federal court sitting in Jefferson County, Alabama (collectively, the
"Courts") over any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this
Agreement (to enforce the arbitration provisions hereof or, if the arbitration
provisions are found to be unenforceable, to determine any issues arising out of
or relating to this Agreement) or any of the other Credit Documents
(individually, an "Agreement Action"); (c) waives, to the fullest extent
permitted by law, any objection or defense that the Borrower may now or
hereafter have based on improper venue, lack of personal jurisdiction,
inconvenience of forum or any similar matter in any Agreement Action brought in
any of the Courts; (d) agrees that final judgment in any Agreement Action
brought in any of the Courts shall be conclusive and binding upon the Borrower
and may be enforced in any other court to the jurisdiction of which the Borrower
is subject, by a suit upon such judgment; (e) consents to the service of process
on the Borrower in any Agreement Action by the mailing of a copy thereof by
registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, to the Borrower at the Borrower's
address designated in or pursuant to Section 6.1; (f) agrees that service in
accordance with Section 6.17(e) shall in every respect be effective and binding
on the Borrower to the same extent as though served on the Borrower in person by
a person duly authorized to serve such process; and (g) AGREES THAT THE
PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION, EVEN IF FOUND NOT TO BE STRICTLY ENFORCEABLE BY ANY
COURT, SHALL CONSTITUTE "FAIR WARNING" TO THE BORROWER THAT THE EXECUTION OF
THIS AGREEMENT MAY SUBJECT THE BORROWER TO THE JURISDICTION OF EACH STATE OR
FEDERAL COURT SITTING IN JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALABAMA WITH RESPECT TO ANY AGREEMENT
ACTIONS, AND THAT IT IS FORESEEABLE BY THE BORROWER THAT THE BORROWER MAY BE
SUBJECTED TO THE JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURTS AND MAY BE SUED IN THE STATE OF
ALABAMA IN ANY AGREEMENT ACTIONS. Nothing in this Section 6.17 shall limit or
restrict the Lender's right to serve process or bring Agreement Actions in
manners and in courts otherwise than as herein provided.

       SECTION 6.18 Arbitration; Dispute Resolution; Preservation of Foreclosure
                    ------------------------------------------------------------
Remedies
- --------

       (a) The Borrower represents to the Lender that its business and affairs
constitute substantial interstate commerce and that it contemplates using the
proceeds of the Note in substantial interstate commerce. Except as otherwise
specifically set forth below, any action, dispute, claim, counterclaim or
controversy ("Dispute" or "Disputes"), between or among the Lender, the Borrower
or any other Obligor, including any claim based on or arising from an alleged
tort, shall be resolved by arbitration 

                                      -9-
<PAGE>
 
as set forth below. As used herein, Disputes shall include all actions,
disputes, claims, counterclaims or controversies arising in connection with the
Note, any extension of or commitment to extend Credit by the Lender, any
collection of any indebtedness owed to the Lender, any security or collateral
given to the Lender, any action taken (or any omission to take any action) in
connection with any of the foregoing, any past, present and future agreement
between or among the Lender, the Borrower or any other Obligor (including the
Note and any Credit Document), and any past, present or future transactions
between or among the Lender, the Borrower or any other Obligor. Without limiting
the generality of the foregoing, Disputes shall include actions commonly
referred to as lender liability actions.

       (b)    All Disputes shall be resolved by binding arbitration in
accordance with Title 9 of the U.S. Code and the Commercial Arbitration Rules of
the American Arbitration Association (the "AAA"). Defenses based on statutes of
limitation, estoppel, waiver, laches and similar doctrines, that would otherwise
be applicable to an action brought by a party, shall be applicable in any such
arbitration proceeding, and the commencement of an arbitration proceeding with
respect to this Agreement shall be deemed the commencement of an action for such
purposes.

       (c)    Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower and each other Obligor
agrees that the Lender shall have the option, but not the obligation, to submit
to and pursue in a court of law any claim against the Borrower or any other
Obligor for a debt due. The Borrower and each other Obligor agrees that, if the
Lender pursues such a claim in a court of law, (1) failure of the Lender to
assert any additional claim in such proceeding shall not be deemed a waiver of,
or estoppel to pursue, such claim as a claim or counterclaim in arbitration as
set forth above, and (2) the institution or maintenance of a judicial action
hereunder shall not constitute a waiver of the right of any party to submit any
other action, dispute, claim or controversy as described above, even though
arising out of the same transaction or occurrence, to binding arbitration as set
forth herein. If the Borrower asserts a claim against the Lender in arbitration
or otherwise during the pendency of a claim brought by the Lender in a court of
law, the court action shall be stayed and the parties shall submit to
arbitration all claims.

       (d)    No provision of, nor the exercise of any rights under this
Section, shall limit the right of any party (1) to foreclose against any real or
personal property collateral by exercise of a power of sale under any Credit
Document, or by exercise of any rights of foreclosure or of sale under
applicable law, (2) to exercise self-help remedies such as set-off, or (3) to
obtain provisional or ancillary remedies such as injunctive relief, attachment
or the appointment of a receiver from a court having jurisdiction before, during
or after the pendency of any arbitration or referral. The institution and
maintenance of an action for judicial relief or pursuit of provisional or
ancillary remedies or exercise of self-help remedies shall not constitute a
waiver of the right of any party, including the plaintiff in such an action, to
submit the Dispute to arbitration or, in the case of actions on a debt, to
judicial resolution.

       (e)    Whenever an arbitration is required hereunder, the arbitrator
shall be selected in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the
AAA. The AAA shall designate a panel of 10 potential arbitrators knowledgeable
in the subject matter of the Dispute. Each of the Lender and the Obligor shall
designate, within 30 days of the receipt of the list of potential arbitrators,
one of the potential arbitrators to serve, and the two arbitrators so designated
shall select a third arbitrator from the eight remaining potential arbitrators.
The panel of three arbitrators shall determine the resolution of the Dispute.

       IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Agreement dated
April 15, 1999.

                            /s/ John H. Holcomb, III
                            ---------------------------
                            (Signature of the Borrower)
                                                       
                            John H. Holcomb, III       
                            ---------------------------
                            (Printed Name)

                                      -10-
<PAGE>
 
                                   EXHIBIT A
                                   ---------

Certificate No.     No. of Shares      Issued To                 Date
- ---------------     -------------      ---------                 ----
ANB 2831                7,043       John H. Holcomb, III        January 2, 1996



                                      A-1
<PAGE>
 
                                   EXHIBIT B
                                   ---------
                              (Credit Documents)

       The  "Credit  Documents"  referred  to  in  this  Agreement  include  the
following:

       (a)    Promissory  Note  dated of even  date  herewith  in the  principal
amount of $93,747.00 executed by the Borrower in favor of the Lender, which
evidences a loan made by the Lender to the Borrower.

       (b)    Promissory  Note  dated of even  date  herewith  in the  principal
amount of $83,400.00 executed by the Borrower in favor of the Lender, which
evidences a loan made available by the Lender to the Borrower and has a final
maturity date of April 15, 2000.




                                      B-1

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.7

$109,570.00                                                  Birmingham, Alabama
                                                                  April 15, 1999

                                PROMISSORY NOTE
                                ---------------

       FOR VALUE RECEIVED, without grace WILLIAM E. MATTHEWS, V, (the
"Borrower"), promises to pay to the order of ALABAMA NATIONAL BANCORPORATION, a
Delaware corporation (herein called the "Lender," and together with any
subsequent holder of this note called the "Holder"), in the manner set forth
below, the principal sum of One Hundred Nine Thousand Five Hundred Seventy and
00/100 Dollars ($109,570.00), plus interest at the rate set forth below.

       This Note shall bear interest (computed on an Actual/360 Day Basis) on
the unpaid principal balance hereof, from the date of disbursement until payment
in full or complete forgiveness, whichever occurs first, at the rate per annum
equal to the LIBOR-Based Rate (as defined below) adjusted on each Interest Rate
Determination Date (as defined below). If in the Lender's opinion it is
impossible or impractical to determine the LIBOR-Based Rate for a certain year,
this Note shall bear interest at the Prime Rate until the next Interest Rate
Determination Date. Interest payable hereunder shall be payable on each Interest
Rate Determination Date, commencing April 15, 2000.

       Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, if the
Borrower remains continually employed by the Lender or one of its subsidiaries
or affiliates (hereinafter referred to as a "Qualifying Employer") as of the
first ten (10) anniversaries of this Note, ten percent (10%) of the original
principal balance ($10,957.00) of this Note shall be forgiven as of each such
anniversary, commencing April 15, 2000. In addition, as long as the Borrower
remains continually employed by a Qualifying Employer, upon the occurrence of
(x) a Change in Control (as hereinafter defined), (y) the Borrower's death or
(z) the Total Disability (as hereinafter defined) of the Borrower, the entire
principal balance then remaining unpaid hereunder, shall be immediately forgiven
in full.

       The Borrower further agrees with the Holder as follows:

       SECTION 1 Rules of Construction. This Note is subject to the rules of
                 ---------------------
construction set forth in the Security Documents.

       SECTION 2 Definitions. As used in this Note, capitalized terms that are
                 -----------
not otherwise defined herein have the meanings defined for them in the Security
Documents and the following terms are defined as follows:

       (a)    Actual/360  Day Basis  means a method of  computing  interest  and
              ---------------------
other  charges on the basis of an assumed year of 360 days for the actual
number of days elapsed,  meaning that the interest  accrued for each day will be
computed by multiplying  the interest rate  applicable on that day by the unpaid
principal balance on that day and dividing the result by 360.

       (b)    Business  Day means any day,  excluding  Saturday  and Sunday,  on
              -------------
which the Lender's  main office in  Birmingham,  Alabama,  is open to the
public for carrying on substantially all of its banking business.

       (c)    Change in Control of the Lender means (i) any transaction, whether
              -------------------------------
by merger,  consolidation,  asset sale,  tender offer,  reverse stock split,  or
otherwise,  which results in the  acquisition  or beneficial  ownership (as such
term is defined under rules and  regulations  promulgated  under the  Securities
Exchange  Act of 1934,  as  amended)  by any  person  or  entity or any group of
persons or entities  acting in concert,  of fifty  percent  (50%) or more of the
outstanding  shares of Common  Stock of the  Lender;  or (ii) the sale of all or
substantially  all of the assets of the Lender;  or (iii) the liquidation of the
Lender.

       (d)    Credit  Documents means this Note, the Security  Documents and all
              -----------------
other documents now or hereafter executed or delivered in connection with
the transactions contemplated thereby.

       (e)    Default  Rate means a rate of  interest  equal to four  percentage
              -------------
points  (400 basis  points) in excess of the highest  interest  rate that
would otherwise be payable on the principal  indebtedness evidenced by this Note
from time to time in the absence of the  existence of a default,  or the maximum
rate permitted by law, whichever is less.

       (f)    Event of Default is defined in Section 6. An Event of Default
           ----------------
"exists" if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.
<PAGE>
 
       (g)    Interest Rate Determination Date means the fifteenth (15) day of
              --------------------------------
April of each year during the term hereof.

       (h)    LIBOR-Based  Rate  means a fixed  rate of one  percent  (100 basis
              -----------------
points) in excess of the per annum rate of interest most recently published in
The Wall Street Journal as of the close of business on the date hereof and on
and after the most recent Interest Rate Determination Date (being the rate
quoted for the immediately preceding business day) as the London Interbank
Offered Rate for U.S. dollar deposits having a term of ninety (90) days. The
Lender shall determine the LIBOR-Based Rate on the date hereof and on each
Interest Rate Determination Date.

       (i)    Obligors  means the  Borrower,  each other  person  executing  any
Security Document as a grantor, (if the Borrower or any such grantor is a
partnership) any general partner thereof, and any other maker, endorser, surety,
guarantor or other person now or hereafter liable for the payment or
performance, in whole or in part, of any of the obligations evidenced by this
Note.

       (j)    Prime  Rate means a  floating  interest  rate equal to the rate of
              -----------
 interest designated by the Lender from time to time as its "prime rate."

       (k)    Security Documents means the Pledge Agreement dated of even date
              ------------------
herewith executed by the Borrower in favor of the Lender and all other documents
now or hereafter securing or guaranteeing the obligations evidenced by this
Note, or any part thereof.

       (l)    Total Disability means the Borrower's inability, as a result of
              ----------------
illness or injury, to perform the normal duties of the Borrower's employment for
a period of ninety (90) consecutive days.

       SECTION 3 Place and Time of Payments.
                 --------------------------

       (a)    All payments by the Borrower to the Holder under this Note shall
be made in lawful currency of the United States and in immediately available
funds to the Lender at its Main Office in Birmingham, Alabama or at such other
address within the continental United States as shall be specified by the Holder
by notice to the Borrower. Any payment received by the Holder after 2:00 p.m.
(Birmingham, Alabama time) on a Business Day (or at any time on a day that is
not a Business Day) shall be deemed made by the Borrower and received by the
Holder on the following Business Day.

       (b)   The amount payable by the Borrower to the Holder under this Note or
any of the other Credit Documents for which a payment date is expressly set
forth herein or therein shall be payable on the specified due date without
notice or demand by the Holder.

       (c)   Payments that are due on a day that is not a Business Day shall be
payable on the next succeeding Business Day, and any interest payable thereon
shall be payable for such extended time at the specified rate.

       SECTION 4 Default Rate. If an Event of Default exists, this Note shall
                 ------------
bear interest at the Default Rate, until the earlier of (a) such time as all
amounts due hereunder are paid in full or (b) no such Event of Default exists.

       SECTION 5 Security Documents. This Note with interest is secured by and
                 ------------------
entitled to the benefits of the Security Documents. Reference to the Security
Documents is hereby made for all of the provisions thereof. This Note shall be
secured by all security documents that by their terms secure this Note, and all
such documents shall constitute Security Documents.

       SECTION 6 Events of Default. The occurrence of any of the following
                 -----------------
events shall constitute an event of default ("Event of Default") under this Note
(whatever the reason for such event and whether or not it shall be voluntary or
involuntary or be effected by operation of law or pursuant to any Governmental
Requirement): (a) any representation or warranty made in any of the Credit
Documents shall prove to be false or misleading in any material respect as of
the time made; or (b) any report, certificate, financial statement or other
instrument furnished in connection with this Note or any of the other Credit
Documents shall prove to be false or misleading in any material respect as of
the time furnished; or (c) default shall be made in the payment when due of any
of the obligations evidenced by this Note or any part thereof; or (d) the
termination of the Borrower's employment with a Qualifying Employer for any
reason with or without cause, whether voluntary or involuntary, other than the
Borrower's death or Total Disability; or (e) any default or event of default, as
therein defined, shall occur under any of the other Credit Documents (after
giving effect to any applicable notice, grace or cure period specified therein).

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
       SECTION 7 Acceleration. If an Event of Default exists that does not
                 ------------
already result in the automatic acceleration of this Note under another Credit
Document, the Holder shall have the right without further notice to the Borrower
to declare the entire unpaid principal balance of the indebtedness evidenced by
this Note, with accrued interest, to be immediately due and payable.
Notwithstanding anything in this Note or any other Security Document to the
contrary, the entire unpaid principal balance of the indebtedness evidenced by
this Note shall be immediately due and payable without written notice or demand,
upon the termination of the Borrower's employment with a Qualifying Employer for
any reason with or without cause, whether voluntary or involuntary, other than
the Borrower's death or Total Disability.

       SECTION 8 Certain Waivers and Agreements by Obligors.
                 ------------------------------------------
       (a) As to the obligations evidenced by this Note, each Obligor severally
(1) waives demand, presentment, protest, notice of protest, suit and all other
requirements necessary to hold liable such Obligor or any of the other Obligors;
(2) waives all exemptions of personal property secured to any Obligor under the
Constitution and laws of the State of Alabama or any other state; and (3) agrees
to pay all costs of collection, including a reasonable attorney's fee, in the
event default should be made in the payment of any of the obligations evidenced
by this Note.

       (b) Each Obligor severally (1) acknowledges that the Lender has not made
any representations or entered into any agreements with such Obligor to induce
such Obligor to enter into the transactions contemplated by this Note except as
set forth in writing in the Credit Documents; (2) agrees upon request such
Obligor will furnish financial statements to the Holder and grant the Holder
access to such Obligor's books and records; (3) agrees that any obligations of
any Obligor may, from time to time, in whole or in part, be renewed, extended,
modified, accelerated, compromised, discharged or released by the Holder, and
any collateral, lien, right of set-off or other security for the obligations
evidenced by this Note or any other obligations of any Obligor to the Holder
may, from time to time, in whole or in part, be exchanged, sold, released,
satisfied, or terminated, all without notice to, or in any way affecting or
releasing any of the obligations of any other Obligor; and (4) agrees that the
Holder will not be required first to resort to any Security Document, any
guaranty or any other security pledged or granted to the Holder, but upon a
default under this Note or any of the Security Documents, the Holder may
forthwith look to any Obligor for payment hereunder or may look to and realize
upon any other security held by the Holder, in any order the Holder chooses,
until the entire debt evidenced by this Note is paid.

       SECTION 9 Joint and Several Liability. If the Borrower is comprised of
                 ---------------------------
more than one person, all of the Borrower's representations, warranties,
covenants and agreements under this Note shall be joint and several and shall be
binding on and enforceable against either, any or all of the persons comprising
the Borrower. If any one or more of the persons comprising the Borrower is in
default, the Holder my exercise its remedies on default against all of the
persons comprising the Borrower.

       SECTION 10 Independent Obligations. The Borrower agrees that each of the
                  -----------------------
obligations of the Borrower to the Holder under this Note may be enforced
against the Borrower without the necessity of joining any other Obligor, any
other holders of Liens in any Property or any other person, as a party.

       SECTION 11 Heirs, Successors and Assigns. Whenever in this Note any party
                  -----------------------------
hereto is referred to, such reference shall be deemed to include the heirs,
successors and assigns of such party, except that the Borrower may not assign or
transfer its obligations under this Note without the prior written consent of
the Holder; and all obligations of the Borrower under this Note shall bind the
Borrower's heirs, successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of the
successors and assigns of the Holder.

       SECTION 12 Governing Law. This Note shall be construed in accordance with
                  -------------
and governed by Title 9 of the U.S. Code and the internal laws of the State of
Alabama except as required by mandatory provisions of law (without regard to
conflict of law principles).

       SECTION 13 Separability Clause. If any provision of the this Note shall
                  -------------------
be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability
of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired
thereby.

       SECTION 14 No Oral Agreements. This Note is the final expression of the
                  ------------------
agreement between the parties hereto, and this Note may not be contradicted by
evidence of any prior oral agreement between such parties. All previous oral
agreements between the parties hereto have been incorporated into this Note and
the other Credit Documents, and there is no unwritten oral agreement between the
parties hereto in existence.

                                     - 3 -
<PAGE>
 
       SECTION 15 Waiver and Election. The exercise by the Holder of any option
                  -------------------
given under this Note or the Security Documents shall not constitute a waiver of
the right to exercise any other option. No failure or delay on the part of the
Holder in exercising any right, power or remedy under this Note or the Security
Documents shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial
exercise of any such right, power or remedy preclude any further exercise
thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or remedy. No modification,
termination or waiver of any provisions of this Note, nor consent to any
departure by the Borrower therefrom, shall be effective unless in writing and
signed by an authorized officer of the Holder, and then such waiver or consent
shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose
for which given. No notice to or demand on the Borrower in any case shall
entitle the Borrower to any other or further notice or demand in similar or
other circumstances.

       SECTION 16 Set-off. While any Event of Default exists, the Lender is
                  -------
authorized at any time and from time to time, without notice to the Borrower
(any such notice being expressly waived by the Borrower), to set off and apply
any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final)
at any time held and other indebtedness at any time owing by the Lender to or
for the credit or the account of the Borrower against any and all of the
obligations evidenced by this Note, irrespective of whether or not the Lender
shall have made any demand under this Note and although such obligations may be
unmatured. The rights of the Lender under this Section 16 are in addition to all
other rights and remedies (including other rights of set-off or pursuant to any
banker's lien) that the Lender may have.

       SECTION 17 Time of Essence. Time is of the essence of this Note.
                  --------------

       SECTION 18 Submission to Jurisdiction. The Borrower irrevocably (a)
                  --------------------------
acknowledges that this Note will be accepted by the Lender and performed by the
Borrower in the State of Alabama; (b) submits to the jurisdiction of each state
or federal court sitting in Jefferson County, Alabama (collectively, the
"Courts") over any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this
Note (to enforce the arbitration provisions hereof or, if the arbitration
provisions are found to be unenforceable, to determine any issues arising out of
or relating to this Note) or any of the other Credit Documents (individually, an
"Agreement Action"); (c) waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any
objection or defense that the Borrower may now or hereafter have based on
improper venue, lack of personal jurisdiction, inconvenience of forum or any
similar matter in any Agreement Action brought in any of the Courts; (d) agrees
that final judgment in any Agreement Action brought in any of the Courts shall
be conclusive and binding upon the Borrower and may be enforced in any other
court to the jurisdiction of which the Borrower is subject, by a suit upon such
judgment; (e) consents to the service of process on the Borrower in any
Agreement Action by the mailing of a copy thereof by registered or certified
mail, postage prepaid, to the Borrower at the Borrower's address designated at
the end of this Note; (f) agrees that service in accordance with Section 18(e)
shall in every respect be effective and binding on the Borrower to the same
extent as though served on the Borrower in person by a person duly authorized to
serve such process; and (g) AGREES THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION, EVEN IF
FOUND NOT TO BE STRICTLY ENFORCEABLE BY ANY COURT, SHALL CONSTITUTE "FAIR
WARNING" TO THE BORROWER THAT THE EXECUTION OF THIS NOTE MAY SUBJECT THE
BORROWER TO THE JURISDICTION OF EACH STATE OR FEDERAL COURT SITTING IN JEFFERSON
COUNTY, ALABAMA WITH RESPECT TO ANY AGREEMENT ACTIONS, AND THAT IT IS
FORESEEABLE BY THE BORROWER THAT THE BORROWER MAY BE SUBJECTED TO THE
JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURTS AND MAY BE SUED IN THE STATE OF ALABAMA IN ANY
AGREEMENT ACTIONS. Nothing in this Section 18 shall limit or restrict the
Lender's right to serve process or bring Agreement Actions in manners and in
courts otherwise than as herein provided.

       SECTION 19 Usury Laws. Any provision of this Note or any of the
                  ----------
other Credit Documents to the contrary notwithstanding, the Borrower and the
Lender agree that they do not intend for the interest or other consideration
provided for in this Note and the other Credit Documents to be greater than the
maximum amount permitted by applicable law. Regardless of any provision in this
Note or any of the other Credit Documents, the Lender shall not be entitled to
receive, collect or apply, as interest on the Obligations, any amount in excess
of the maximum rate of interest permitted to be charged under applicable law
until such time, if any, as that interest, together with all other interest then
payable, falls within the then applicable maximum lawful rate of interest. If
the Lender shall receive, collect or apply any amount in excess of the then
maximum rate of interest, the amount that would be excessive interest shall be
applied first to the reduction of the principal amount of the Obligations then
outstanding in the inverse order of maturity, and second, if such principal
amount is paid in full, any excess shall forthwith be returned to the Borrower.
In determining whether the interest paid or payable under any specific
contingency exceeds the highest lawful rate, the Borrower and the Lender shall,
to the maximum extent permitted under applicable law, (a) characterize any
nonprincipal payment as an expense, fee or premium rather than as interest, (b)
exclude voluntary prepayments and the effects thereof, (c) consider all the
Obligations as one general obligation of the Borrower, and (d) "spread" the
total amount of the interest throughout the entire term of this Note so that the
interest rate is uniform throughout the entire term of this Note.

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
       SECTION 20 Arbitration; Dispute Resolution; Preservation of Foreclosure
                  ------------------------------------------------------------
Remedies
- --------

       (a) The Borrower represents to the Lender that its business and affairs
constitute substantial interstate commerce and that it contemplates using the
proceeds of this Note in substantial interstate commerce. Except as otherwise
specifically set forth below, any action, dispute, claim, counterclaim or
controversy ("Dispute" or "Disputes"), between or among the Lender, the Borrower
or any other Obligor, including any claim based on or arising from an alleged
tort, shall be resolved by arbitration as set forth below. As used herein,
Disputes shall include all actions, disputes, claims, counterclaims or
controversies arising in connection with this Note, any extension of or
commitment to extend credit by the Lender, any collection of any indebtedness
owed to the Lender, any security or collateral given to the Lender, any action
taken (or any omission to take any action) in connection with any of the
foregoing, any past, present and future agreement between or among the Lender,
the Borrower or any other Obligor (including this Note and any Credit Document),
and any past, present or future transactions between or among the Lender, the
Borrower or any other Obligor. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing,
Disputes shall include actions commonly referred to as lender liability actions.

       (b) All Disputes shall be resolved by binding arbitration in accordance
with Title 9 of the U.S. Code and the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the
American Arbitration Association (the "AAA"). Defenses based on statutes of
limitation, estoppel, waiver, laches and similar doctrines, that would otherwise
be applicable to an action brought by a party, shall be applicable in any such
arbitration proceeding, and the commencement of an arbitration proceeding with
respect to this Note shall be deemed the commencement of an action for such
purposes.

       (c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower and each other Obligor
agrees that the Lender shall have the option, but not the obligation, to submit
to and pursue in a court of law any claim against the Borrower or any other
Obligor for a debt due. The Borrower and each other Obligor agrees that, if the
Lender pursues such a claim in a court of law, (1) failure of the Lender to
assert any additional claim in such proceeding shall not be deemed a waiver of,
or estoppel to pursue, such claim as a claim or counterclaim in arbitration as
set forth above, and (2) the institution or maintenance of a judicial action
hereunder shall not constitute a waiver of the right of any party to submit any
other action, dispute, claim or controversy as described above, even though
arising out of the same transaction or occurrence, to binding arbitration as set
forth herein. If the Borrower asserts a claim against the Lender in arbitration
or otherwise during the pendency of a claim brought by the Lender in a court of
law, the court action shall be stayed and the parties shall submit to
arbitration all claims.

       (d) No provision of, nor the exercise of any rights under this Section,
shall limit the right of any party (1) to foreclose against any real or personal
property collateral by exercise of a power of sale under any Credit Document, or
by exercise of any rights of foreclosure or of sale under applicable law, (2) to
exercise self-help remedies such as set-off, or (3) to obtain provisional or
ancillary remedies such as injunctive relief, attachment or the appointment of a
receiver from a court having jurisdiction before, during or after the pendency
of any arbitration or referral. The institution and maintenance of an action for
judicial relief or pursuit of provisional or ancillary remedies or exercise of
self-help remedies shall not constitute a waiver of the right of any party,
including the plaintiff in such an action, to submit the Dispute to arbitration
or, in the case of actions on a debt, to judicial resolution.

       (e) Whenever an arbitration is required hereunder, the arbitrator shall
be selected in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the AAA. The
AAA shall designate a panel of 10 potential arbitrators knowledgeable in the
subject matter of the Dispute. Each of the Lender and the Obligor shall
designate, within 30 days of the receipt of the list of potential arbitrators,
one of the potential arbitrators to serve, and the two arbitrators so designated
shall select a third arbitrator from the eight remaining potential arbitrators.
The panel of three arbitrators shall determine the resolution of the Dispute.

                                     - 5 -
<PAGE>
 
       IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed and delivered this Note
dated the date first written above.


                           /s/ William E. Matthews, V
                           -----------------------------------------------------
                           Signature of Borrower

                           William E. Matthews, V
                           -----------------------------------------------------
                           Please Print Name

                           Send Correspondence and Billings to:

                                    William E. Matthews, V
                                    --------------------------------------------
                                    3505 Park Lane South
                                    --------------------------------------------
                                    Birmingham, Alabama 35213
                                    --------------------------------------------

                                     - 6 -


<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.8

$28,000.00                                                   Birmingham, Alabama
                                                                  April 15, 1999

                                PROMISSORY NOTE
                                ---------------

       FOR VALUE RECEIVED, without grace, WILLIAM E. MATTHEWS, V (the
"Borrower"), promises to pay to the order of Alabama National BanCorporation, a
Delaware corporation (herein called the "Lender," and together with any
subsequent holder of this note called the "Holder"), in the manner set forth
below, the principal sum of Twenty- Eight Thousand and 00/100 Dollars
($28,000.00), plus interest at the rate set forth below.

       This Note shall bear interest (computed on an Actual/360 Day Basis) on
the unpaid principal balance hereof, from the date of disbursement until payment
in full, at a fixed interest rate equal to six percent (6.0%) per annum.

       Principal and interest shall be payable under this Note on April 15,
2000.

       The Borrower further agrees with the Holder as follows:

       SECTION 1 Rules of Construction. This Note is subject to the rules of
                 ---------------------
construction set forth in the Security  Documents.

       SECTION 2 Definitions. As used in this Note, capitalized terms that are
                 -----------
not otherwise defined herein have the meanings defined for them in the Security
Documents and the following terms are defined as follows:

       (a) Actual/360 Day Basis means a method of computing interest and other
charges on the basis of an assumed year of 360 days for the actual number of
days elapsed, meaning that the interest accrued for each day will be computed by
multiplying the interest rate applicable on that day by the unpaid principal
balance on that day and dividing the result by 360.

       (b) Business Day means any day, excluding Saturday and Sunday, on which
the Lender's main office in Birmingham, Alabama, is open to the public for
carrying on substantially all of its banking business.

       (c) Credit Documents means this Note, the Security Documents and all
other documents now or hereafter executed or delivered in connection with the
transactions contemplated thereby.

       (d) Default Rate means a rate of interest equal to four percentage points
(400 basis points) in excess of the highest interest rate that would otherwise
be payable on the principal indebtedness evidenced by this Note from time to
time in the absence of the existence of a default, or the maximum rate permitted
by law, whichever is less.

       (e) Event of Default is defined in Section 8. An Event of Default
"exists" if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.

       (f) Obligors means the Borrower, each other person executing any Security
Document as a grantor, (if the Borrower or any such grantor is a partnership)
any general partner thereof, and any other maker, endorser, surety, guarantor or
other person now or hereafter liable for the payment or performance, in whole or
in part, of any of the obligations evidenced by this Note.

       (g) Security Documents means the Pledge Agreement dated of even date
herewith executed by the Borrower in favor of the Lender and all other documents
now or hereafter securing or guaranteeing the obligations evidenced by this
Note, or any part thereof.
<PAGE>
 
       SECTION 3 Place and Time of Payments.
                 --------------------------
       (a) All payments by the Borrower to the Holder under this Note shall be
made in lawful currency of the United States and in immediately available funds
to the Lender at its Main Office in Birmingham, Alabama or at such other address
within the continental United States as shall be specified by the Holder by
notice to the Borrower. Any payment received by the Holder after 2:00 p.m.
(Birmingham, Alabama time) on a Business Day (or at any time on a day that is
not a Business Day) shall be deemed made by the Borrower and received by the
Holder on the following Business Day.

       (b) All amounts payable by the Borrower to the Holder under this Note or
any of the other Credit Documents for which a payment date is expressly set
forth herein or therein shall be payable on the specified due date without
notice or demand by the Holder. All amounts payable by the Borrower to the
Holder under this Note or the other Credit Documents for which no payment date
is expressly set forth herein or therein shall be payable ten days after written
demand by the Holder to the Borrower. The Holder may, at its option, send
written notice or demand to the Borrower of amounts payable on a specified due
date pursuant to this Note or the other Credit Documents, but the failure to
send such notice shall not affect or excuse the Borrower's obligation to make
payment of the amounts due on the specified due date.

       (c) Payments that are due on a day that is not a Business Day shall be
payable on the next succeeding Business Day, and any interest payable thereon
shall be payable for such extended time at the specified rate.

       SECTION 4 Default Rate. If an Event of Default exists, this Note shall
                 ------------
bear interest at the Default Rate, until the earlier of (a) such time as all
amounts due hereunder are paid in full or (b) no such Event of Default exists.

       SECTION 5 Security Documents. This Note with interest is secured by and
                 ------------------
entitled to the benefits of the Security Documents. Reference to the Security
Documents is hereby made for all of the provisions thereof. This Note shall be
secured by all security documents that by their terms secure this Note, whether
or not described herein, and all such documents shall constitute Security
Documents.

       SECTION 6 Events of Default. The occurrence of any of the following
                 -----------------
events shall constitute an event of default ("Event of Default") under this Note
(whatever the reason for such event and whether or not it shall be voluntary or
involuntary or be effected by operation of law or pursuant to any Governmental
Requirement): (a) any representation or warranty made in any of the Credit
Documents shall prove to be false or misleading in any material respect as of
the time made; or (b) any report, certificate, financial statement or other
instrument furnished in connection with this Note or any of the other Credit
Documents shall prove to be false or misleading in any material respect as of
the time furnished; or (c) default shall be made in the payment when due of any
of the obligations evidenced by this Note or any part thereof; or (d) any
default or event of default, as therein defined, shall occur under any of the
other Credit Documents (after giving effect to any applicable notice, grace or
cure period specified therein).

       SECTION 7 Acceleration. If an Event of Default exists that does not
                 ------------
already result in the automatic acceleration of this Note under another Credit
Document, the Holder shall have the right without further notice to the Borrower
to declare the entire unpaid principal balance of the indebtedness evidenced by
this Note, with accrued interest, to be immediately due and payable.

       SECTION 8 Certain Waivers and Agreements by Obligors.
                 ------------------------------------------
       (a) As to the obligations evidenced by this Note, each Obligor severally
(1) waives demand, presentment, protest, notice of protest, suit and all other
requirements necessary to hold liable such Obligor or any of the other Obligors;
(2) waives all exemptions of personal property secured to any Obligor under the
Constitution and laws of the State of Alabama or any other state; and (3) agrees
to pay all costs of collection, including a reasonable attorney's fee, in the
event default should be made in the payment of any of the obligations evidenced
by this Note.

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
       (b) Each Obligor severally (1) acknowledges that the Lender has not made
any representations or entered into any agreements with such Obligor to induce
such Obligor to enter into the transactions contemplated by this Note except as
set forth in writing in the Credit Documents; (2) agrees upon request such
Obligor will furnish financial statements to the Holder and grant the Holder
access to such Obligor's books and records; (3) agrees that any obligations of
any Obligor may, from time to time, in whole or in part, be renewed, extended,
modified, accelerated, compromised, discharged or released by the Holder, and
any collateral, lien, right of set-off or other security for the obligations
evidenced by this Note or any other obligations of any Obligor to the Holder
may, from time to time, in whole or in part, be exchanged, sold, released,
satisfied, or terminated, all without notice to, or in any way affecting or
releasing any of the obligations of any other Obligor; and (4) agrees that the
Holder will not be required first to resort to any Security Document, any
guaranty or any other security pledged or granted to the Holder, but upon a
default under this Note or any of the Security Documents, the Holder may
forthwith look to any Obligor for payment hereunder or may look to and realize
upon any other security held by the Holder, in any order the Holder chooses,
until the entire debt evidenced by this Note is paid.

       SECTION 9 Independent Obligations. The Borrower agrees that each of the
                 -----------------------
obligations of the Borrower to the Holder under this Note may be enforced
against the Borrower without the necessity of joining any other Obligor, any
other holders of Liens in any Property or any other person, as a party.

       SECTION 10 Heirs, Successors and Assigns. Whenever in this Note any party
                  -----------------------------
hereto is referred to, such reference shall be deemed to include the heirs,
successors and assigns of such party, except that the Borrower may not assign or
transfer its obligations under this Note without the prior written consent of
the Holder; and all obligations of the Borrower under this Note shall bind the
Borrower's heirs, successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of the
successors and assigns of the Holder.

       SECTION 11 Governing Law. This Note shall be construed in accordance with
                  -------------
and governed by Title 9 of the U.S. Code and the internal laws of the State of
Alabama except as required by mandatory provisions of law (without regard to
conflict of law principles).

       SECTION 12 Separability Clause. If any provision of the this Note shall
                  -------------------
be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability
of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired
thereby.

       SECTION 13 No Oral Agreements. This Note is the final expression of the
                  ------------------
agreement between the parties hereto, and this Note may not be contradicted by
evidence of any prior oral agreement between such parties. All previous oral
agreements between the parties hereto have been incorporated into this Note and
the other Credit Documents, and there is no unwritten oral agreement between the
parties hereto in existence.

       SECTION 14 Waiver and Election. The exercise by the Holder of any option
                  -------------------
given under this Note or the Security Documents shall not constitute a waiver of
the right to exercise any other option. No failure or delay on the part of the
Holder in exercising any right, power or remedy under this Note or the Security
Documents shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial
exercise of any such right, power or remedy preclude any further exercise
thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or remedy. No modification,
termination or waiver of any provisions of this Note, nor consent to any
departure by the Borrower therefrom, shall be effective unless in writing and
signed by an authorized officer of the Holder, and then such waiver or consent
shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose
for which given. No notice to or demand on the Borrower in any case shall
entitle the Borrower to any other or further notice or demand in similar or
other circumstances.

       SECTION 15 Set-off. While any Event of Default exists, the Lender is
                  -------
authorized at any time and from time to time, without notice to the Borrower
(any such notice being expressly waived by the Borrower), to set off and apply
any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final)
at any time held and other indebtedness at any time owing by the Lender to or
for the credit or the account of the Borrower against any and all of the
obligations evidenced by this Note, irrespective of whether or not the Lender
shall have made any demand under this Note and although such obligations may be
unmatured. The rights of the Lender under this Section 18 are in addition to all
other rights and remedies (including other rights of set-off or pursuant to any
banker's lien) that the Lender may have.

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
       SECTION 16 Time of Essence. Time is of the essence of this Note.
                  ---------------
       SECTION 17 Submission to Jurisdiction. The Borrower irrevocably (a)
                  --------------------------
acknowledges that this Note will be accepted by the Lender and performed by the
Borrower in the State of Alabama; (b) submits to the jurisdiction of each state
or federal court sitting in Jefferson County, Alabama (collectively, the
"Courts") over any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this
Note (to enforce the arbitration provisions hereof or, if the arbitration
provisions are found to be unenforceable, to determine any issues arising out of
or relating to this Note) or any of the other Credit Documents (individually, an
"Agreement Action"); (c) waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any
objection or defense that the Borrower may now or hereafter have based on
improper venue, lack of personal jurisdiction, inconvenience of forum or any
similar matter in any Agreement Action brought in any of the Courts; (d) agrees
that final judgment in any Agreement Action brought in any of the Courts shall
be conclusive and binding upon the Borrower and may be enforced in any other
court to the jurisdiction of which the Borrower is subject, by a suit upon such
judgment; (e) consents to the service of process on the Borrower in any
Agreement Action by the mailing of a copy thereof by registered or certified
mail, postage prepaid, to the Borrower at the Borrower's address designated at
the end of this Note; (f) agrees that service in accordance with Section 20(e)
shall in every respect be effective and binding on the Borrower to the same
extent as though served on the Borrower in person by a person duly authorized to
serve such process; and (g) AGREES THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION, EVEN IF
FOUND NOT TO BE STRICTLY ENFORCEABLE BY ANY COURT, SHALL CONSTITUTE "FAIR
WARNING" TO THE BORROWER THAT THE EXECUTION OF THIS NOTE MAY SUBJECT THE
BORROWER TO THE JURISDICTION OF EACH STATE OR FEDERAL COURT SITTING IN JEFFERSON
COUNTY, ALABAMA WITH RESPECT TO ANY AGREEMENT ACTIONS, AND THAT IT IS
FORESEEABLE BY THE BORROWER THAT THE BORROWER MAY BE SUBJECTED TO THE
JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURTS AND MAY BE SUED IN THE STATE OF ALABAMA IN ANY
AGREEMENT ACTIONS. Nothing in this Section 20 shall limit or restrict the
Lender's right to serve process or bring Agreement Actions in manners and in
courts otherwise than as herein provided.

       SECTION 18 Usury Laws. Any provision of this Note or any of the other
                  ----------
Credit Documents to the contrary notwithstanding, the Borrower and the Lender
agree that they do not intend for the interest or other consideration provided
for in this Note and the other Credit Documents to be greater than the maximum
amount permitted by applicable law. Regardless of any provision in this Note or
any of the other Credit Documents, the Lender shall not be entitled to receive,
collect or apply, as interest on the Obligations, any amount in excess of the
maximum rate of interest permitted to be charged under applicable law until such
time, if any, as that interest, together with all other interest then
payable, falls within the then applicable maximum lawful rate of interest. If
the Lender shall receive, collect or apply any amount in excess of the then
maximum rate of interest, the amount that would be excessive interest shall be
applied first to the reduction of the principal amount of the Obligations then
outstanding in the inverse order of maturity, and second, if such principal
amount is paid in full, any excess shall forthwith be returned to the Borrower.
In determining whether the interest paid or payable under any specific
contingency exceeds the highest lawful rate, the Borrower and the Lender shall,
to the maximum extent permitted under applicable law, (a) characterize any
nonprincipal payment as an expense, fee or premium rather than as interest, (b)
exclude voluntary prepayments and the effects thereof, (c) consider all the
Obligations as one general obligation of the Borrower, and (d) "spread" the
total amount of the interest throughout the entire term of this Note so that the
interest rate is uniform throughout the entire term of this Note.

       SECTION 19 Arbitration; Dispute Resolution; Preservation of Foreclosure
                  ------------------------------------------------------------
Remedies.
- ---------

       (a) The Borrower represents to the Lender that its business and affairs
constitute substantial interstate commerce and that it contemplates using the
proceeds of this Note in substantial interstate commerce. Except as otherwise
specifically set forth below, any action, dispute, claim, counterclaim or
controversy ("Dispute" or "Disputes"), between or among the Lender, the Borrower
or any other Obligor, including any claim based on or arising from an alleged
tort, shall be resolved by arbitration as set forth below. As used herein,
Disputes shall include all actions, disputes, claims, counterclaims or
controversies arising in connection with this Note, any extension of or
commitment to extend credit by the Lender, any collection of any indebtedness
owed to the Lender, any security or collateral given to the Lender, any action
taken (or any omission to take any action) in connection with any of the
foregoing, any past, 

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
present and future agreement between or among the Lender, the Borrower or any
other Obligor (including this Note and any Credit Document), and any past,
present or future transactions between or among the Lender, the Borrower or any
other Obligor. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Disputes shall
include actions commonly referred to as lender liability actions.

       (b) All Disputes shall be resolved by binding arbitration in accordance
with Title 9 of the U.S. Code and the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the
American Arbitration Association (the "AAA"). Defenses based on statutes of
limitation, estoppel, waiver, laches and similar doctrines, that would otherwise
be applicable to an action brought by a party, shall be applicable in any such
arbitration proceeding, and the commencement of an arbitration proceeding with
respect to this Note shall be deemed the commencement of an action for such
purposes.

       (c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower and each other Obligor
agrees that the Lender shall have the option, but not the obligation, to submit
to and pursue in a court of law any claim against the Borrower or any other
Obligor for a debt due. The Borrower and each other Obligor agrees that, if the
Lender pursues such a claim in a court of law, (1) failure of the Lender to
assert any additional claim in such proceeding shall not be deemed a waiver of,
or estoppel to pursue, such claim as a claim or counterclaim in arbitration as
set forth above, and (2) the institution or maintenance of a judicial action
hereunder shall not constitute a waiver of the right of any party to submit any
other action, dispute, claim or controversy as described above, even though
arising out of the same transaction or occurrence, to binding arbitration as set
forth herein. If the Borrower asserts a claim against the Lender in arbitration
or otherwise during the pendency of a claim brought by the Lender in a court of
law, the court action shall be stayed and the parties shall submit to
arbitration all claims.

       (d) No provision of, nor the exercise of any rights under this Section,
shall limit the right of any party (1) to foreclose against any real or personal
property collateral by exercise of a power of sale under any Credit Document, or
by exercise of any rights of foreclosure or of sale under applicable law, (2) to
exercise self-help remedies such as set-off, or (3) to obtain provisional or
ancillary remedies such as injunctive relief, attachment or the appointment of a
receiver from a court having jurisdiction before, during or after the pendency
of any arbitration or referral. The institution and maintenance of an action for
judicial relief or pursuit of provisional or ancillary remedies or exercise of
self-help remedies shall not constitute a waiver of the right of any party,
including the plaintiff in such an action, to submit the Dispute to arbitration
or, in the case of actions on a debt, to judicial resolution.

       (e) Whenever an arbitration is required hereunder, the arbitrator shall
be selected in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the AAA. The
AAA shall designate a panel of 10 potential arbitrators knowledgeable in the
subject matter of the Dispute. Each of the Lender and the Obligor shall
designate, within 30 days of the receipt of the list of potential arbitrators,
one of the potential arbitrators to serve, and the two arbitrators so designated
shall select a third arbitrator from the eight remaining potential arbitrators.
The panel of three arbitrators shall determine the resolution of the Dispute.]

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
       IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed and delivered this Note
dated the date first written above.




                           /s/ WILLIAM E. MATTHEWS, V
                           -----------------------------------------------------
                           Signature of Borrower

                           WILLIAM E. MATTHEWS, V
                           -----------------------------------------------------
                           Please Print Name

                           Send Correspondence and Billings to:

                                 William E. Matthews, V
                                 -----------------------------------------------
                                 3505 Park Lane South
                                 -----------------------------------------------
                                 Birmingham, Alabama 35213

                                      -6-

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.9

                               PLEDGE AGREEMENT
                               ----------------

       THIS PLEDGE AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") dated April 15, 1999 is between
WILLIAM E. MATTHEWS, V, as pledgor and debtor (the "Borrower"), and ALABAMA
NATIONAL BANCORPORATION, a Delaware corporation, as pledgee and secured party
(the "Lender").

                                   Recitals
                                   --------

       The Borrower is the holder, beneficially and of record, of certain shares
of the outstanding capital stock of the Lender, more particularly described on
Exhibit A attached hereto and made a part hereof (the "Stock").
- ---------

       Capitalized terms used in these Recitals have the meanings defined for
them above or in Section 1.2. The Borrower has requested that the Lender extend
Credit to the Borrower under the Credit Documents. To secure the Obligations,
and to induce the Lender to extend Credit to the Borrower under the Credit
Documents, the Borrower has agreed to execute and deliver this Agreement to the
Lender.

                                   Agreement
                                   ---------

       NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing Recitals, and to induce
the Lender to extend Credit to the Borrower under the Credit Documents, the
Borrower agrees with the Lender as follows:

                                   ARTICLE 1

                     Rules of Construction and Definitions
                     -------------------------------------

       SECTION 1.1 Rules of Construction. For the purposes of this Agreement,
                   ---------------------
except as otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires:

       (a) Words of masculine, feminine or neuter gender include the correlative
words of other genders. Singular terms include the plural as well as the
singular, and vice versa.

       (b) All references herein to designated "Articles," "Sections" and other
subdivisions or to lettered Exhibits are to the designated Articles, Sections
and subdivisions hereof and the Exhibits annexed hereto unless expressly
otherwise designated in context. All Article, Section, other subdivision and
Exhibit captions herein are used for reference only and do not limit or describe
the scope or intent of, or in any way affect, this Agreement.

       (c) The terms "include," "including," and similar terms shall be
construed as if followed by the phrase "without being limited to."

       (d) The terms "herein," "hereof" and "hereunder" and other words of
similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular
Article, Section, other subdivision or Exhibit.

       (e) All Recitals set forth in, and all Exhibits to, this Agreement are
hereby incorporated in this Agreement by reference.

       (f) No inference in favor of or against any party shall be drawn from the
fact that such party or such party's counsel has drafted any portion hereof.

       (g) All references in this Agreement to a separate instrument are to such
separate instrument as the same may be amended or supplemented from time to time
pursuant to the applicable provisions thereof.

       SECTION 1.2 Definitions. As used in this Agreement, the following terms
                   -----------
are defined as follows:

       (a)    Unless otherwise defined herein, terms used in this Agreement that
are defined in Article 9 of the Alabama Uniform Commercial Code have the
meanings defined for them therein.
<PAGE>
 
       (b)    Additional Stock is defined in Section 2.2.
              ----------------

       (c)    Business Day means any day, excluding Saturday and Sunday, on
              -----------
which the Lender's main office in Birmingham, Alabama, is open to the public for
carrying on substantially all of its banking business.

       (d)    Credit means, individually and collectively, all loans,
              ------
forbearances, renewals, extensions, advances, disbursements and other extensions
of credit now or hereafter made by the Lender to or for the account of the
Borrower under the Credit Documents.

       (e)    Credit Documents means the documents described in Exhibit B and
              ----------------
all other documents now or hereafter executed or delivered in connection with
the transactions contemplated thereby.

       (f)    Debt of any  person  means (1) all  indebtedness,  whether  or not
              ----
represented by bonds, debentures, notes or other securities, for the repayment
of borrowed money, (2) all deferred indebtedness for the payment of the purchase
price of property or assets purchased, (3) all capitalized lease obligations,
(4) all indebtedness secured by any Lien on any property of such person, whether
or not indebtedness secured thereby has been assumed, (5) all obligations with
respect to any conditional sale contract or title retention agreement, (6) all
indebtedness and obligations arising under acceptance facilities or in
connection with surety or similar bonds, and the outstanding amount of all
letters of credit issued for the account of such person, and (7) all obligations
with respect to interest rate swap agreements.

       (g)    Default  Rate means a rate of  interest  equal to four  percentage
              -------------
points (400 basis points) in excess of the highest interest rate that would
otherwise be payable on the principal amount of the Credit under the Credit
Documents from time to time in the absence of the existence of a default, or the
maximum rate permitted by law, whichever is less.

       (h)    Event of Default is  defined in Section  4.1.  An Event of Default
              ----------------
"exists" if the same has occurred and is continuing.

       (i)    Governmental Authority means any national, state, county, 
              ----------------------
municipal or other government, domestic or foreign, and any agency, authority,
department, commission, bureau, board, court or other instrumentality thereof.

       (j)    Lien means any mortgage, pledge, assignment,  charge, encumbrance,
              ----
lien, security title, security interest or other preferential arrangement.

       (k)    Obligations  means (1) the payment of all amounts now or hereafter
              -----------
becoming due and payable under the Credit Documents, including the principal
amount of the Credit, all interest thereon (including interest that, but for the
filing of a petition in bankruptcy, would accrue on any such principal) and all
other fees, charges and costs (including attorneys' fees and disbursements)
payable in connection therewith; (2) the observance and performance the Borrower
of all of the provisions of the Credit Documents; (3) the payment of all sums
advanced or paid by the Lender in exercising any of its rights, powers or
remedies under the Credit Documents, and all interest (including post-bankruptcy
petition interest, as aforesaid) on such sums provided for herein or therein;
and (4) all renewals, extensions, modifications and amendments of any of the
foregoing, whether or not any renewal, extension, modification or amendment
agreement is executed in connection therewith.

       (l)    Obligors means the Borrower each other person,  if any,  executing
              --------
any Security Document as a grantor, (if the Borrower is a partnership) any
general partner thereof, and any other maker, endorser, surety, guarantor or
other person now or hereafter liable for the payment or performance, in whole or
in part, of any of the Obligations.

       (m)    Permitted Encumbrances means the Liens granted to the Lender under
              ----------------------
this Agreement and any other Liens of the Lender.

       (n)    Person (whether or not capitalized) includes natural persons, sole
              ------
proprietorships, corporations, trusts, unincorporated organizations,
associations, companies, institutions, entities, joint ventures, partnerships,
limited liability companies and Governmental Authorities.

       (o)    Pledged Stock is defined in Section 2.2.
              -------------

       (p)    Property is defined in Section 2.2.
              --------

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
       (q)    Security Documents means all Credit Documents that now or
              ------------------
hereafter grant or purport to grant to the Lender any guaranty, collateral or
other security for any of the Obligations.


                                    ARTICLE 2

                               Security Agreement
                               ------------------

       SECTION 2.1 Pledge of Stock. As security for the Obligations, the
                   ---------------
Borrower hereby grants to the Lender security title to and a continuing security
interest in, and assigns, transfers, conveys, pledges and hypothecates to the
Lender, all of the Borrower's right, title and interest in and to the Stock and
all proceeds thereof, and the Borrower hereby delivers to the Lender the stock
certificates evidencing the Stock, as described in Exhibit A, together with
separate assignments thereof, to be held by the Lender upon the terms and
conditions set forth in this Agreement.

       SECTION 2.2 Pledge of Additional Stock. If the Borrower shall acquire by
                   --------------------------
exchange or replacement any additional shares of the capital stock of the
Company, of whatever class or description ("Additional Stock") at any time after
the date hereof, the Borrower hereby grants to the Lender a security interest
in, and assigns, transfers, conveys, pledges and hypothecates to the Lender, all
of the Borrower's right, title and interest in and to the Additional Stock and
such certificates, and immediately upon receipt thereof the Borrower shall
pledge and deposit the Additional Stock with the Lender and shall deliver to the
Lender certificates therefor registered in the name of the Borrower, together
with executed separate assignments thereof, to be held by the Lender under this
Agreement. The Stock, the Additional Stock, and any stock or other securities
issued in exchange therefor or replacement thereof, are hereinafter together
called the "Pledged Stock," and the Pledged Stock and all proceeds thereof and
all other securities and moneys received and at the time held by the Lender
hereunder are hereinafter together called the "Property," all of which shall be
subject to the Liens granted to the Lender under this Agreement.

       SECTION 2.3 Dividends and Other Distributions. Unless an Event of Default
                   ---------------------------------
exists, all cash dividends paid on the Pledged Stock shall be paid to the
Borrower, except that all cash dividends payable on the Pledged Stock that are
determined by the Lender in its sole discretion to represent in whole or in part
an extraordinary, liquidating or other distribution in return of capital shall
be paid to the Lender and retained by it as Property. The Lender shall also be
entitled to receive directly and to retain as Property:

       (a)    all stock and other  securities or property (other than cash) paid
or distributed with respect to the Pledged Stock by way of dividend;

       (b)    all stock and other  securities or property  (including cash) paid
or distributed with respect to the Pledged Stock by way of stock-split, spin-
off, split-up, reclassification, combination of shares or similar or other
corporate rearrangement; and

       (c)    all stock and other securities or property (including cash) that
may be paid or distributed with respect to the Pledged Stock by reason of any
consolidation, merger, exchange of stock, conveyance of assets, liquidation or
similar corporate reorganization.

       SECTION 2.4 Voting While No Event of Default. Unless an Event of Default
                   --------------------------------
exists, the Borrower shall have the right to vote any and all shares of the
Pledged Stock and to give consents, waivers and ratifications with respect to
the Property and otherwise act with respect thereto. All such rights of the
Borrower to vote and to give consents, waivers and ratifications shall cease if
an Event of Default exists.

                                    ARTICLE 3

                    Representations, Warranties and Covenants
                    -----------------------------------------

       SECTION 3.1 Representations and Warranties. The Borrower represents and
                   ------------------------------
warrants to the Lender that (a) subject to Permitted Encumbrances, the Borrower
is the holder of record and sole beneficial owner of the Stock (which is fully
issued and non-assessable), free of Liens and adverse claims of any kind, except
Permitted Encumbrances; (b) the Borrower has a good right to grant to the Lender
the Liens in the Stock purported to be granted under this Agreement; (c) there
are no outstanding subscriptions, options, rights, warrants, calls, commitments
or agreements of any kind to acquire or transfer any of the Stock; and (d) to
the best of the Borrower's knowledge, no consent, authorization or other action
by, and no notice to or filing with, any other person (including any
stockholder, partner or creditor of the Borrower and any Governmental Authority)
is required for (1) the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the
Borrower, (2) the granting to the Lender of the Liens on the Property under this
Agreement, or (3) the exercise by the Lender of the rights, powers and remedies
granted to it under 

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
this Agreement, except as may be required in connection with any disposition by
the Lender of the Property under laws affecting the offering and sale of
securities generally.

       SECTION 3.2 Encumbrances and Dispositions. The Borrower shall not (a)
                   -----------------------------
encumber any of the Property, or permit any of the Property to be encumbered,
with any kind of Lien, other than Permitted Encumbrances, or (b) sell, transfer
or otherwise dispose of, or grant any option or warrant with respect to, any of
the Property.

       SECTION 3.3 Taxes and Assessments. The Borrower shall pay when due all
                   ---------------------
taxes, assessments and other charges levied or assessed against any of the
Property, and all other claims that are or may become Liens against any of the
Property, except any that are Permitted Encumbrances; and should default be made
in the payment of same, the Lender, at its option, may pay them.

       SECTION 3.4 Filing Fees and Taxes. The Borrower agrees, to the extent
                   ---------------------
permitted by law, to pay all recording and filing fees, revenue stamps, taxes
and other expenses and charges payable in connection with the execution and
delivery of the Credit Documents, and the recording, filing, satisfaction,
continuation and release thereof.

       SECTION 3.5 Further Assurances. At the Borrower's cost and expense, upon
                   ------------------
request of the Lender, the Borrower shall duly execute and deliver, or cause to
be duly executed and delivered, to the Lender such further instruments and do
and cause to be done such further acts as may be reasonably necessary or proper
in the opinion of the Lender or its counsel to perfect, preserve and protect the
validity of the Liens of the Lender in the Property and to carry out more
effectively the provisions and purposes of this Agreement.

       SECTION 3.6 Attorney-in-Fact. The Borrower hereby constitutes and
                   ----------------
appoints the Lender, or any other person whom the Lender may designate, as the
Borrower's attorney-in-fact, at the Borrower's sole cost and expense, effective
upon the existence of any Event of Default, with full authority in the place and
stead of the Borrower and in the name of the Borrower or otherwise, from time to
time in the Lender's discretion to take any action (a) that the Borrower has
agreed, but has failed, to take under this Agreement, (b) that the Lender in its
sole discretion deems necessary or advisable to maintain, preserve or protect
the security intended to be afforded by this Agreement, or (c) that the Lender
may deem necessary or advisable to accomplish the purposes of this Agreement and
the other Credit Documents.

                                   ARTICLE 4

                               Events of Default
                               -----------------

       SECTION 4.1 Events of Default. The occurrence of any of the following
                   -----------------
events shall constitute an event of default (an "Event of Default") under this
Agreement (whatever the reason for such event and whether or not it shall be
voluntary or involuntary or be effected by operation of law or pursuant to any
Governmental Requirement):

       (a)    any representation or warranty made in this Agreement or in any of
the other Credit Documents shall prove to be false or misleading in any material
respect as of the time made; or

       (b)    any report, certificate, financial statement or other instrument
furnished in connection with the Credit, this Agreement or any of the other
Credit Documents, shall prove to be false or misleading in any material respect
as of the time furnished; or

       (c)    default shall be made in the payment when due of any of the
Obligations; or

       (d)    default shall be made in the due observance or performance of any
covenant, condition or agreement on the part of the Borrower to be observed or
performed pursuant to the terms of this Agreement (other than any covenant,
condition or agreement, default in the observance or performance of which is
elsewhere in this Section 4.1 specifically dealt with) and such default shall
continue unremedied for a period of thirty (30) days; or

       (e)    any default or event of default, as therein defined, shall occur
under any of the other Credit Documents (after giving effect to any applicable
notice, grace or cure period specified therein); or

       (f)    (1) default shall be made with respect to any Debt (other than the
Obligations) of any Obligor, if the effect of such default is to accelerate the
maturity of such Debt or to permit the holder thereof to cause such Debt to
become due prior

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
to its stated maturity, or (2) any such Debt shall not be paid when due (after
giving effect to any applicable notice, grace or cure periods); or

       (g)    any Obligor shall (1) apply for or consent to the appointment of a
receiver, trustee, liquidator or other custodian of such Obligor or any of such
Obligor's properties or assets (including the Property), (2) fail or admit in
writing such Obligor's inability to pay such Obligor's debts generally as they
become due, (3) make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors, (4)
suffer or permit an order for relief to be entered against such Obligor in any
proceeding under the federal Bankruptcy Code, or (5) file a voluntary petition
in bankruptcy, or a petition or an answer seeking an arrangement with creditors
or to take advantage of any bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency, readjustment
of debt, dissolution or liquidation law or statute, or an answer admitting the
material allegations of a petition filed against such Obligor in any proceeding
under any such law or statute, or if corporate action shall be taken by any
Obligor for the purpose of effecting any of the foregoing; or

       (h)    a petition shall be filed, without the application, approval or
consent of any Obligor in any court of competent jurisdiction, seeking
bankruptcy, reorganization, rearrangement, dissolution or liquidation of such
Obligor or of all or a substantial part of the properties or assets of such
Obligor, or seeking any other relief under any law or statute of the type
referred to in Section 4.1(l)(5) against such Obligor, or the appointment of a
receiver, trustee, liquidator or other custodian of such Obligor or of all or a
substantial part of the properties or assets of such Obligor, and such petition
shall not have been stayed or dismissed within 30 days after the filing thereof;
or

       (i)    any writ of execution,  attachment or garnishment  shall be issued
against the assets of any Obligor and such writ of execution, attachment or
garnishment shall not be dismissed, discharged or quashed within 30 days of
issuance; or

       (j)    any final judgment for the payment of money shall be rendered
against any Obligor and the same shall remain undischarged for a period of 30
days during which execution shall not be effectively stayed; or

       (k)    any guarantor of any of the Obligations shall default in the due
observance or performance of any covenant, condition or agreement on such
guarantor's part to be observed or performed under such guarantor's guaranty
agreement (after giving effect to any applicable notice, grace or cure period
specified therein) or shall terminate or attempt to terminate such guarantor's
guaranty agreement.

                                   ARTICLE 5

                                   Remedies
                                   --------

       SECTION 5.1 Acceleration of Obligations. If an Event of Default exists
                   ---------------------------
under Section 4.1(l), 4.1(m) or 4.1(l), all of the Obligations shall
automatically become immediately due and payable. If any other Event of Default
exists that does not already result in the automatic acceleration of the
Obligations under another Credit Document, the Lender shall have the right
without further notice to the Borrower (except any such notice as may be
specifically required under the other Credit Documents) to declare all of the
Obligations immediately due and payable.

       SECTION 5.2 Remedies. If an Event of Default exists, the Lender shall be
                   --------
entitled to exercise all of the rights, powers and remedies vested in it by this
Agreement and applicable law (including all rights of a secured party under
Article 9 of the Alabama Uniform Commercial Code) for the protection and
enforcement of its rights with respect to the Property, including the rights:

       (a)    to receive  all  amounts  payable  with  respect  to the  Property
otherwise payable to the Borrower under Section 2.3;

       (b)    to transfer all or any part of the Pledged Stock into the Lender's
name or the name of its nominee and to cause new certificates to be issued in
the name of such transferee;

       (c)    to vote all or any part of the Pledged Stock, whether or not
transferred into the name of the Lender or its nominee, and to give all
consents, waivers and ratifications with respect to the Property and otherwise
act with respect thereto as though the Lender were the outright owner thereof
(the Borrower hereby irrevocably constituting and appointing the Lender the
proxy and attorney-in-fact of the Borrower, with full power of substitution, to
do so);

       (d)    to settle, adjust, compromise and arrange all accounts,
controversies, claims and demands in relation to any Property;

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
       (e)    to execute all contracts, agreements, documents and instruments,
to bring, defend and abandon all actions and proceedings, and to take all other
actions, in relation to any Property as the Lender in its sole discretion may
determine; and

       (f)    at any time or from time to time to sell, assign and deliver, or
grant options to purchase, all or any part of the Property, or any interest
therein, at any public or private sale, at any exchange, broker's board or at
any of the Lender's offices, in one or more parcels, without demand of
performance, advertisement or notice of intention to sell or of the time or
place of sale or adjournment thereof or otherwise (all of which are hereby
waived by the Borrower), for cash, on credit, or for other property, for
immediate or future delivery without any assumption of credit risk, and for such
prices and on such terms as the Lender in its sole discretion may deem to be
commercially reasonable. The Lender shall not be obligated to make any sale of
Property regardless of notice having been given. The Lender may adjourn any sale
from time to time by announcement at the time and place fixed therefor, and any
such sale may, without further notice, be made at the time and place to which it
was adjourned. The Lender shall not be liable for any failure to collect or
realize upon any Property or for any delay in so doing, or shall it be obligated
to take any action whatsoever with respect thereto.

       SECTION 5.3 Non-Public Sale. If at any time when the Lender shall
                   ---------------
determine to exercise its right to sell all or any of the Pledged Stock and
other securities pursuant to Section 5.2, such Pledged Stock and other
securities or the part thereof to be sold shall not for any reason be
effectively registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as then in effect, the
Lender may, in its sole discretion, sell such Pledged Stock and other securities
or part thereof by private sale in such manner and under such circumstances as
the Lender may deem necessary or advisable in order that such sale may legally
be effected without such registration. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, in any such event the Lender, in its sole discretion (a) may proceed
to make such private sale notwithstanding that a registration statement
registering any such Pledged Stock shall have been filed under such Securities
Act, (b) may approach and negotiate with as few as one possible purchaser to
effect such sale, and (c) may restrict such sale to a purchaser who will
represent and agree that such purchaser is purchasing for its own account, for
investment, and not with a view to the distribution or sale of any such Pledged
Stock and who will satisfy such other conditions as at such time may be required
for lawful non-public sale. In the event of any such sale, the Lender shall
incur no responsibility or liability for selling all or any part of the Pledged
Stock at a price which the Lender, in its sole discretion, may deem reasonable
under the circumstances, notwithstanding the possibility that a substantially
higher price might be realized if the sale were deferred until after
registration.

       SECTION 5.4 Reasonable Care. The Lender shall be deemed to have exercised
                   ---------------
reasonable care in the custody and preservation of any Property in its
possession if it takes such reasonable actions for that purpose as the Borrower
shall request in writing, but the Lender shall have sole power to determine
whether such actions are reasonable. Any omission to do any act not requested by
the Borrower shall not be deemed a failure to exercise reasonable care.

       SECTION 5.5 Waiver of Redemption, Marshalling, etc. The Borrower hereby
                   --------------------------------------
waives and releases to the fullest extent permitted by law any right or equity
of redemption with respect to the Property, whether before or after sale
hereunder, and all rights, if any, of marshalling the Property and any other
security for the Obligations or otherwise. At any such sale, unless prohibited
by applicable law, the Lender may bid for and purchase all or any part of the
Property so sold free from any such right or equity of redemption.

       SECTION 5.6 Application of Proceeds. The net cash proceeds resulting from
                   -----------------------
the exercise of any of the rights and remedies of the Lender under this
Agreement, after deducting all charges, expenses, costs and attorneys' fees
relating thereto, including any and all costs and expenses referred to in
Section 6.2, shall be applied by the Lender to the payment of the Obligations,
whether due or to become due, in such order and in such proportions as the
Lender may elect; and the Borrower shall remain liable to the Lender for any
deficiency.

       SECTION 5.7 Additional Security, etc. Without notice to or consent of the
                   ------------------------
Borrower, and without impairment of the Liens and rights created by this
Agreement, the Lender may accept from the Borrower, any other Obligor or any
other person, additional security for the Obligations. Neither the giving of
this Agreement nor the acceptance of any such additional security shall prevent
the Lender from resorting first to any such additional security, or first to the
Liens created by this Agreement, without affecting the Liens and rights of the
Lender under this Agreement.

       SECTION 5.8 Default Rate. If an Event of Default exists, the Obligations
                   ------------
shall bear interest at the Default Rate, until the earlier of (a) such time as
all of the Obligations are paid in full or (b) no such Event of Default exists.

       SECTION 5.9 Remedies Cumulative. The rights and remedies of the Lender
                   -------------------
under this Agreement are cumulative and not exclusive of any other rights or
remedies now or hereafter existing at law or in equity.

                                      -6-
<PAGE>
 
                                   ARTICLE 6

                                 Miscellaneous
                                 -------------

       SECTION 6.1 Notices.
                   -------

       (a) Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent,
waiver or other document provided or permitted by this Agreement to be made
upon, given or furnished to, or filed with, the Borrower or the Lender must
(except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement) be in writing and be
delivered by one of the following methods: (1) by personal delivery at the hand
delivery address specified below, (2) by first-class, registered or certified
mail, postage prepaid, addressed as specified below, or (3) if facsimile
transmission facilities for such party are identified below or pursuant to a
separate written notice from such party, sent by facsimile transmission to the
number specified below or in such notice.

       (b) The hand delivery address, mailing address and (if applicable)
facsimile transmission number for receipt of notice or other documents by such
parties are as follows:

       (1)    Borrower:
              --------

              By hand
              or mail:        William E. Matthews, V
                              3505 Park Lane South
                              Birmingham, Alabama 35213

       (2)    Lender:
              ------

              By hand
              or mail:        Alabama National Bancorporation
                              1927 First Avenue North
                              Birmingham, Alabama 35203
                              Attention: Chief Executive Officer

              By facsimile:   (205) 583-3275

Any of such parties may change the address or number for receiving any such
notice or other document by giving notice of the change to the other parties
named in this Section 6.1.

       (c) Any such notice or other document shall be deemed delivered when
actually received by the party to whom directed (or, if such party is not an
individual, to an officer, director, partner or other legal representative of
the party) at the address or number specified pursuant to this Section 6.1, or,
if sent by mail, three Business Days after such notice or document is deposited
in the United States mail, addressed as provided above.

       (d) Five Business Days' written notice to the Borrower as provided above
shall constitute reasonable notification to the Borrower when notification is
required by law; provided, however, that nothing contained in the foregoing
shall be construed as requiring five Business Days' notice if, under applicable
law and the circumstances then existing, a shorter period of time would
constitute reasonable notice.

       SECTION 6.2 Expenses. The Borrower shall promptly on demand pay all costs
                   --------
and expenses, including the fees and disbursements of counsel to the Lender,
incurred by the Lender in connection with (a) the negotiation, preparation and
review of this Agreement (whether or not the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement shall be consummated), (b) the enforcement of this Agreement, (c) the
custody and preservation of the Property, (d) the protection or perfection of
the Lender's rights and interests under this Agreement in the Property, (e) the
exercise by or on behalf of the Lender of any of its rights, powers or remedies
under this Agreement and (f) the prosecution or defense of any action or
proceeding by or against the Lender, the Borrower, any other Obligor, or any one
or more of them, concerning any matter related to this Agreement, any of the
Property or any of the Obligations. All such amounts shall bear interest from
the date demand is made at the Default Rate and shall be included in the
Obligations secured hereby. The Borrower's obligations under this Section 6.2
shall survive the payment in full of the Obligations and the termination of this
Agreement.

                                      -7-
<PAGE>
 
       SECTION 6.3 Heirs, Successors and Assigns. Whenever in this Agreement any
                   -----------------------------
party hereto is referred to, such reference shall be deemed to include the
heirs, successors and assigns of such party, except that the Borrower may not
assign or transfer this Agreement without the prior written consent of the
Lender; and all covenants and agreements of the Borrower contained in this
Agreement shall bind the Borrower's heirs, successors and assigns and shall
inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Lender.

       SECTION 6.4 Joint and Several Liability. If the Borrower is comprised of
                   ---------------------------
more than one person, all of the Borrower's representations, warranties,
covenants and agreements under this Agreement shall be joint and several and
shall be binding on and enforceable against either, any or all of the persons
comprising the Borrower. If any one or more of the persons comprising the
Borrower is in default, the Lender my exercise its remedies on default against
all of the person comprising the Borrower.

       SECTION 6.5 Independent Obligations. The Borrower agrees that each of the
                   -----------------------
obligations of the Borrower to the Lender under this Agreement may be enforced
against the Borrower without the necessity of joining any other Obligor, any
other holders of Liens in any Property or any other person, as a party.

       SECTION 6.6 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be construed in
                   -------------
accordance with and governed by Title 9 of the U.S. Code and the internal laws
of the State of Alabama (without regard to conflict of law principles) except as
required by mandatory provisions of law and except to the extent that the
validity and perfection of the Liens on the Property are governed by the laws of
any jurisdiction other than the State of Alabama.

       SECTION 6.7 Date of Agreement. The date of this Agreement is intended as
                   -----------------
a date for the convenient identification of this Agreement and is not intended
to indicate that this Agreement was executed and delivered on that date.

       SECTION 6.8 Separability Clause. If any provision of the Credit Documents
                   -------------------
shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and
enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or
impaired thereby.

       SECTION 6.9 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
                   ------------
counterparts, each of which so executed shall be deemed an original, but all
such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same agreement.

       SECTION 6.10 No Oral Agreements. This Agreement is the final expression
                    ------------------
of the agreement between the parties hereto, and this Agreement may not be
contradicted by evidence of any prior oral agreement between such parties. All
previous oral agreements between the parties hereto have been incorporated into
this Agreement and the other Credit Documents, and there is no unwritten oral
agreement between the parties hereto in existence.

       SECTION 6.11 Waiver and Election. The exercise by the Lender of any
                    -------------------
option given under this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver of the right to
exercise any other option. No failure or delay on the part of the Lender in
exercising any right, power or remedy under this Agreement shall operate as a
waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right,
power or remedy preclude any further exercise thereof or the exercise of any
other right, power or remedy. No modification, termination or waiver of any
provisions of the Credit Documents, nor consent to any departure by the Borrower
therefrom, shall be effective unless in writing and signed by an authorized
officer of the Lender, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only
in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given. No notice
to or demand on the Borrower in any case shall entitle the Borrower to any other
or further notice or demand in similar or other circumstances.

       SECTION 6.12 No Obligations of Lender; Indemnification. The Lender does
                    -----------------------------------------
not by virtue of this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated by the
Credit Documents assume any duties, liabilities or obligations with respect to
any of the Property unless expressly assumed by the Lender under a separate
agreement in writing, and this Agreement shall not be deemed to confer on the
Lender any duties or obligations that would make the Lender directly or
derivatively liable for any person's negligent, reckless or wilful conduct. The
Borrower agrees to indemnify and hold the Lender harmless against and with
respect to any damage, claim, action, loss, cost, expense, liability, penalty or
interest (including attorney's fees) and all costs and expenses of all actions,
suits, proceedings, demands, assessments, claims and judgments directly or
indirectly resulting from, occurring in connection with, or arising out of: (a)
any inaccurate representation made by the Borrower or any Obligor in this
Agreement or any other Credit Document; (b) any breach of any of the warranties
or obligations of the Borrower or any Obligor under this Agreement or any other
Credit Document; and (c) the Property, or the Liens of the Lender thereon. The
provisions of this Section 6.12 shall survive the payment of the Obligations in
full and the termination, satisfaction, release (in whole or in part) and
foreclosure of this Agreement.

                                      -8-
<PAGE>
 
       SECTION 6.13 Advances by the Lender. If the Borrower shall fail to comply
                    ----------------------
with any of the provisions of this Agreement, the Lender may (but shall not be
required to) make advances to perform the same, and where necessary enter any
premises where any Property is located for the purpose of performing the
Borrower's obligations under any such provision. The Borrower agrees to repay
all such sums advanced upon demand, with interest from the date such advances
are made at the Default Rate, and all sums so advanced with interest shall be a
part of the Obligations. The making of any such advances shall not be construed
as a waiver by the Lender of any Event of Default resulting from the Borrower's
failure to pay such amounts.

       SECTION 6.14 Rights, Liens and Obligations Absolute. All rights of the
                    --------------------------------------
Lender hereunder, all Liens granted to the Lender hereunder, and all obligations
of the Borrower hereunder, shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be
affected by (a) any lack of validity or enforceability as to any other person of
any of the Credit Documents, (b) any change in the time, manner or place of
payment of, or any other term of the Obligations, (c) any amendment or waiver of
any of the provisions of the Credit Documents as to any other person, and (d)
any exchange, release or non-perfection of any other collateral or any release,
termination or waiver of any guaranty, for any of the Obligations.

       SECTION 6.15 Termination. This Agreement and the Lender's Liens in the
                    -----------
Property hereunder will not be terminated until one of the Lender's officers
signs a written termination agreement. Except as otherwise expressly provided
for in this Agreement, no termination of this Agreement shall in any way affect
or impair the representations, warranties, agreements or other obligations of
the Borrower or the rights, powers and remedies of the Lender under this
Agreement with respect to any transaction or event occurring prior to such
termination, all of which shall survive such termination.

       SECTION 6.16 Reinstatement. This Agreement, the obligations of the
                    -------------
Borrower hereunder, and the Liens, rights, powers and remedies of the Lender
hereunder, shall continue to be effective, or be automatically reinstated, as
the case may be, if at any time any amount applied to the payment of any of the
Obligations is rescinded or must otherwise be restored or returned to the
Borrower, any Obligor, or any other person (or paid to the creditors of any of
them, or to any custodian, receiver, trustee or other officer with similar
powers with respect to any of them, or with respect to any part of their
property) upon the insolvency, bankruptcy, dissolution, liquidation or
reorganization of the Borrower, any Obligor or any such person, or upon or as a
result of the appointment of a custodian, receiver, trustee or other officer
with respect to any of them, or with respect to any part of their property, or
otherwise, all as though such payment had not been made.

       SECTION 6.17 Submission to Jurisdiction. The Borrower irrevocably (a)
                    --------------------------
acknowledges that this Agreement will be accepted by the Lender and performed by
the Borrower in the State of Alabama; (b) submits to the jurisdiction of each
state or federal court sitting in Jefferson County, Alabama (collectively, the
"Courts") over any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this
Agreement (to enforce the arbitration provisions hereof or, if the arbitration
provisions are found to be unenforceable, to determine any issues arising out of
or relating to this Agreement) or any of the other Credit Documents
(individually, an "Agreement Action"); (c) waives, to the fullest extent
permitted by law, any objection or defense that the Borrower may now or
hereafter have based on improper venue, lack of personal jurisdiction,
inconvenience of forum or any similar matter in any Agreement Action brought in
any of the Courts; (d) agrees that final judgment in any Agreement Action
brought in any of the Courts shall be conclusive and binding upon the Borrower
and may be enforced in any other court to the jurisdiction of which the Borrower
is subject, by a suit upon such judgment; (e) consents to the service of process
on the Borrower in any Agreement Action by the mailing of a copy thereof by
registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, to the Borrower at the Borrower's
address designated in or pursuant to Section 6.1; (f) agrees that service in
accordance with Section 6.17(e) shall in every respect be effective and binding
on the Borrower to the same extent as though served on the Borrower in person by
a person duly authorized to serve such process; and (g) AGREES THAT THE
PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION, EVEN IF FOUND NOT TO BE STRICTLY ENFORCEABLE BY ANY
COURT, SHALL CONSTITUTE "FAIR WARNING" TO THE BORROWER THAT THE EXECUTION OF
THIS AGREEMENT MAY SUBJECT THE BORROWER TO THE JURISDICTION OF EACH STATE OR
FEDERAL COURT SITTING IN JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALABAMA WITH RESPECT TO ANY AGREEMENT
ACTIONS, AND THAT IT IS FORESEEABLE BY THE BORROWER THAT THE BORROWER MAY BE
SUBJECTED TO THE JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURTS AND MAY BE SUED IN THE STATE OF
ALABAMA IN ANY AGREEMENT ACTIONS. Nothing in this Section 6.17 shall limit or
restrict the Lender's right to serve process or bring Agreement Actions in
manners and in courts otherwise than as herein provided.

       SECTION 6.18 Arbitration; Dispute Resolution; Preservation of Foreclosure
                    ------------------------------------------------------------
Remedies
- --------

       (a)    The Borrower represents to the Lender that its business and
affairs constitute substantial interstate commerce and that it contemplates
using the proceeds of the Note in substantial interstate commerce. Except as
otherwise specifically set forth below, any action, dispute, claim, counterclaim
or controversy ("Dispute" or "Disputes"), between or among the Lender, the
Borrower or any other Obligor, including any claim based on or arising from an
alleged tort, shall be resolved by arbitration 

                                      -9-
<PAGE>
 
as set forth below. As used herein, Disputes shall include all actions,
disputes, claims, counterclaims or controversies arising in connection with the
Note, any extension of or commitment to extend Credit by the Lender, any
collection of any indebtedness owed to the Lender, any security or collateral
given to the Lender, any action taken (or any omission to take any action) in
connection with any of the foregoing, any past, present and future agreement
between or among the Lender, the Borrower or any other Obligor (including the
Note and any Credit Document), and any past, present or future transactions
between or among the Lender, the Borrower or any other Obligor. Without limiting
the generality of the foregoing, Disputes shall include actions commonly
referred to as lender liability actions.

       (b)    All Disputes shall be resolved by binding arbitration in
accordance with Title 9 of the U.S. Code and the Commercial Arbitration Rules of
the American Arbitration Association (the "AAA"). Defenses based on statutes of
limitation, estoppel, waiver, laches and similar doctrines, that would otherwise
be applicable to an action brought by a party, shall be applicable in any such
arbitration proceeding, and the commencement of an arbitration proceeding with
respect to this Agreement shall be deemed the commencement of an action for such
purposes.

       (c)    Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower and each other Obligor
agrees that the Lender shall have the option, but not the obligation, to submit
to and pursue in a court of law any claim against the Borrower or any other
Obligor for a debt due. The Borrower and each other Obligor agrees that, if the
Lender pursues such a claim in a court of law, (1) failure of the Lender to
assert any additional claim in such proceeding shall not be deemed a waiver of,
or estoppel to pursue, such claim as a claim or counterclaim in arbitration as
set forth above, and (2) the institution or maintenance of a judicial action
hereunder shall not constitute a waiver of the right of any party to submit any
other action, dispute, claim or controversy as described above, even though
arising out of the same transaction or occurrence, to binding arbitration as set
forth herein. If the Borrower asserts a claim against the Lender in arbitration
or otherwise during the pendency of a claim brought by the Lender in a court of
law, the court action shall be stayed and the parties shall submit to
arbitration all claims.

       (d)    No provision of, nor the exercise of any rights under this
Section, shall limit the right of any party (1) to foreclose against any real or
personal property collateral by exercise of a power of sale under any Credit
Document, or by exercise of any rights of foreclosure or of sale under
applicable law, (2) to exercise self-help remedies such as set-off, or (3) to
obtain provisional or ancillary remedies such as injunctive relief, attachment
or the appointment of a receiver from a court having jurisdiction before, during
or after the pendency of any arbitration or referral. The institution and
maintenance of an action for judicial relief or pursuit of provisional or
ancillary remedies or exercise of self-help remedies shall not constitute a
waiver of the right of any party, including the plaintiff in such an action, to
submit the Dispute to arbitration or, in the case of actions on a debt, to
judicial resolution.

       (e)    Whenever an arbitration is required hereunder, the arbitrator
shall be selected in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the
AAA. The AAA shall designate a panel of 10 potential arbitrators knowledgeable
in the subject matter of the Dispute. Each of the Lender and the Obligor shall
designate, within 30 days of the receipt of the list of potential arbitrators,
one of the potential arbitrators to serve, and the two arbitrators so designated
shall select a third arbitrator from the eight remaining potential arbitrators.
The panel of three arbitrators shall determine the resolution of the Dispute.

       IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Agreement dated
April 15, 1999.

                           /s/ William E. Matthews, V
                           -----------------------------------------------------
                           (Signature of the Borrower)


                           William E. Matthews, V
                           -----------------------------------------------------
                           (Printed Name)

                                      -10-
<PAGE>
 
                                   EXHIBIT A
                                   ---------

Certificate No.     No. of Shares       Issued To                   Date
- --------------      -------------       ---------                   ----
ANB 2832            7,043               William E. Matthews, V  January 2, 1996


                                      A-1
<PAGE>
 
                                   EXHIBIT B
                                   ---------
                              (Credit Documents)

       The "Credit Documents" referred to in this Agreement include the
following:

       (a)    Promissory  Note  dated of even  date  herewith  in the  principal
amount of  $109,570.00  executed by the  Borrower in favor of the Lender,  which
evidences a loan made by the Lender to the Borrower.

       (b)    Promissory  Note  dated of even  date  herewith  in the  principal
amount of  $28,000.00  executed by the  Borrower  in favor of the Lender,  which
evidences a loan made  available  by the Lender to the  Borrower and has a final
maturity date of April 15, 2000.

                                       B-1

<PAGE>
 
                                                                  EXHIBIT 10.10


$111,739.00                                                  Birmingham, Alabama
                                                                  April 15, 1999

                                 PROMISSORY NOTE
                                 ---------------

       FOR VALUE RECEIVED, without grace RICHARD MURRAY, IV, (the "Borrower"),
promises to pay to the order of ALABAMA NATIONAL BANCORPORATION, a Delaware
corporation (herein called the "Lender," and together with any subsequent holder
of this note called the "Holder"), in the manner set forth below, the principal
sum of One Hundred Eleven Thousand Seven Hundred Thirty-Nine and 00/100 Dollars
($111,739.00), plus interest at the rate set forth below.

       This Note shall bear interest (computed on an Actual/360 Day Basis) on
the unpaid principal balance hereof, from the date of disbursement until payment
in full or complete forgiveness, whichever occurs first, at the rate per annum
equal to the LIBOR-Based Rate (as defined below) adjusted on each Interest Rate
Determination Date (as defined below). If in the Lender's opinion it is
impossible or impractical to determine the LIBOR-Based Rate for a certain year,
this Note shall bear interest at the Prime Rate until the next Interest Rate
Determination Date. Interest payable hereunder shall be payable on each Interest
Rate Determination Date, commencing April 15, 2000.

       Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, if the
Borrower remains continually employed by the Lender or one of its subsidiaries
or affiliates (hereinafter referred to as a "Qualifying Employer") as of the
first ten (10) anniversaries of this Note, ten percent (10%) of the original
principal balance ($11,173.90) of this Note shall be forgiven as of each such
anniversary, commencing April 15, 2000. In addition, as long as the Borrower
remains continually employed by a Qualifying Employer, upon the occurrence of
(x) a Change in Control (as hereinafter defined), (y) the Borrower's death or
(z) the Total Disability (as hereinafter defined) of the Borrower, the entire
principal balance then remaining unpaid hereunder, shall be immediately forgiven
in full.

       The Borrower further agrees with the Holder as follows:

       SECTION 1 Rules of Construction. This Note is subject to the rules of
                 ---------------------
construction set forth in the Security Documents.

       SECTION 2 Definitions. As used in this Note, capitalized terms that are
                 -----------
not otherwise defined herein have the meanings defined for them in the Security
Documents and the following terms are defined as follows:

       (a)    Actual/360  Day Basis means a method of computing interest and
              ---------------------
other charges on the basis of an assumed year of 360 days for the actual number
of days elapsed, meaning that the interest accrued for each day will be computed
by multiplying the interest rate applicable on that day by the unpaid principal
balance on that day and dividing the result by 360.

       (b)    Business  Day means any day, excluding Saturday and Sunday, on
              -------------
which the Lender's main office in Birmingham, Alabama, is open to the public for
carrying on substantially all of its banking business.

       (c)    Change in Control of the Lender means (i) any transaction, whether
              -------------------------------
by merger, consolidation, asset sale, tender offer, reverse stock split, or
otherwise, which results in the acquisition or beneficial ownership (as such
term is defined under rules and regulations promulgated under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) by any person or entity or any group of
persons or entities acting in concert, of fifty percent (50%) or more of the
outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Lender; or (ii) the sale of all or
substantially all of the assets of the Lender; or (iii) the liquidation of the
Lender.

       (d)    Credit Documents means this Note, the Security  Documents and all
              ----------------
other documents now or hereafter executed or delivered in connection with the
transactions contemplated thereby.

       (e)    Default Rate means a rate of interest equal to four percentage
              ------------
points (400 basis points) in excess of the highest interest rate that would
otherwise be payable on the principal indebtedness evidenced by this Note from
time to time in the absence of the existence of a default, or the maximum rate
permitted by law, whichever is less.

       (f)    Event of  Default is defined in Section 6. An Event of Default
              -----------------
"exists" if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.
<PAGE>
 
       (g)    Interest Rate Determination Date means the fifteenth (15) day of
              --------------------------------
April of each year during the term hereof.

       (h)    LIBOR-Based Rate means a fixed rate of one percent (100 basis
              ----------------
points) in excess of the per annum rate of interest most recently published in
The Wall Street Journal as of the close of business on the date hereof and on
and after the most recent Interest Rate Determination Date (being the rate
quoted for the immediately preceding business day) as the London Interbank
Offered Rate for U.S. dollar deposits having a term of ninety (90) days. The
Lender shall determine the LIBOR-Based Rate on the date hereof and on each
Interest Rate Determination Date.

       (i)    Obligors  means the Borrower, each other person executing any
              --------
Security Document as a grantor, (if the Borrower or any such grantor is a
partnership) any general partner thereof, and any other maker, endorser, surety,
guarantor or other person now or hereafter liable for the payment or
performance, in whole or in part, of any of the obligations evidenced by this
Note.

       (j)    Prime Rate means a floating interest rate equal to the rate of
              ----------
interest designated by the Lender from time to time as its "prime rate."

       (k)    Security Documents means the Pledge Agreement dated of even date
              ------------------
herewith executed by the Borrower in favor of the Lender and all other documents
now or hereafter securing or guaranteeing the obligations evidenced by this
Note, or any part thereof.

       (l)    Total Disability means the Borrower's inability, as a result of
              ----------------
illness or injury, to perform the normal duties of the Borrower's employment for
a period of ninety (90) consecutive days.

       SECTION 3 Place and Time of Payments.
                 --------------------------

       (a)    All payments by the Borrower to the Holder under this Note shall
be made in lawful currency of the United States and in immediately available
funds to the Lender at its Main Office in Birmingham, Alabama or at such other
address within the continental United States as shall be specified by the Holder
by notice to the Borrower. Any payment received by the Holder after 2:00 p.m.
(Birmingham, Alabama time) on a Business Day (or at any time on a day that is
not a Business Day) shall be deemed made by the Borrower and received by the
Holder on the following Business Day.

       (b)    The amount payable by the Borrower to the Holder under this Note
Or any of the other Credit Documents for which a payment date is expressly set
forth herein or therein shall be payable on the specified due date without
notice or demand by the Holder.

       (c)    Payments that are due on a day that is not a Business Day shall be
payable on the next succeeding Business Day, and any interest payable thereon
shall be payable for such extended time at the specified rate.

       SECTION 4 Default Rate. If an Event of Default exists, this Note shall
                 ------------
bear interest at the Default Rate, until the earlier of (a) such time as all
amounts due hereunder are paid in full or (b) no such Event of Default exists.

       SECTION 5 Security Documents. This Note with interest is secured by and
                 ------------------
entitled to the benefits of the Security Documents. Reference to the Security
Documents is hereby made for all of the provisions thereof. This Note shall be
secured by all security documents that by their terms secure this Note, and all
such documents shall constitute Security Documents.

       SECTION 6 Events of Default. The occurrence of any of the following
                 -----------------
events shall constitute an event of default ("Event of Default") under this Note
(whatever the reason for such event and whether or not it shall be voluntary or
involuntary or be effected by operation of law or pursuant to any Governmental
Requirement): (a) any representation or warranty made in any of the Credit
Documents shall prove to be false or misleading in any material respect as of
the time made; or (b) any report, certificate, financial statement or other
instrument furnished in connection with this Note or any of the other Credit
Documents shall prove to be false or misleading in any material respect as of
the time furnished; or (c) default shall be made in the payment when due of any
of the obligations evidenced by this Note or any part thereof; or (d) the
termination of the Borrower's employment with a Qualifying Employer for any
reason with or without cause, whether voluntary or involuntary, other than the
Borrower's death or Total Disability; or (e) any default or event of default, as
therein defined, shall occur under any of the other Credit Documents (after
giving effect to any applicable notice, grace or cure period specified therein).

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
       SECTION 7 Acceleration. If an Event of Default exists that does not
                 ------------
already result in the automatic acceleration of this Note under another Credit
Document, the Holder shall have the right without further notice to the Borrower
to declare the entire unpaid principal balance of the indebtedness evidenced by
this Note, with accrued interest, to be immediately due and payable.
Notwithstanding anything in this Note or any other Security Document to the
contrary, the entire unpaid principal balance of the indebtedness evidenced by
this Note shall be immediately due and payable without written notice or demand,
upon the termination of the Borrower's employment with a Qualifying Employer for
any reason with or without cause, whether voluntary or involuntary, other than
the Borrower's death or Total Disability.

       SECTION 8  Certain  Waivers  and  Agreements  by  Obligors.
                  -----------------------------------------------

       (a)    As to the obligations evidenced by this Note, each Obligor
severally (1) waives demand, presentment, protest, notice of protest, suit and
all other requirements necessary to hold liable such Obligor or any of the other
Obligors; (2) waives all exemptions of personal property secured to any Obligor
under the Constitution and laws of the State of Alabama or any other state; and
(3) agrees to pay all costs of collection, including a reasonable attorney's
fee, in the event default should be made in the payment of any of the
obligations evidenced by this Note.

       (b)    Each Obligor severally (1) acknowledges that the Lender has not
made any representations or entered into any agreements with such Obligor to
induce such Obligor to enter into the transactions contemplated by this Note
except as set forth in writing in the Credit Documents; (2) agrees upon request
such Obligor will furnish financial statements to the Holder and grant the
Holder access to such Obligor's books and records; (3) agrees that any
obligations of any Obligor may, from time to time, in whole or in part, be
renewed, extended, modified, accelerated, compromised, discharged or released by
the Holder, and any collateral, lien, right of set-off or other security for the
obligations evidenced by this Note or any other obligations of any Obligor to
the Holder may, from time to time, in whole or in part, be exchanged, sold,
released, satisfied, or terminated, all without notice to, or in any way
affecting or releasing any of the obligations of any other Obligor; and (4)
agrees that the Holder will not be required first to resort to any Security
Document, any guaranty or any other security pledged or granted to the Holder,
but upon a default under this Note or any of the Security Documents, the Holder
may forthwith look to any Obligor for payment hereunder or may look to and
realize upon any other security held by the Holder, in any order the Holder
chooses, until the entire debt evidenced by this Note is paid.

       SECTION 9 Joint and Several  Liability.  If the Borrower is comprised of
                 ----------------------------
more than one person, all of the Borrower's representations, warranties,
covenants and agreements under this Note shall be joint and several and shall be
binding on and enforceable against either, any or all of the persons comprising
the Borrower. If any one or more of the persons comprising the Borrower is in
default, the Holder my exercise its remedies on default against all of the
persons comprising the Borrower.

       SECTION 10 Independent Obligations. The Borrower agrees that each of the
                  -----------------------
obligations of the Borrower to the Holder under this Note may be enforced
against the Borrower without the necessity of joining any other Obligor, any
other holders of Liens in any Property or any other person, as a party.

       SECTION 11 Heirs, Successors and Assigns. Whenever in this Note any party
                  -----------------------------
hereto is referred to, such reference shall be deemed to include the heirs,
successors and assigns of such party, except that the Borrower may not assign or
transfer its obligations under this Note without the prior written consent of
the Holder; and all obligations of the Borrower under this Note shall bind the
Borrower's heirs, successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of the
successors and assigns of the Holder.

       SECTION 12 Governing Law. This Note shall be construed in accordance with
                  -------------
and governed by Title 9 of the U.S. Code and the internal laws of the State of
Alabama except as required by mandatory provisions of law (without regard to
conflict of law principles).

       SECTION 13 Separability Clause. If any provision of the this Note shall
                  -------------------
be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability
of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired
thereby.

       SECTION 14 No Oral Agreements. This Note is the final expression of the
                  ------------------
agreement between the parties hereto, and this Note may not be contradicted by
evidence of any prior oral agreement between such parties. All previous oral
agreements between the parties hereto have been incorporated into this Note and
the other Credit Documents, and there is no unwritten oral agreement between the
parties hereto in existence.

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
       SECTION 15 Waiver and Election. The exercise by the Holder of any option
                  -------------------
given under this Note or the Security Documents shall not constitute a waiver of
the right to exercise any other option. No failure or delay on the part of the
Holder in exercising any right, power or remedy under this Note or the Security
Documents shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial
exercise of any such right, power or remedy preclude any further exercise
thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or remedy. No modification,
termination or waiver of any provisions of this Note, nor consent to any
departure by the Borrower therefrom, shall be effective unless in writing and
signed by an authorized officer of the Holder, and then such waiver or consent
shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose
for which given. No notice to or demand on the Borrower in any case shall
entitle the Borrower to any other or further notice or demand in similar or
other circumstances.

       SECTION 16 Set-off. While any Event of Default exists, the Lender is
                  -------
authorized at any time and from time to time, without notice to the Borrower
(any such notice being expressly waived by the Borrower), to set off and apply
any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final)
at any time held and other indebtedness at any time owing by the Lender to or
for the credit or the account of the Borrower against any and all of the
obligations evidenced by this Note, irrespective of whether or not the Lender
shall have made any demand under this Note and although such obligations may be
unmatured. The rights of the Lender under this Section 16 are in addition to all
other rights and remedies (including other rights of set-off or pursuant to any
banker's lien) that the Lender may have.

       SECTION 17 Time of Essence. Time is of the essence of this Note.
                  ---------------

       SECTION 18 Submission to Jurisdiction. The Borrower irrevocably (a)
                  --------------------------
acknowledges that this Note will be accepted by the Lender and performed by the
Borrower in the State of Alabama; (b) submits to the jurisdiction of each state
or federal court sitting in Jefferson County, Alabama (collectively, the
"Courts") over any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this
Note (to enforce the arbitration provisions hereof or, if the arbitration
provisions are found to be unenforceable, to determine any issues arising out of
or relating to this Note) or any of the other Credit Documents (individually, an
"Agreement Action"); (c) waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any
objection or defense that the Borrower may now or hereafter have based on
improper venue, lack of personal jurisdiction, inconvenience of forum or any
similar matter in any Agreement Action brought in any of the Courts; (d) agrees
that final judgment in any Agreement Action brought in any of the Courts shall
be conclusive and binding upon the Borrower and may be enforced in any other
court to the jurisdiction of which the Borrower is subject, by a suit upon such
judgment; (e) consents to the service of process on the Borrower in any
Agreement Action by the mailing of a copy thereof by registered or certified
mail, postage prepaid, to the Borrower at the Borrower's address designated at
the end of this Note; (f) agrees that service in accordance with Section 18(e)
shall in every respect be effective and binding on the Borrower to the same
extent as though served on the Borrower in person by a person duly authorized to
serve such process; and (g) AGREES THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION, EVEN IF
FOUND NOT TO BE STRICTLY ENFORCEABLE BY ANY COURT, SHALL CONSTITUTE "FAIR
WARNING" TO THE BORROWER THAT THE EXECUTION OF THIS NOTE MAY SUBJECT THE
BORROWER TO THE JURISDICTION OF EACH STATE OR FEDERAL COURT SITTING IN JEFFERSON
COUNTY, ALABAMA WITH RESPECT TO ANY AGREEMENT ACTIONS, AND THAT IT IS
FORESEEABLE BY THE BORROWER THAT THE BORROWER MAY BE SUBJECTED TO THE
JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURTS AND MAY BE SUED IN THE STATE OF ALABAMA IN ANY
AGREEMENT ACTIONS. Nothing in this Section 18 shall limit or restrict the
Lender's right to serve process or bring Agreement Actions in manners and in
courts otherwise than as herein provided.

       SECTION 19 Usury Laws. Any provision of this Note or any of the other
                  ----------
Credit Documents to the contrary notwithstanding, the Borrower and the Lender
agree that they do not intend for the interest or other consideration provided
for in this Note and the other Credit Documents to be greater than the maximum
amount permitted by applicable law. Regardless of any provision in this Note or
any of the other Credit Documents, the Lender shall not be entitled to receive,
collect or apply, as interest on the Obligations, any amount in excess of the
maximum rate of interest permitted to be charged under applicable law until such
time, if any, as that interest, together with all other interest then payable,
falls within the then applicable maximum lawful rate of interest. If the Lender
shall receive, collect or apply any amount in excess of the then maximum rate of
interest, the amount that would be excessive interest shall be applied first to
the reduction of the principal amount of the Obligations then outstanding in the
inverse order of maturity, and second, if such principal amount is paid in full,
any excess shall forthwith be returned to the Borrower. In determining whether
the interest paid or payable under any specific contingency exceeds the highest
lawful rate, the Borrower and the Lender shall, to the maximum extent permitted
under applicable law, (a) characterize any nonprincipal payment as an expense,
fee or premium rather than as interest, (b) exclude voluntary prepayments and
the effects thereof, (c) consider all the Obligations as one general obligation
of the Borrower, and (d) "spread" the total amount of the interest throughout
the entire term of this Note so that the interest rate is uniform throughout the
entire term of this Note.

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
       SECTION 20 Arbitration; Dispute Resolution; Preservation of Foreclosure
                  ------------------------------------------------------------
Remedies
- --------
 
       (a) The Borrower represents to the Lender that its business and affairs
constitute substantial interstate commerce and that it contemplates using the
proceeds of this Note in substantial interstate commerce. Except as otherwise
specifically set forth below, any action, dispute, claim, counterclaim or
controversy ("Dispute" or "Disputes"), between or among the Lender, the Borrower
or any other Obligor, including any claim based on or arising from an alleged
tort, shall be resolved by arbitration as set forth below. As used herein,
Disputes shall include all actions, disputes, claims, counterclaims or
controversies arising in connection with this Note, any extension of or
commitment to extend credit by the Lender, any collection of any indebtedness
owed to the Lender, any security or collateral given to the Lender, any action
taken (or any omission to take any action) in connection with any of the
foregoing, any past, present and future agreement between or among the Lender,
the Borrower or any other Obligor (including this Note and any Credit Document),
and any past, present or future transactions between or among the Lender, the
Borrower or any other Obligor. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing,
Disputes shall include actions commonly referred to as lender liability actions.

       (b) All Disputes shall be resolved by binding arbitration in accordance
with Title 9 of the U.S. Code and the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the
American Arbitration Association (the "AAA"). Defenses based on statutes of
limitation, estoppel, waiver, laches and similar doctrines, that would otherwise
be applicable to an action brought by a party, shall be applicable in any such
arbitration proceeding, and the commencement of an arbitration proceeding with
respect to this Note shall be deemed the commencement of an action for such
purposes.

       (c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower and each other Obligor
agrees that the Lender shall have the option, but not the obligation, to submit
to and pursue in a court of law any claim against the Borrower or any other
Obligor for a debt due. The Borrower and each other Obligor agrees that, if the
Lender pursues such a claim in a court of law, (1) failure of the Lender to
assert any additional claim in such proceeding shall not be deemed a waiver of,
or estoppel to pursue, such claim as a claim or counterclaim in arbitration as
set forth above, and (2) the institution or maintenance of a judicial action
hereunder shall not constitute a waiver of the right of any party to submit any
other action, dispute, claim or controversy as described above, even though
arising out of the same transaction or occurrence, to binding arbitration as set
forth herein. If the Borrower asserts a claim against the Lender in arbitration
or otherwise during the pendency of a claim brought by the Lender in a court of
law, the court action shall be stayed and the parties shall submit to
arbitration all claims.

       (d) No provision of, nor the exercise of any rights under this Section,
shall limit the right of any party (1) to foreclose against any real or personal
property collateral by exercise of a power of sale under any Credit Document, or
by exercise of any rights of foreclosure or of sale under applicable law, (2) to
exercise self-help remedies such as set-off, or (3) to obtain provisional or
ancillary remedies such as injunctive relief, attachment or the appointment of a
receiver from a court having jurisdiction before, during or after the pendency
of any arbitration or referral. The institution and maintenance of an action for
judicial relief or pursuit of provisional or ancillary remedies or exercise of
self-help remedies shall not constitute a waiver of the right of any party,
including the plaintiff in such an action, to submit the Dispute to arbitration
or, in the case of actions on a debt, to judicial resolution.

       (e) Whenever an arbitration is required hereunder, the arbitrator shall
be selected in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the AAA. The
AAA shall designate a panel of 10 potential arbitrators knowledgeable in the
subject matter of the Dispute. Each of the Lender and the Obligor shall
designate, within 30 days of the receipt of the list of potential arbitrators,
one of the potential arbitrators to serve, and the two arbitrators so designated
shall select a third arbitrator from the eight remaining potential arbitrators.
The panel of three arbitrators shall determine the resolution of the Dispute.

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
       IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed and delivered this Note
dated the date first written above.

                             /s/ Richard Murray, IV
                             -------------------------------------------
                             Signature of Borrower


                             Richard Murray, IV
                             -------------------------------------------
                             Please Print Name

                             Send Correspondence and Billings to:
 
                                     Richard Murray, IV
                                     -----------------------------------

                                     14 Honeysuckle Lane
                                     -----------------------------------

                                     Birmingham, Alabama 35213
                                     -----------------------------------

                                      -6-

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.11


$29,400.00                                                   Birmingham, Alabama

                                                                  April 15, 1999

                                 PROMISSORY NOTE
                                 ---------------

       FOR VALUE RECEIVED, without grace, RICHARD MURRAY, IV (the "Borrower"),
promises to pay to the order of Alabama National BanCorporation, a Delaware
corporation (herein called the "Lender," and together with any subsequent holder
of this note called the "Holder"), in the manner set forth below, the principal
sum of Twenty-Nine Thousand Four Hundred and 00/100 Dollars ($29,400.00), plus
interest at the rate set forth below.

       This Note shall bear interest (computed on an Actual/360 Day Basis) on
the unpaid principal balance hereof, from the date of disbursement until payment
in full, at a fixed interest rate equal to six percent (6.0%) per annum.

       Principal and interest shall be payable under this Note on April 15,
2000.

       The Borrower further agrees with the Holder as follows:

       SECTION 1 Rules of Construction. This Note is subject to the rules of
                 ---------------------
construction set forth in the Security Documents.

       SECTION 2 Definitions. As used in this Note, capitalized terms that are
                 -----------
not otherwise defined herein have the meanings defined for them in the Security
Documents and the following terms are defined as follows:

       (a)    Actual/360  Day Basis  means a method of  computing  interest  and
              ---------------------
other  charges on the basis of an assumed year of 360 days for the actual number
of days elapsed, meaning that the interest accrued for each day will be computed
by multiplying the interest rate applicable on that day by the unpaid  principal
balance on that day and dividing the result by 360.

       (b)    Business Day means any day,  excluding  Saturday  and Sunday,  on
              ------------
which the Lender's main office in Birmingham, Alabama, is open to the public for
carrying on substantially all of its banking business.

       (c)    Credit Documents means this Note, the Security  Documents and all
              ----------------
other  documents now or hereafter  executed or delivered in connection  with the
transactions contemplated thereby.

       (d)    Default Rate means a rate of  interest  equal to four  percentage
              ------------
points  (400 basis  points) in excess of the  highest  interest  rate that would
otherwise be payable on the principal  indebtedness  evidenced by this Note from
time to time in the absence of the  existence of a default,  or the maximum rate
permitted by law, whichever is less.

       (e)    Event of Default is defined in Section 8. An Event of
              ---------------
Default "exists" if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.

       (f)    Obligors means the Borrower, each other person executing
              --------
any Security Document as a grantor, (if the Borrower or any such grantor is a
partnership) any general partner thereof, and any other maker, endorser, surety,
guarantor or other person now or hereafter liable for the payment or
performance, in whole or in part, of any of the obligations evidenced by this
Note.

       (g)    Security Documents means the Pledge Agreement dated of even
              ------------------
date herewith executed by the Borrower in favor of the Lender and all other
documents now or hereafter securing or guaranteeing the obligations evidenced by
this Note, or any part thereof.
<PAGE>
 
       SECTION 3 Place and Time of Payments.
                 --------------------------

       (a)    All payments by the Borrower to the Holder under this Note shall
be made in lawful currency of the United States and in immediately available
funds to the Lender at its Main Office in Birmingham, Alabama or at such other
address within the continental United States as shall be specified by the Holder
by notice to the Borrower. Any payment received by the Holder after 2:00 p.m.
(Birmingham, Alabama time) on a Business Day (or at any time on a day that is
not a Business Day) shall be deemed made by the Borrower and received by the
Holder on the following Business Day.

       (b)    All amounts payable by the Borrower to the Holder under this Note
or any of the other Credit Documents for which a payment date is expressly set
forth herein or therein shall be payable on the specified due date without
notice or demand by the Holder. All amounts payable by the Borrower to the
Holder under this Note or the other Credit Documents for which no payment date
is expressly set forth herein or therein shall be payable ten days after written
demand by the Holder to the Borrower. The Holder may, at its option, send
written notice or demand to the Borrower of amounts payable on a specified due
date pursuant to this Note or the other Credit Documents, but the failure to
send such notice shall not affect or excuse the Borrower's obligation to make
payment of the amounts due on the specified due date.

       (c)    Payments that are due on a day that is not a Business Day shall be
payable on the next succeeding Business Day, and any interest payable thereon
shall be payable for such extended time at the specified rate.

       SECTION 4 Default Rate. If an Event of Default exists, this Note shall
                 ------------
bear interest at the Default Rate, until the earlier of (a) such time as all
amounts due hereunder are paid in full or (b) no such Event of Default exists.

       SECTION 5 Security Documents. This Note with interest is secured by and
                 ------------------
entitled to the benefits of the Security Documents. Reference to the Security
Documents is hereby made for all of the provisions thereof. This Note shall be
secured by all security documents that by their terms secure this Note, whether
or not described herein, and all such documents shall constitute Security
Documents.

       SECTION 6 Events of Default. The occurrence of any of the following
                 -----------------
events shall constitute an event of default ("Event of Default") under this Note
(whatever the reason for such event and whether or not it shall be voluntary or
involuntary or be effected by operation of law or pursuant to any Governmental
Requirement): (a) any representation or warranty made in any of the Credit
Documents shall prove to be false or misleading in any material respect as of
the time made; or (b) any report, certificate, financial statement or other
instrument furnished in connection with this Note or any of the other Credit
Documents shall prove to be false or misleading in any material respect as of
the time furnished; or (c) default shall be made in the payment when due of any
of the obligations evidenced by this Note or any part thereof; or (d) any
default or event of default, as therein defined, shall occur under any of the
other Credit Documents (after giving effect to any applicable notice, grace or
cure period specified therein).

       SECTION 7 Acceleration. If an Event of Default exists that does not
                 ------------
already result in the automatic acceleration of this Note under another Credit
Document, the Holder shall have the right without further notice to the Borrower
to declare the entire unpaid principal balance of the indebtedness evidenced by
this Note, with accrued interest, to be immediately due and payable.

       SECTION 8 Certain Waivers and Agreements by Obligors.
                 ------------------------------------------

       (a)    As to the obligations evidenced by this Note, each Obligor
severally (1) waives demand, presentment, protest, notice of protest, suit and
all other requirements necessary to hold liable such Obligor or any of the other
Obligors; (2) waives all exemptions of personal property secured to any Obligor
under the Constitution and laws of the State of Alabama or any other state; and
(3) agrees to pay all costs of collection, including a reasonable attorney's
fee, in the event default should be made in the payment of any of the
obligations evidenced by this Note.

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
       (b)    Each Obligor severally (1) acknowledges that the Lender has not
made any representations or entered into any agreements with such Obligor to
induce such Obligor to enter into the transactions contemplated by this Note
except as set forth in writing in the Credit Documents; (2) agrees upon request
such Obligor will furnish financial statements to the Holder and grant the
Holder access to such Obligor's books and records; (3) agrees that any
obligations of any Obligor may, from time to time, in whole or in part, be
renewed, extended, modified, accelerated, compromised, discharged or released by
the Holder, and any collateral, lien, right of set-off or other security for the
obligations evidenced by this Note or any other obligations of any Obligor to
the Holder may, from time to time, in whole or in part, be exchanged, sold,
released, satisfied, or terminated, all without notice to, or in any way
affecting or releasing any of the obligations of any other Obligor; and (4)
agrees that the Holder will not be required first to resort to any Security
Document, any guaranty or any other security pledged or granted to the Holder,
but upon a default under this Note or any of the Security Documents, the Holder
may forthwith look to any Obligor for payment hereunder or may look to and
realize upon any other security held by the Holder, in any order the Holder
chooses, until the entire debt evidenced by this Note is paid.

       SECTION 9 Independent Obligations. The Borrower agrees that each of the
                 -----------------------
obligations of the Borrower to the Holder under this Note may be enforced
against the Borrower without the necessity of joining any other Obligor, any
other holders of Liens in any Property or any other person, as a party.

       SECTION 10 Heirs, Successors and Assigns. Whenever in this Note any party
                  -----------------------------
hereto is referred to, such reference shall be deemed to include the heirs,
successors and assigns of such party, except that the Borrower may not assign or
transfer its obligations under this Note without the prior written consent of
the Holder; and all obligations of the Borrower under this Note shall bind the
Borrower's heirs, successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of the
successors and assigns of the Holder.

       SECTION 11 Governing Law. This Note shall be construed in accordance with
                  -------------
and governed by Title 9 of the U.S. Code and the internal laws of the State of
Alabama except as required by mandatory provisions of law (without regard to
conflict of law principles).

       SECTION 12 Separability Clause. If any provision of the this Note shall
                  -------------------
be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability
of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired
thereby.

       SECTION 13 No Oral Agreements. This Note is the final expression of the
                  ------------------
agreement between the parties hereto, and this Note may not be contradicted by
evidence of any prior oral agreement between such parties. All previous oral
agreements between the parties hereto have been incorporated into this Note and
the other Credit Documents, and there is no unwritten oral agreement between the
parties hereto in existence.

       SECTION 14 Waiver and Election. The exercise by the Holder of any option
                  -------------------
given under this Note or the Security Documents shall not constitute a waiver of
the right to exercise any other option. No failure or delay on the part of the
Holder in exercising any right, power or remedy under this Note or the Security
Documents shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial
exercise of any such right, power or remedy preclude any further exercise
thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or remedy. No modification,
termination or waiver of any provisions of this Note, nor consent to any
departure by the Borrower therefrom, shall be effective unless in writing and
signed by an authorized officer of the Holder, and then such waiver or consent
shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose
for which given. No notice to or demand on the Borrower in any case shall
entitle the Borrower to any other or further notice or demand in similar or
other circumstances.

       SECTION 15 Set-off. While any Event of Default exists, the Lender is
                  -------
authorized at any time and from time to time, without notice to the Borrower
(any such notice being expressly waived by the Borrower), to set off and apply
any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final)
at any time held and other indebtedness at any time owing by the Lender to or
for the credit or the account of the Borrower against any and all of the
obligations evidenced by this Note, irrespective of whether or not the Lender
shall have made any demand under this Note and although such obligations may be
unmatured. The rights of the Lender under this Section 18 are in addition to all
other rights and remedies (including other rights of set-off or pursuant to any
banker's lien) that the Lender may have.

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
       SECTION 16 Time of Essence. Time is of the essence of this Note.
                  ---------------

       SECTION 17 Submission to Jurisdiction. The Borrower irrevocably (a)
                  --------------------------
acknowledges that this Note will be accepted by the Lender and performed by the
Borrower in the State of Alabama; (b) submits to the jurisdiction of each state
or federal court sitting in Jefferson County, Alabama (collectively, the
"Courts") over any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this
Note (to enforce the arbitration provisions hereof or, if the arbitration
provisions are found to be unenforceable, to determine any issues arising out of
or relating to this Note) or any of the other Credit Documents (individually, an
"Agreement Action"); (c) waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any
objection or defense that the Borrower may now or hereafter have based on
improper venue, lack of personal jurisdiction, inconvenience of forum or any
similar matter in any Agreement Action brought in any of the Courts; (d) agrees
that final judgment in any Agreement Action brought in any of the Courts shall
be conclusive and binding upon the Borrower and may be enforced in any other
court to the jurisdiction of which the Borrower is subject, by a suit upon such
judgment; (e) consents to the service of process on the Borrower in any
Agreement Action by the mailing of a copy thereof by registered or certified
mail, postage prepaid, to the Borrower at the Borrower's address designated at
the end of this Note; (f) agrees that service in accordance with Section 20(e)
shall in every respect be effective and binding on the Borrower to the same
extent as though served on the Borrower in person by a person duly authorized to
serve such process; and (g) AGREES THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION, EVEN IF
FOUND NOT TO BE STRICTLY ENFORCEABLE BY ANY COURT, SHALL CONSTITUTE "FAIR
WARNING" TO THE BORROWER THAT THE EXECUTION OF THIS NOTE MAY SUBJECT THE
BORROWER TO THE JURISDICTION OF EACH STATE OR FEDERAL COURT SITTING IN JEFFERSON
COUNTY, ALABAMA WITH RESPECT TO ANY AGREEMENT ACTIONS, AND THAT IT IS
FORESEEABLE BY THE BORROWER THAT THE BORROWER MAY BE SUBJECTED TO THE
JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURTS AND MAY BE SUED IN THE STATE OF ALABAMA IN ANY
AGREEMENT ACTIONS. Nothing in this Section 20 shall limit or restrict the
Lender's right to serve process or bring Agreement Actions in manners and in
courts otherwise than as herein provided.

       SECTION 18 Usury Laws. Any provision of this Note or any of the other
                  ----------
Credit Documents to the contrary notwithstanding, the Borrower and the Lender
agree that they do not intend for the interest or other consideration provided
for in this Note and the other Credit Documents to be greater than the maximum
amount permitted by applicable law. Regardless of any provision in this Note or
any of the other Credit Documents, the Lender shall not be entitled to receive,
collect or apply, as interest on the Obligations, any amount in excess of the
maximum rate of interest permitted to be charged under applicable law until such
time, if any, as that interest, together with all other interest then payable,
falls within the then applicable maximum lawful rate of interest. If the Lender
shall receive, collect or apply any amount in excess of the then maximum rate of
interest, the amount that would be excessive interest shall be applied first to
the reduction of the principal amount of the Obligations then outstanding in the
inverse order of maturity, and second, if such principal amount is paid in full,
any excess shall forthwith be returned to the Borrower. In determining whether
the interest paid or payable under any specific contingency exceeds the highest
lawful rate, the Borrower and the Lender shall, to the maximum extent permitted
under applicable law, (a) characterize any nonprincipal payment as an expense,
fee or premium rather than as interest, (b) exclude voluntary prepayments and
the effects thereof, (c) consider all the Obligations as one general obligation
of the Borrower, and (d) "spread" the total amount of the interest throughout
the entire term of this Note so that the interest rate is uniform throughout the
entire term of this Note.

       SECTION 19 Arbitration; Dispute Resolution; Preservation of Foreclosure
                  ------------------------------------------------------------
                  Remedies.
                  --------

       (a)    The Borrower represents to the Lender that its business and
affairs constitute substantial interstate commerce and that it contemplates
using the proceeds of this Note in substantial interstate commerce. Except as
otherwise specifically set forth below, any action, dispute, claim, counterclaim
or controversy ("Dispute" or "Disputes"), between or among the Lender, the
Borrower or any other Obligor, including any claim based on or arising from an
alleged tort, shall be resolved by arbitration as set forth below. As used
herein, Disputes shall include all actions, disputes, claims, counterclaims or
controversies arising in connection with this Note, any extension of or
commitment to extend credit by the Lender, any collection of any indebtedness
owed to the Lender, any security or collateral given to the Lender, any action
taken (or any omission to take any action) in connection with any of the
foregoing, any past,

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
present and future agreement between or among the Lender, the Borrower or any
other Obligor (including this Note and any Credit Document), and any past,
present or future transactions between or among the Lender, the Borrower or any
other Obligor. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Disputes shall
include actions commonly referred to as lender liability actions.

       (b)    All Disputes shall be resolved by binding arbitration in
accordance with Title 9 of the U.S. Code and the Commercial Arbitration Rules of
the American Arbitration Association (the "AAA"). Defenses based on statutes of
limitation, estoppel, waiver, laches and similar doctrines, that would otherwise
be applicable to an action brought by a party, shall be applicable in any such
arbitration proceeding, and the commencement of an arbitration proceeding with
respect to this Note shall be deemed the commencement of an action for such
purposes.

       (c)    Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower and each other Obligor
agrees that the Lender shall have the option, but not the obligation, to submit
to and pursue in a court of law any claim against the Borrower or any other
Obligor for a debt due. The Borrower and each other Obligor agrees that, if the
Lender pursues such a claim in a court of law, (1) failure of the Lender to
assert any additional claim in such proceeding shall not be deemed a waiver of,
or estoppel to pursue, such claim as a claim or counterclaim in arbitration as
set forth above, and (2) the institution or maintenance of a judicial action
hereunder shall not constitute a waiver of the right of any party to submit any
other action, dispute, claim or controversy as described above, even though
arising out of the same transaction or occurrence, to binding arbitration as set
forth herein. If the Borrower asserts a claim against the Lender in arbitration
or otherwise during the pendency of a claim brought by the Lender in a court of
law, the court action shall be stayed and the parties shall submit to
arbitration all claims.

       (d)    No provision of, nor the exercise of any rights under this
Section, shall limit the right of any party (1) to foreclose against any real or
personal property collateral by exercise of a power of sale under any Credit
Document, or by exercise of any rights of foreclosure or of sale under
applicable law, (2) to exercise self-help remedies such as set-off, or (3) to
obtain provisional or ancillary remedies such as injunctive relief, attachment
or the appointment of a receiver from a court having jurisdiction before, during
or after the pendency of any arbitration or referral. The institution and
maintenance of an action for judicial relief or pursuit of provisional or
ancillary remedies or exercise of self-help remedies shall not constitute a
waiver of the right of any party, including the plaintiff in such an action, to
submit the Dispute to arbitration or, in the case of actions on a debt, to
judicial resolution.

       (e)    Whenever an arbitration is required hereunder, the arbitrator
shall be selected in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the
AAA. The AAA shall designate a panel of 10 potential arbitrators knowledgeable
in the subject matter of the Dispute. Each of the Lender and the Obligor shall
designate, within 30 days of the receipt of the list of potential arbitrators,
one of the potential arbitrators to serve, and the two arbitrators so designated
shall select a third arbitrator from the eight remaining potential arbitrators.
The panel of three arbitrators shall determine the resolution of the Dispute.]

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
       IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed and delivered this Note
dated the date first written above.




                             /s/ RICHARD MURRAY, IV
                             -------------------------------------
                             Signature of Borrower

                             RICHARD MURRAY, IV
                             -------------------------------------
                             Please Print Name

                             Send Correspondence and Billings to:

                                     Richard Murray, IV
                                     -----------------------------

                                     14 Honeysuckle Lane
                                     -----------------------------

                                     Birmingham, Alabama 35213
                                     -----------------------------

                                      -6-

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.12

                                PLEDGE AGREEMENT
                                ----------------

       THIS PLEDGE AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") dated April 15, 1999 is between
RICHARD MURRAY, IV, as pledgor and debtor (the "Borrower"), and ALABAMA NATIONAL
BANCORPORATION, a Delaware corporation, as pledgee and secured party (the
"Lender").

                                    Recitals
                                    --------

       The Borrower is the holder, beneficially and of record, of certain shares
of the outstanding capital stock of the Lender, more particularly described on
Exhibit A attached hereto and made a part hereof (the "Stock").
- ---------

       Capitalized terms used in these Recitals have the meanings defined for
them above or in Section 1.2. The Borrower has requested that the Lender extend
Credit to the Borrower under the Credit Documents. To secure the Obligations,
and to induce the Lender to extend Credit to the Borrower under the Credit
Documents, the Borrower has agreed to execute and deliver this Agreement to the
Lender.

                                    Agreement
                                    ---------

       NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing Recitals, and to induce
the Lender to extend Credit to the Borrower under the Credit Documents, the
Borrower agrees with the Lender as follows:

                                    ARTICLE 1
                                    ---------

                      Rules of Construction and Definitions
                      -------------------------------------

       SECTION 1.1 Rules of Construction. For the purposes of this Agreement,
                   ---------------------
except as otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires:

       (a)    Words of masculine, feminine or neuter gender include the
correlative words of other genders. Singular terms include the plural as well as
the singular, and vice versa.

       (b)    All references herein to designated "Articles," "Sections" and
other subdivisions or to lettered Exhibits are to the designated Articles,
Sections and subdivisions hereof and the Exhibits annexed hereto unless
expressly otherwise designated in context. All Article, Section, other
subdivision and Exhibit captions herein are used for reference only and do not
limit or describe the scope or intent of, or in any way affect, this Agreement.

       (c)    The terms "include," "including," and similar terms shall be
construed as if followed by the phrase "without being limited to."

       (d)    The terms "herein," "hereof" and "hereunder" and other words of
similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular
Article, Section, other subdivision or Exhibit.

       (e)    All Recitals set forth in, and all Exhibits to, this Agreement are
hereby incorporated in this Agreement by reference.

       (f)    No inference in favor of or against any party shall be drawn from
the fact that such party or such party's counsel has drafted any portion hereof.

       (g)    All references in this Agreement to a separate instrument are to
such separate instrument as the same may be amended or supplemented from time to
time pursuant to the applicable provisions thereof.

       SECTION 1.2 Definitions. As used in this Agreement, the following terms
                   -----------
are defined as follows:

       (a)    Unless otherwise defined herein, terms used in this Agreement that
are defined in Article 9 of the Alabama Uniform Commercial Code have the
meanings defined for them therein.
<PAGE>
 
       (b)    Additional Stock is defined in Section 2.2.
              ----------------

       (c)    Business Day means any day, excluding Saturday and Sunday, on
              -----------
which the Lender's main office in Birmingham, Alabama, is open to the public for
carrying on substantially all of its banking business.

       (d)    Credit means, individually and collectively, all loans,
              ------
forbearances, renewals, extensions, advances, disbursements and other extensions
of credit now or hereafter made by the Lender to or for the account of the
Borrower under the Credit Documents.

       (e)    Credit Documents means the Promissory Note dated of even date
              ----------------
herewith executed by the Borrower in favor of the Lender and all other documents
now or hereafter executed or delivered in connection with the transactions
contemplated thereby.

       (f)    Debt of any person means (1) all indebtedness, whether or not
              ----
represented by bonds, debentures, notes or other securities, for the repayment
of borrowed money, (2) all deferred indebtedness for the payment of the purchase
price of property or assets purchased, (3) all capitalized lease obligations,
(4) all indebtedness secured by any Lien on any property of such person, whether
or not indebtedness secured thereby has been assumed, (5) all obligations with
respect to any conditional sale contract or title retention agreement, (6) all
indebtedness and obligations arising under acceptance facilities or in
connection with surety or similar bonds, and the outstanding amount of all
letters of credit issued for the account of such person, and (7) all obligations
with respect to interest rate swap agreements.

       (g)    Default Rate means a rate of interest equal to four percentage
              ------------
points (400 basis points) in excess of the highest interest rate that would
otherwise be payable on the principal amount of the Credit under the Credit
Documents from time to time in the absence of the existence of a default, or the
maximum rate permitted by law, whichever is less.

       (h)    Event of Default is defined in Section 4.1. An Event of Default
              ----------------
"exists" if the same has occurred and is continuing.

       (i)    Governmental Authority means any national, state, county,
              ----------------------
municipal or other government, domestic or foreign, and any agency, authority,
department, commission, bureau, board, court or other instrumentality thereof.

       (j)    Lien means any mortgage, pledge, assignment, charge, encumbrance,
              ----
lien, security title, security interest or other preferential arrangement.

       (k)    Obligations means (1) the payment of all amounts now or hereafter
              -----------
becoming due and payable under the Credit Documents, including the principal
amount of the Credit, all interest thereon (including interest that, but for the
filing of a petition in bankruptcy, would accrue on any such principal) and all
other fees, charges and costs (including attorneys' fees and disbursements)
payable in connection therewith; (2) the observance and performance the Borrower
of all of the provisions of the Credit Documents; (3) the payment of all sums
advanced or paid by the Lender in exercising any of its rights, powers or
remedies under the Credit Documents, and all interest (including post-bankruptcy
petition interest, as aforesaid) on such sums provided for herein or therein;
and (4) all renewals, extensions, modifications and amendments of any of the
foregoing, whether or not any renewal, extension, modification or amendment
agreement is executed in connection therewith.

       (l)    Obligors means the Borrower each other person, if any, executing
              --------
any Security Document as a grantor, (if the Borrower is a partnership) any
general partner thereof, and any other maker, endorser, surety, guarantor or
other person now or hereafter liable for the payment or performance, in whole or
in part, of any of the Obligations.

       (m)    Permitted Encumbrances means the Liens granted to the Lender under
              ----------------------
this Agreement and any other Liens of the Lender.

       (n)    Person (whether or not capitalized) includes natural persons, sole
              ------
proprietorships, corporations, trusts, unincorporated organizations,
associations, companies, institutions, entities, joint ventures, partnerships,
limited liability companies and Governmental Authorities.

       (o)    Pledged Stock is defined in Section 2.2.
              ------------

       (p)    Property is defined in Section 2.2.
              --------

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
       (q)    Security Documents means all Credit Documents that now or
              ------------------
hereafter grant or purport to grant to the Lender any guaranty, collateral or
other security for any of the Obligations.


                                   ARTICLE 2

                              Security Agreement
                              ------------------

       SECTION 2.1 Pledge of Stock. As security for the Obligations, the
                   ---------------
Borrower hereby grants to the Lender security title to and a continuing security
interest in, and assigns, transfers, conveys, pledges and hypothecates to the
Lender, all of the Borrower's right, title and interest in and to the Stock and
all proceeds thereof, and the Borrower hereby delivers to the Lender the stock
certificates evidencing the Stock, as described in Exhibit A, together with
                                                   ---------
separate assignments thereof, to be held by the Lender upon the terms and
conditions set forth in this Agreement.

       SECTION 2.2 Pledge of Additional Stock. If the Borrower shall acquire by
                   --------------------------
exchange or replacement any additional shares of the capital stock of the
Company, of whatever class or description ("Additional Stock") at any time after
the date hereof, the Borrower hereby grants to the Lender a security interest
in, and assigns, transfers, conveys, pledges and hypothecates to the Lender, all
of the Borrower's right, title and interest in and to the Additional Stock and
such certificates, and immediately upon receipt thereof the Borrower shall
pledge and deposit the Additional Stock with the Lender and shall deliver to the
Lender certificates therefor registered in the name of the Borrower, together
with executed separate assignments thereof, to be held by the Lender under this
Agreement. The Stock, the Additional Stock, and any stock or other securities
issued in exchange therefor or replacement thereof, are hereinafter together
called the "Pledged Stock," and the Pledged Stock and all proceeds thereof and
all other securities and moneys received and at the time held by the Lender
hereunder are hereinafter together called the "Property," all of which shall be
subject to the Liens granted to the Lender under this Agreement.

       SECTION 2.3 Dividends and Other Distributions. Unless an Event of Default
                   ---------------------------------
exists, all cash dividends paid on the Pledged Stock shall be paid to the
Borrower, except that all cash dividends payable on the Pledged Stock that are
determined by the Lender in its sole discretion to represent in whole or in part
an extraordinary, liquidating or other distribution in return of capital shall
be paid to the Lender and retained by it as Property. The Lender shall also be
entitled to receive directly and to retain as Property:

       (a)    all stock and other securities or property (other than cash) paid
or distributed with respect to the Pledged Stock by way of dividend;

       (b)    all stock and other securities or property (including cash) paid
or distributed with respect to the Pledged Stock by way of stock-split,
spin-off, split-up, reclassification, combination of shares or similar or other
corporate rearrangement; and

       (c)    all stock and other securities or property (including cash) that
may be paid or distributed with respect to the Pledged Stock by reason of any
consolidation, merger, exchange of stock, conveyance of assets, liquidation or
similar corporate reorganization.

       SECTION 2.4 Voting While No Event of Default. Unless an Event of Default
                   --------------------------------
exists, the Borrower shall have the right to vote any and all shares of the
Pledged Stock and to give consents, waivers and ratifications with respect to
the Property and otherwise act with respect thereto. All such rights of the
Borrower to vote and to give consents, waivers and ratifications shall cease if
an Event of Default exists.

                                    ARTICLE 3

                    Representations, Warranties and Covenants
                    -----------------------------------------

       SECTION 3.1 Representations and Warranties. The Borrower represents and
                   ------------------------------
warrants to the Lender that (a) subject to Permitted Encumbrances, the Borrower
is the holder of record and sole beneficial owner of the Stock (which is fully
issued and non-assessable), free of Liens and adverse claims of any kind, except
Permitted Encumbrances; (b) the Borrower has a good right to grant to the Lender
the Liens in the Stock purported to be granted under this Agreement; (c) there
are no outstanding subscriptions, options, rights, warrants, calls, commitments
or agreements of any kind to acquire or transfer any of the Stock; and (d) to
the best of the Borrower's knowledge, no consent, authorization or other action
by, and no notice to or filing with, any other person (including any
stockholder, partner or creditor of the Borrower and any Governmental Authority)
is required for (1) the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the
Borrower, (2) the granting to the Lender of the Liens on the Property under this
Agreement, or (3) the exercise by the Lender of the rights, powers and remedies
granted to it under

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
this Agreement, except as may be required in connection with any disposition by
the Lender of the Property under laws affecting the offering and sale of
securities generally.

       SECTION 3.2 Encumbrances and Dispositions. The Borrower shall not (a)
                   -----------------------------
encumber any of the Property, or permit any of the Property to be encumbered,
with any kind of Lien, other than Permitted Encumbrances, or (b) sell, transfer
or otherwise dispose of, or grant any option or warrant with respect to, any of
the Property.

       SECTION 3.3 Taxes and Assessments. The Borrower shall pay when due all
                   ---------------------
taxes, assessments and other charges levied or assessed against any of the
Property, and all other claims that are or may become Liens against any of the
Property, except any that are Permitted Encumbrances; and should default be made
in the payment of same, the Lender, at its option, may pay them.

       SECTION 3.4 Filing Fees and Taxes. The Borrower agrees, to the extent
                   ---------------------
permitted by law, to pay all recording and filing fees, revenue stamps, taxes
and other expenses and charges payable in connection with the execution and
delivery of the Credit Documents, and the recording, filing, satisfaction,
continuation and release thereof.

       SECTION 3.5 Further Assurances. At the Borrower's cost and expense, upon
                   ------------------
request of the Lender, the Borrower shall duly execute and deliver, or cause to
be duly executed and delivered, to the Lender such further instruments and do
and cause to be done such further acts as may be reasonably necessary or proper
in the opinion of the Lender or its counsel to perfect, preserve and protect the
validity of the Liens of the Lender in the Property and to carry out more
effectively the provisions and purposes of this Agreement.

       SECTION 3.6 Attorney-in-Fact. The Borrower hereby constitutes and
                   ----------------
appoints the Lender, or any other person whom the Lender may designate, as the
Borrower's attorney-in-fact, at the Borrower's sole cost and expense, effective
upon the existence of any Event of Default, with full authority in the place and
stead of the Borrower and in the name of the Borrower or otherwise, from time to
time in the Lender's discretion to take any action (a) that the Borrower has
agreed, but has failed, to take under this Agreement, (b) that the Lender in its
sole discretion deems necessary or advisable to maintain, preserve or protect
the security intended to be afforded by this Agreement, or (c) that the Lender
may deem necessary or advisable to accomplish the purposes of this Agreement and
the other Credit Documents.

                                    ARTICLE 4

                                Events of Default
                                -----------------

       SECTION 4.1 Events of Default. The occurrence of any of the following
                   -----------------
events shall constitute an event of default (an "Event of Default") under this
Agreement (whatever the reason for such event and whether or not it shall be
voluntary or involuntary or be effected by operation of law or pursuant to any
Governmental Requirement):

       (a)    any representation or warranty made in this Agreement or in any of
the other Credit Documents shall prove to be false or misleading in any material
respect as of the time made; or

       (b)    any report, certificate, financial statement or other instrument
furnished in connection with the Credit, this Agreement or any of the other
Credit Documents, shall prove to be false or misleading in any material respect
as of the time furnished; or

       (c)    default shall be made in the payment when due of any of the
Obligations; or

       (d)    default shall be made in the due observance or performance of any
covenant, condition or agreement on the part of the Borrower to be observed or
performed pursuant to the terms of this Agreement (other than any covenant,
condition or agreement, default in the observance or performance of which is
elsewhere in this Section 4.1 specifically dealt with) and such default shall
continue unremedied for a period of thirty (30) days; or

       (e)    any default or event of default, as therein defined, shall occur
under any of the other Credit Documents (after giving effect to any applicable
notice, grace or cure period specified therein); or

       (f)    (1) default shall be made with respect to any Debt (other than the
Obligations) of any Obligor, if the effect of such default is to accelerate the
maturity of such Debt or to permit the holder thereof to cause such Debt to
become due prior

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
to its stated maturity, or (2) any such Debt shall not be paid when due (after
giving effect to any applicable notice, grace or cure periods); or

       (g)    any Obligor shall (1) apply for or consent to the appointment of a
receiver, trustee, liquidator or other custodian of such Obligor or any of such
Obligor's properties or assets (including the Property), (2) fail or admit in
writing such Obligor's inability to pay such Obligor's debts generally as they
become due, (3) make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors, (4)
suffer or permit an order for relief to be entered against such Obligor in any
proceeding under the federal Bankruptcy Code, or (5) file a voluntary petition
in bankruptcy, or a petition or an answer seeking an arrangement with creditors
or to take advantage of any bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency, readjustment
of debt, dissolution or liquidation law or statute, or an answer admitting the
material allegations of a petition filed against such Obligor in any proceeding
under any such law or statute, or if corporate action shall be taken by any
Obligor for the purpose of effecting any of the foregoing; or

       (h)    a petition shall be filed, without the application, approval or
consent of any Obligor in any court of competent jurisdiction, seeking
bankruptcy, reorganization, rearrangement, dissolution or liquidation of such
Obligor or of all or a substantial part of the properties or assets of such
Obligor, or seeking any other relief under any law or statute of the type
referred to in Section 4.1(l)(5) against such Obligor, or the appointment of a
receiver, trustee, liquidator or other custodian of such Obligor or of all or a
substantial part of the properties or assets of such Obligor, and such petition
shall not have been stayed or dismissed within 30 days after the filing thereof;
or

       (i)    any writ of execution, attachment or garnishment shall be issued
against the assets of any Obligor and such writ of execution, attachment or
garnishment shall not be dismissed, discharged or quashed within 30 days of
issuance; or

       (j)    any final judgment for the payment of money shall be rendered
against any Obligor and the same shall remain undischarged for a period of 30
days during which execution shall not be effectively stayed; or

       (k)    any guarantor of any of the Obligations shall default in the due
observance or performance of any covenant, condition or agreement on such
guarantor's part to be observed or performed under such guarantor's guaranty
agreement (after giving effect to any applicable notice, grace or cure period
specified therein) or shall terminate or attempt to terminate such guarantor's
guaranty agreement.

                                    ARTICLE 5

                                    Remedies
                                    --------

       SECTION 5.1 Acceleration of Obligations. If an Event of Default exists
                   ---------------------------
under Section 4.1(l), 4.1(m) or 4.1(l), all of the Obligations shall
automatically become immediately due and payable. If any other Event of Default
exists that does not already result in the automatic acceleration of the
Obligations under another Credit Document, the Lender shall have the right
without further notice to the Borrower (except any such notice as may be
specifically required under the other Credit Documents) to declare all of the
Obligations immediately due and payable.

       SECTION 5.2 Remedies. If an Event of Default exists, the Lender shall be
                   --------
entitled to exercise all of the rights, powers and remedies vested in it by this
Agreement and applicable law (including all rights of a secured party under
Article 9 of the Alabama Uniform Commercial Code) for the protection and
enforcement of its rights with respect to the Property, including the rights:

       (a)    to receive all amounts payable with respect to the Property
otherwise payable to the Borrower under Section 2.3;

       (b)    to transfer all or any part of the Pledged Stock into the Lender's
name or the name of its nominee and to cause new certificates to be issued in
the name of such transferee;

       (c)    to vote all or any part of the Pledged Stock, whether or not
transferred into the name of the Lender or its nominee, and to give all
consents, waivers and ratifications with respect to the Property and otherwise
act with respect thereto as though the Lender were the outright owner thereof
(the Borrower hereby irrevocably constituting and appointing the Lender the
proxy and attorney-in-fact of the Borrower, with full power of substitution, to
do so);

       (d)    to settle, adjust, compromise and arrange all accounts,
controversies, claims and demands in relation to any Property;

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
       (e)    to execute all contracts, agreements, documents and instruments,
to bring, defend and abandon all actions and proceedings, and to take all other
actions, in relation to any Property as the Lender in its sole discretion may
determine; and

       (f)    at any time or from time to time to sell, assign and deliver, or
grant options to purchase, all or any part of the Property, or any interest
therein, at any public or private sale, at any exchange, broker's board or at
any of the Lender's offices, in one or more parcels, without demand of
performance, advertisement or notice of intention to sell or of the time or
place of sale or adjournment thereof or otherwise (all of which are hereby
waived by the Borrower), for cash, on credit, or for other property, for
immediate or future delivery without any assumption of credit risk, and for such
prices and on such terms as the Lender in its sole discretion may deem to be
commercially reasonable. The Lender shall not be obligated to make any sale of
Property regardless of notice having been given. The Lender may adjourn any sale
from time to time by announcement at the time and place fixed therefor, and any
such sale may, without further notice, be made at the time and place to which it
was adjourned. The Lender shall not be liable for any failure to collect or
realize upon any Property or for any delay in so doing, or shall it be obligated
to take any action whatsoever with respect thereto.

       SECTION 5.3 Non-Public Sale. If at any time when the Lender shall
                   ---------------
determine to exercise its right to sell all or any of the Pledged Stock and
other securities pursuant to Section 5.2, such Pledged Stock and other
securities or the part thereof to be sold shall not for any reason be
effectively registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as then in effect, the
Lender may, in its sole discretion, sell such Pledged Stock and other securities
or part thereof by private sale in such manner and under such circumstances as
the Lender may deem necessary or advisable in order that such sale may legally
be effected without such registration. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, in any such event the Lender, in its sole discretion (a) may proceed
to make such private sale notwithstanding that a registration statement
registering any such Pledged Stock shall have been filed under such Securities
Act, (b) may approach and negotiate with as few as one possible purchaser to
effect such sale, and (c) may restrict such sale to a purchaser who will
represent and agree that such purchaser is purchasing for its own account, for
investment, and not with a view to the distribution or sale of any such Pledged
Stock and who will satisfy such other conditions as at such time may be required
for lawful non-public sale. In the event of any such sale, the Lender shall
incur no responsibility or liability for selling all or any part of the Pledged
Stock at a price which the Lender, in its sole discretion, may deem reasonable
under the circumstances, notwithstanding the possibility that a substantially
higher price might be realized if the sale were deferred until after
registration.

       SECTION 5.4 Reasonable Care. The Lender shall be deemed to have exercised
                   ---------------
reasonable care in the custody and preservation of any Property in its
possession if it takes such reasonable actions for that purpose as the Borrower
shall request in writing, but the Lender shall have sole power to determine
whether such actions are reasonable. Any omission to do any act not requested by
the Borrower shall not be deemed a failure to exercise reasonable care.

       SECTION 5.5 Waiver of Redemption, Marshalling, etc. The Borrower hereby
                   --------------------------------------
waives and releases to the fullest extent permitted by law any right or equity
of redemption with respect to the Property, whether before or after sale
hereunder, and all rights, if any, of marshalling the Property and any other
security for the Obligations or otherwise. At any such sale, unless prohibited
by applicable law, the Lender may bid for and purchase all or any part of the
Property so sold free from any such right or equity of redemption.

       SECTION 5.6 Application of Proceeds. The net cash proceeds resulting from
                   -----------------------
the exercise of any of the rights and remedies of the Lender under this
Agreement, after deducting all charges, expenses, costs and attorneys' fees
relating thereto, including any and all costs and expenses referred to in
Section 6.2, shall be applied by the Lender to the payment of the Obligations,
whether due or to become due, in such order and in such proportions as the
Lender may elect; and the Borrower shall remain liable to the Lender for any
deficiency.

       SECTION 5.7 Additional Security, etc. Without notice to or consent of the
                   ------------------------
Borrower, and without impairment of the Liens and rights created by this
Agreement, the Lender may accept from the Borrower, any other Obligor or any
other person, additional security for the Obligations. Neither the giving of
this Agreement nor the acceptance of any such additional security shall prevent
the Lender from resorting first to any such additional security, or first to the
Liens created by this Agreement, without affecting the Liens and rights of the
Lender under this Agreement.

       SECTION 5.8 Default Rate. If an Event of Default exists, the Obligations
                   ------------
shall bear interest at the Default Rate, until the earlier of (a) such time as
all of the Obligations are paid in full or (b) no such Event of Default exists.

       SECTION 5.9 Remedies Cumulative. The rights and remedies of the Lender
                   -------------------
under this Agreement are cumulative and not exclusive of any other rights or
remedies now or hereafter existing at law or in equity.

                                      -6-
<PAGE>
 
                                    ARTICLE 6

                                  Miscellaneous
                                  -------------

       SECTION 6.1 Notices.
                   -------

       (a)    Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent,
waiver or other document provided or permitted by this Agreement to be made
upon, given or furnished to, or filed with, the Borrower or the Lender must
(except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement) be in writing and be
delivered by one of the following methods: (1) by personal delivery at the hand
delivery address specified below, (2) by first-class, registered or certified
mail, postage prepaid, addressed as specified below, or (3) if facsimile
transmission facilities for such party are identified below or pursuant to a
separate written notice from such party, sent by facsimile transmission to the
number specified below or in such notice.

       (b)    The hand delivery address, mailing address and (if applicable)
facsimile transmission number for receipt of notice or other documents by such
parties are as follows:

              (1)    Borrower:
                     --------

                     By hand
                     or mail:           Richard Murray, IV
                                        14 Honeysuckle Lane
                                        Birmingham, Alabama 35213

              (2)    Lender:
                     ------

                     By hand
                     or mail:           Alabama National Bancorporation
                                        1927 First Avenue North
                                        Birmingham, Alabama 35203
                                        Attention: Chief Executive Officer

                     By facsimile:      (205) 583-3275

Any of such parties may change the address or number for receiving any such
notice or other document by giving notice of the change to the other parties
named in this Section 6.1.

       (c)    Any such notice or other document shall be deemed delivered when
actually received by the party to whom directed (or, if such party is not an
individual, to an officer, director, partner or other legal representative of
the party) at the address or number specified pursuant to this Section 6.1, or,
if sent by mail, three Business Days after such notice or document is deposited
in the United States mail, addressed as provided above.

       (d)    Five Business Days' written notice to the Borrower as provided
above shall constitute reasonable notification to the Borrower when notification
is required by law; provided, however, that nothing contained in the foregoing
shall be construed as requiring five Business Days' notice if, under applicable
law and the circumstances then existing, a shorter period of time would
constitute reasonable notice.

       SECTION 6.2 Expenses. The Borrower shall promptly on demand pay all costs
                   --------
and expenses, including the fees and disbursements of counsel to the Lender,
incurred by the Lender in connection with (a) the negotiation, preparation and
review of this Agreement (whether or not the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement shall be consummated), (b) the enforcement of this Agreement, (c) the
custody and preservation of the Property, (d) the protection or perfection of
the Lender's rights and interests under this Agreement in the Property, (e) the
exercise by or on behalf of the Lender of any of its rights, powers or remedies
under this Agreement and (f) the prosecution or defense of any action or
proceeding by or against the Lender, the Borrower, any other Obligor, or any one
or more of them, concerning any matter related to this Agreement, any of the
Property or any of the Obligations. All such amounts shall bear interest from
the date demand is made at the Default Rate and shall be included in the
Obligations secured hereby. The Borrower's obligations under this Section 6.2
shall survive the payment in full of the Obligations and the termination of this
Agreement.

                                      -7-
<PAGE>
 
       SECTION 6.3 Heirs, Successors and Assigns. Whenever in this Agreement any
                   -----------------------------
party hereto is referred to, such reference shall be deemed to include the
heirs, successors and assigns of such party, except that the Borrower may not
assign or transfer this Agreement without the prior written consent of the
Lender; and all covenants and agreements of the Borrower contained in this
Agreement shall bind the Borrower's heirs, successors and assigns and shall
inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Lender.

       SECTION 6.4 Joint and Several Liability. If the Borrower is comprised of
                   ---------------------------
more than one person, all of the Borrower's representations, warranties,
covenants and agreements under this Agreement shall be joint and several and
shall be binding on and enforceable against either, any or all of the persons
comprising the Borrower. If any one or more of the persons comprising the
Borrower is in default, the Lender my exercise its remedies on default against
all of the person comprising the Borrower.

       SECTION 6.5 Independent Obligations. The Borrower agrees that each of the
                   -----------------------
obligations of the Borrower to the Lender under this Agreement may be enforced
against the Borrower without the necessity of joining any other Obligor, any
other holders of Liens in any Property or any other person, as a party.

       SECTION 6.6 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be construed in
                   -------------
accordance with and governed by Title 9 of the U.S. Code and the internal laws
of the State of Alabama (without regard to conflict of law principles) except as
required by mandatory provisions of law and except to the extent that the
validity and perfection of the Liens on the Property are governed by the laws of
any jurisdiction other than the State of Alabama.

       SECTION 6.7 Date of Agreement. The date of this Agreement is intended as
                   -----------------
a date for the convenient identification of this Agreement and is not intended
to indicate that this Agreement was executed and delivered on that date.

       SECTION 6.8 Separability Clause. If any provision of the Credit Documents
                   -------------------
shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and
enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or
impaired thereby.

       SECTION 6.9 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
                   ------------
counterparts, each of which so executed shall be deemed an original, but all
such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same agreement.

       SECTION 6.10 No Oral Agreements. This Agreement is the final expression
                    ------------------
of the agreement between the parties hereto, and this Agreement may not be
contradicted by evidence of any prior oral agreement between such parties. All
previous oral agreements between the parties hereto have been incorporated into
this Agreement and the other Credit Documents, and there is no unwritten oral
agreement between the parties hereto in existence.

       SECTION 6.11 Waiver and Election. The exercise by the Lender of any
                    -------------------
option given under this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver of the right to
exercise any other option. No failure or delay on the part of the Lender in
exercising any right, power or remedy under this Agreement shall operate as a
waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right,
power or remedy preclude any further exercise thereof or the exercise of any
other right, power or remedy. No modification, termination or waiver of any
provisions of the Credit Documents, nor consent to any departure by the Borrower
therefrom, shall be effective unless in writing and signed by an authorized
officer of the Lender, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only
in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given. No notice
to or demand on the Borrower in any case shall entitle the Borrower to any other
or further notice or demand in similar or other circumstances.

       SECTION 6.12 No Obligations of Lender; Indemnification. The Lender does
                    -----------------------------------------
not by virtue of this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated by the
Credit Documents assume any duties, liabilities or obligations with respect to
any of the Property unless expressly assumed by the Lender under a separate
agreement in writing, and this Agreement shall not be deemed to confer on the
Lender any duties or obligations that would make the Lender directly or
derivatively liable for any person's negligent, reckless or wilful conduct. The
Borrower agrees to indemnify and hold the Lender harmless against and with
respect to any damage, claim, action, loss, cost, expense, liability, penalty or
interest (including attorney's fees) and all costs and expenses of all actions,
suits, proceedings, demands, assessments, claims and judgments directly or
indirectly resulting from, occurring in connection with, or arising out of: (a)
any inaccurate representation made by the Borrower or any Obligor in this
Agreement or any other Credit Document; (b) any breach of any of the warranties
or obligations of the Borrower or any Obligor under this Agreement or any other
Credit Document; and (c) the Property, or the Liens of the Lender thereon. The
provisions of this Section 6.12 shall survive the payment of the Obligations in
full and the termination, satisfaction, release (in whole or in part) and
foreclosure of this Agreement.

                                      -8-
<PAGE>
 
       SECTION 6.13 Advances by the Lender. If the Borrower shall fail to comply
                    ----------------------
with any of the provisions of this Agreement, the Lender may (but shall not be
required to) make advances to perform the same, and where necessary enter any
premises where any Property is located for the purpose of performing the
Borrower's obligations under any such provision. The Borrower agrees to repay
all such sums advanced upon demand, with interest from the date such advances
are made at the Default Rate, and all sums so advanced with interest shall be a
part of the Obligations. The making of any such advances shall not be construed
as a waiver by the Lender of any Event of Default resulting from the Borrower's
failure to pay such amounts.

       SECTION 6.14 Rights, Liens and Obligations Absolute. All rights of the
                    --------------------------------------
Lender hereunder, all Liens granted to the Lender hereunder, and all obligations
of the Borrower hereunder, shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be
affected by (a) any lack of validity or enforceability as to any other person of
any of the Credit Documents, (b) any change in the time, manner or place of
payment of, or any other term of the Obligations, (c) any amendment or waiver of
any of the provisions of the Credit Documents as to any other person, and (d)
any exchange, release or non-perfection of any other collateral or any release,
termination or waiver of any guaranty, for any of the Obligations.

       SECTION 6.15 Termination. This Agreement and the Lender's Liens in the
                    -----------
Property hereunder will not be terminated until one of the Lender's officers
signs a written termination agreement. Except as otherwise expressly provided
for in this Agreement, no termination of this Agreement shall in any way affect
or impair the representations, warranties, agreements or other obligations of
the Borrower or the rights, powers and remedies of the Lender under this
Agreement with respect to any transaction or event occurring prior to such
termination, all of which shall survive such termination.

       SECTION 6.16 Reinstatement. This Agreement, the obligations of the
                    -------------
Borrower hereunder, and the Liens, rights, powers and remedies of the Lender
hereunder, shall continue to be effective, or be automatically reinstated, as
the case may be, if at any time any amount applied to the payment of any of the
Obligations is rescinded or must otherwise be restored or returned to the
Borrower, any Obligor, or any other person (or paid to the creditors of any of
them, or to any custodian, receiver, trustee or other officer with similar
powers with respect to any of them, or with respect to any part of their
property) upon the insolvency, bankruptcy, dissolution, liquidation or
reorganization of the Borrower, any Obligor or any such person, or upon or as a
result of the appointment of a custodian, receiver, trustee or other officer
with respect to any of them, or with respect to any part of their property, or
otherwise, all as though such payment had not been made.

       SECTION 6.17 Submission to Jurisdiction. The Borrower irrevocably (a)
                    ---------------------------
acknowledges that this Agreement will be accepted by the Lender and performed by
the Borrower in the State of Alabama; (b) submits to the jurisdiction of each
state or federal court sitting in Jefferson County, Alabama (collectively, the
"Courts") over any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this
Agreement (to enforce the arbitration provisions hereof or, if the arbitration
provisions are found to be unenforceable, to determine any issues arising out of
or relating to this Agreement) or any of the other Credit Documents
(individually, an "Agreement Action"); (c) waives, to the fullest extent
permitted by law, any objection or defense that the Borrower may now or
hereafter have based on improper venue, lack of personal jurisdiction,
inconvenience of forum or any similar matter in any Agreement Action brought in
any of the Courts; (d) agrees that final judgment in any Agreement Action
brought in any of the Courts shall be conclusive and binding upon the Borrower
and may be enforced in any other court to the jurisdiction of which the Borrower
is subject, by a suit upon such judgment; (e) consents to the service of process
on the Borrower in any Agreement Action by the mailing of a copy thereof by
registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, to the Borrower at the Borrower's
address designated in or pursuant to Section 6.1; (f) agrees that service in
accordance with Section 6.17(e) shall in every respect be effective and binding
on the Borrower to the same extent as though served on the Borrower in person by
a person duly authorized to serve such process; and (g) AGREES THAT THE
PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION, EVEN IF FOUND NOT TO BE STRICTLY ENFORCEABLE BY ANY
COURT, SHALL CONSTITUTE "FAIR WARNING" TO THE BORROWER THAT THE EXECUTION OF
THIS AGREEMENT MAY SUBJECT THE BORROWER TO THE JURISDICTION OF EACH STATE OR
FEDERAL COURT SITTING IN JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALABAMA WITH RESPECT TO ANY AGREEMENT
ACTIONS, AND THAT IT IS FORESEEABLE BY THE BORROWER THAT THE BORROWER MAY BE
SUBJECTED TO THE JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURTS AND MAY BE SUED IN THE STATE OF
ALABAMA IN ANY AGREEMENT ACTIONS. Nothing in this Section 6.17 shall limit or
restrict the Lender's right to serve process or bring Agreement Actions in
manners and in courts otherwise than as herein provided.

       SECTION 6.18 Arbitration; Dispute Resolution; Preservation of Foreclosure
                    ------------------------------------------------------------
                    Remedies
                    --------

       (a)    The Borrower represents to the Lender that its business and
affairs constitute substantial interstate commerce and that it contemplates
using the proceeds of the Note in substantial interstate commerce. Except as
otherwise specifically set forth below, any action, dispute, claim, counterclaim
or controversy ("Dispute" or "Disputes"), between or among the Lender, the
Borrower or any other Obligor, including any claim based on or arising from an
alleged tort, shall be resolved by arbitration

                                      -9-
<PAGE>
 
as set forth below. As used herein, Disputes shall include all actions,
disputes, claims, counterclaims or controversies arising in connection with the
Note, any extension of or commitment to extend Credit by the Lender, any
collection of any indebtedness owed to the Lender, any security or collateral
given to the Lender, any action taken (or any omission to take any action) in
connection with any of the foregoing, any past, present and future agreement
between or among the Lender, the Borrower or any other Obligor (including the
Note and any Credit Document), and any past, present or future transactions
between or among the Lender, the Borrower or any other Obligor. Without limiting
the generality of the foregoing, Disputes shall include actions commonly
referred to as lender liability actions.

       (b)    All Disputes shall be resolved by binding arbitration in
accordance with Title 9 of the U.S. Code and the Commercial Arbitration Rules of
the American Arbitration Association (the "AAA"). Defenses based on statutes of
limitation, estoppel, waiver, laches and similar doctrines, that would otherwise
be applicable to an action brought by a party, shall be applicable in any such
arbitration proceeding, and the commencement of an arbitration proceeding with
respect to this Agreement shall be deemed the commencement of an action for such
purposes.

       (c)    Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower and each other Obligor
agrees that the Lender shall have the option, but not the obligation, to submit
to and pursue in a court of law any claim against the Borrower or any other
Obligor for a debt due. The Borrower and each other Obligor agrees that, if the
Lender pursues such a claim in a court of law, (1) failure of the Lender to
assert any additional claim in such proceeding shall not be deemed a waiver of,
or estoppel to pursue, such claim as a claim or counterclaim in arbitration as
set forth above, and (2) the institution or maintenance of a judicial action
hereunder shall not constitute a waiver of the right of any party to submit any
other action, dispute, claim or controversy as described above, even though
arising out of the same transaction or occurrence, to binding arbitration as set
forth herein. If the Borrower asserts a claim against the Lender in arbitration
or otherwise during the pendency of a claim brought by the Lender in a court of
law, the court action shall be stayed and the parties shall submit to
arbitration all claims.

       (d)    No provision of, nor the exercise of any rights under this
Section, shall limit the right of any party (1) to foreclose against any real or
personal property collateral by exercise of a power of sale under any Credit
Document, or by exercise of any rights of foreclosure or of sale under
applicable law, (2) to exercise self-help remedies such as set-off, or (3) to
obtain provisional or ancillary remedies such as injunctive relief, attachment
or the appointment of a receiver from a court having jurisdiction before, during
or after the pendency of any arbitration or referral. The institution and
maintenance of an action for judicial relief or pursuit of provisional or
ancillary remedies or exercise of self-help remedies shall not constitute a
waiver of the right of any party, including the plaintiff in such an action, to
submit the Dispute to arbitration or, in the case of actions on a debt, to
judicial resolution.

       (e)    Whenever an arbitration is required hereunder, the arbitrator
shall be selected in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the
AAA. The AAA shall designate a panel of 10 potential arbitrators knowledgeable
in the subject matter of the Dispute. Each of the Lender and the Obligor shall
designate, within 30 days of the receipt of the list of potential arbitrators,
one of the potential arbitrators to serve, and the two arbitrators so designated
shall select a third arbitrator from the eight remaining potential arbitrators.
The panel of three arbitrators shall determine the resolution of the Dispute.

       IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Agreement dated
April 15, 1999.

                             /s/ Richard Murray, IV
                             ---------------------------
                             (Signature of the Borrower)


                             Richard Murray, IV
                             ---------------------------
                             (Printed Name)

                                      -10-
<PAGE>
 
                                   EXHIBIT A
                                   ---------


Certificate No.    No. of Shares     Issued To             Date
- ---------------    -------------     ---------             ----

ANB 2833           7,043             Richard Murray, IV    January 2, 1996


 







                                      A-1
<PAGE>
 
                                    EXHIBIT B
                                    ---------

                               (Credit Documents)

       The "Credit Documents" referred to in this Agreement include the
following:

       (a)    Promissory Note dated of even date herewith in the principal
amount of $111,739.00 executed by the Borrower in favor of the Lender, which
evidences a loan made by the Lender to the Borrower.

       (b)    Promissory Note dated of even date herewith in the principal
amount of $29,400.00 executed by the Borrower in favor of the Lender, which
evidences a loan made available by the Lender to the Borrower and has a final
maturity date of April 15, 2000.











                                      A-2

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.13

$99,558.00                                                  Birmingham, Alabama
                                                                 April 15, 1999


                                 PROMISSORY NOTE
                                 ---------------

       FOR VALUE RECEIVED, without grace VICTOR E. NICHOL, JR., (the
"Borrower"), promises to pay to the order of ALABAMA NATIONAL BANCORPORATION, a
Delaware corporation (herein called the "Lender," and together with any
subsequent holder of this note called the "Holder"), in the manner set forth
below, the principal sum of Ninety-Nine Thousand Fife Hundred Fifty-Eight and
00/100 Dollars ($99,558.00), plus interest at the rate set forth below.

       This Note shall bear interest (computed on an Actual/360 Day Basis) on
the unpaid principal balance hereof, from the date of disbursement until payment
in full or complete forgiveness, whichever occurs first, at the rate per annum
equal to the LIBOR-Based Rate (as defined below) adjusted on each Interest Rate
Determination Date (as defined below). If in the Lender's opinion it is
impossible or impractical to determine the LIBOR-Based Rate for a certain year,
this Note shall bear interest at the Prime Rate until the next Interest Rate
Determination Date. Interest payable hereunder shall be payable on each Interest
Rate Determination Date, commencing April 15, 2000.

       Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, if the
Borrower remains continually employed by the Lender or one of its subsidiaries
or affiliates (hereinafter referred to as a "Qualifying Employer") as of the
first ten (10) anniversaries of this Note, ten percent (10%) of the original
principal balance ($9,955.80) of this Note shall be forgiven as of each such
anniversary, commencing April 15, 2000. In addition, as long as the Borrower
remains continually employed by a Qualifying Employer, upon the occurrence of
(x) a Change in Control (as hereinafter defined), (y) the Borrower's death or
(z) the Total Disability (as hereinafter defined) of the Borrower, the entire
principal balance then remaining unpaid hereunder, shall be immediately forgiven
in full.

       The Borrower further agrees with the Holder as follows:

       SECTION 1 Rules of Construction. This Note is subject to the rules of
                 ---------------------
construction set forth in the Security  Documents.

       SECTION 2 Definitions. As used in this Note, capitalized terms that are
                 -----------
not otherwise defined herein have the meanings defined for them in the Security
Documents and the following terms are defined as follows:

       (a)    Actual/360 Day Basis means a method of computing interest and
              --------------------
other charges on the basis of an assumed year of 360 days for the actual number
of days elapsed, meaning that the interest accrued for each day will be computed
by multiplying the interest rate applicable on that day by the unpaid principal
balance on that day and dividing the result by 360.

       (b)    Business Day means any day, excluding Saturday and Sunday, on
              -----------
which the Lender's main office in Birmingham, Alabama, is open to the public for
carrying on substantially all of its banking business.

       (c)    Change in Control of the Lender means (i) any transaction, whether
              -------------------------------
by merger, consolidation, asset sale, tender offer, reverse stock split, or
otherwise, which results in the acquisition or beneficial ownership (as such
term is defined under rules and regulations promulgated under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) by any person or entity or any group of
persons or entities acting in concert, of fifty percent (50%) or more of the
outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Lender; or (ii) the sale of all or
substantially all of the assets of the Lender; or (iii) the liquidation of the
Lender.

       (d)    Credit Documents means this Note, the Security Documents and all
              ----------------
other documents now or hereafter executed or delivered in connection with the
transactions contemplated thereby.

       (e)    Default Rate means a rate of interest equal to four percentage
              ------------
points (400 basis points) in excess of the highest interest rate that would
otherwise be payable on the principal indebtedness evidenced by this Note from
time to time in the absence of the existence of a default, or the maximum rate
permitted by law, whichever is less.

       (f)    Event of Default is defined in Section 6. An Event of Default
              ----------------
"exists" if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.
<PAGE>
 
       (g)    Interest Rate Determination Date means the fifteenth (15) day of
              --------------------------------
April of each year during the term hereof.

       (h)    LIBOR-Based Rate means a fixed rate of one percent (100 basis
              ----------------
points) in excess of the per annum rate of interest most recently published in
The Wall Street Journal as of the close of business on the date hereof and on
and after the most recent Interest Rate Determination Date (being the rate
quoted for the immediately preceding business day) as the London Interbank
Offered Rate for U.S. dollar deposits having a term of ninety (90) days. The
Lender shall determine the LIBOR-Based Rate on the date hereof and on each
Interest Rate Determination Date.

       (i)    Obligors means the Borrower, each other person executing any
              --------
Security Document as a grantor, (if the Borrower or any such grantor is a
partnership) any general partner thereof, and any other maker, endorser, surety,
guarantor or other person now or hereafter liable for the payment or
performance, in whole or in part, of any of the obligations evidenced by this
Note.

       (j)    Prime Rate means a floating interest rate equal to the rate of
              ----------
interest designated by the Lender from time to time as its "prime rate."

       (k)    Security Documents means the Pledge Agreement dated of even date
              ------------------
herewith executed by the Borrower in favor of the Lender and all other documents
now or hereafter securing or guaranteeing the obligations evidenced by this
Note, or any part thereof.

       (l)    Total Disability means the Borrower's inability, as a result of
              ----------------
illness or injury, to perform the normal duties of the Borrower's employment for
a period of ninety (90) consecutive days.

       SECTION 3 Place and Time of Payments.
                 --------------------------

       (a)    All payments by the Borrower to the Holder under this Note shall
be made in lawful currency of the United States and in immediately available
funds to the Lender at its Main Office in Birmingham, Alabama or at such other
address within the continental United States as shall be specified by the Holder
by notice to the Borrower. Any payment received by the Holder after 2:00 p.m.
(Birmingham, Alabama time) on a Business Day (or at any time on a day that is
not a Business Day) shall be deemed made by the Borrower and received by the
Holder on the following Business Day.

       (b)    The amount payable by the Borrower to the Holder under this Note
or any of the other Credit Documents for which a payment date is expressly set
forth herein or therein shall be payable on the specified due date without
notice or demand by the Holder.

       (c)    Payments that are due on a day that is not a Business Day shall be
payable on the next succeeding Business Day, and any interest payable thereon
shall be payable for such extended time at the specified rate. 

       SECTION 4 Default Rate. If an Event of Default exists, this Note shall
                 ------------
bear interest at the Default Rate, until the earlier of (a) such time as all
amounts due hereunder are paid in full or (b) no such Event of Default exists.

       SECTION 5 Security Documents. This Note with interest is secured by and
                 ------------------
entitled to the benefits of the Security Documents. Reference to the Security
Documents is hereby made for all of the provisions thereof. This Note shall be
secured by all security documents that by their terms secure this Note, and all
such documents shall constitute Security Documents.

       SECTION 6 Events of Default. The occurrence of any of the following
                 -----------------
events shall constitute an event of default ("Event of Default") under this Note
(whatever the reason for such event and whether or not it shall be voluntary or
involuntary or be effected by operation of law or pursuant to any Governmental
Requirement): (a) any representation or warranty made in any of the Credit
Documents shall prove to be false or misleading in any material respect as of
the time made; or (b) any report, certificate, financial statement or other
instrument furnished in connection with this Note or any of the other Credit
Documents shall prove to be false or misleading in any material respect as of
the time furnished; or (c) default shall be made in the payment when due of any
of the obligations evidenced by this Note or any part thereof; or (d) the
termination of the Borrower's employment with a Qualifying Employer for any
reason with or without cause, whether voluntary or involuntary, other than the
Borrower's death or Total Disability; or (e) any default or event of default, as
therein defined, shall occur under any of the other Credit Documents (after
giving effect to any applicable notice, grace or cure period specified therein).

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
       SECTION 7 Acceleration. If an Event of Default exists that does not
                 ------------
already result in the automatic acceleration of this Note under another Credit
Document, the Holder shall have the right without further notice to the Borrower
to declare the entire unpaid principal balance of the indebtedness evidenced by
this Note, with accrued interest, to be immediately due and payable.
Notwithstanding anything in this Note or any other Security Document to the
contrary, the entire unpaid principal balance of the indebtedness evidenced by
this Note shall be immediately due and payable without written notice or demand,
upon the termination of the Borrower's employment with a Qualifying Employer for
any reason with or without cause, whether voluntary or involuntary, other than
the Borrower's death or Total Disability.

       SECTION 8 Certain Waivers and Agreements by Obligors.
                 ------------------------------------------

       (a)    As to the obligations evidenced by this Note, each Obligor
severally (1) waives demand, presentment, protest, notice of protest, suit and
all other requirements necessary to hold liable such Obligor or any of the other
Obligors; (2) waives all exemptions of personal property secured to any Obligor
under the Constitution and laws of the State of Alabama or any other state; and
(3) agrees to pay all costs of collection, including a reasonable attorney's
fee, in the event default should be made in the payment of any of the
obligations evidenced by this Note.

       (b)    Each Obligor severally (1) acknowledges that the Lender has not
made any representations or entered into any agreements with such Obligor to
induce such Obligor to enter into the transactions contemplated by this Note
except as set forth in writing in the Credit Documents; (2) agrees upon request
such Obligor will furnish financial statements to the Holder and grant the
Holder access to such Obligor's books and records; (3) agrees that any
obligations of any Obligor may, from time to time, in whole or in part, be
renewed, extended, modified, accelerated, compromised, discharged or released by
the Holder, and any collateral, lien, right of set-off or other security for the
obligations evidenced by this Note or any other obligations of any Obligor to
the Holder may, from time to time, in whole or in part, be exchanged, sold,
released, satisfied, or terminated, all without notice to, or in any way
affecting or releasing any of the obligations of any other Obligor; and (4)
agrees that the Holder will not be required first to resort to any Security
Document, any guaranty or any other security pledged or granted to the Holder,
but upon a default under this Note or any of the Security Documents, the Holder
may forthwith look to any Obligor for payment hereunder or may look to and
realize upon any other security held by the Holder, in any order the Holder
chooses, until the entire debt evidenced by this Note is paid.

       SECTION 9 Joint and Several Liability. If the Borrower is comprised of
                 --------------------------
more than one person, all of the Borrower's representations, warranties,
covenants and agreements under this Note shall be joint and several and shall be
binding on and enforceable against either, any or all of the persons comprising
the Borrower. If any one or more of the persons comprising the Borrower is in
default, the Holder my exercise its remedies on default against all of the
persons comprising the Borrower.

       SECTION 10 Independent Obligations. The Borrower agrees that each of the
                  -----------------------
obligations of the Borrower to the Holder under this Note may be enforced
against the Borrower without the necessity of joining any other Obligor, any
other holders of Liens in any Property or any other person, as a party.

       SECTION 11 Heirs, Successors and Assigns. Whenever in this Note any party
                  -----------------------------
hereto is referred to, such reference shall be deemed to include the heirs,
successors and assigns of such party, except that the Borrower may not assign or
transfer its obligations under this Note without the prior written consent of
the Holder; and all obligations of the Borrower under this Note shall bind the
Borrower's heirs, successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of the
successors and assigns of the Holder.

       SECTION 12 Governing Law. This Note shall be construed in accordance with
                  -------------
and governed by Title 9 of the U.S. Code and the internal laws of the State of
Alabama except as required by mandatory provisions of law (without regard to
conflict of law principles).

       SECTION 13 Separability Clause. If any provision of the this Note shall
                  -------------------
be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability
of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired
thereby.

       SECTION 14 No Oral Agreements. This Note is the final expression of the
                  ------------------
agreement between the parties hereto, and this Note may not be contradicted by
evidence of any prior oral agreement between such parties. All previous oral
agreements between the parties hereto have been incorporated into this Note and
the other Credit Documents, and there is no unwritten oral agreement between the
parties hereto in existence.

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
       SECTION 15 Waiver and Election. The exercise by the Holder of any option
                  -------------------
given under this Note or the Security Documents shall not constitute a waiver of
the right to exercise any other option. No failure or delay on the part of the
Holder in exercising any right, power or remedy under this Note or the Security
Documents shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial
exercise of any such right, power or remedy preclude any further exercise
thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or remedy. No modification,
termination or waiver of any provisions of this Note, nor consent to any
departure by the Borrower therefrom, shall be effective unless in writing and
signed by an authorized officer of the Holder, and then such waiver or consent
shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose
for which given. No notice to or demand on the Borrower in any case shall
entitle the Borrower to any other or further notice or demand in similar or
other circumstances.

       SECTION 16 Set-off. While any Event of Default exists, the Lender is
                  -------
authorized at any time and from time to time, without notice to the Borrower
(any such notice being expressly waived by the Borrower), to set off and apply
any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final)
at any time held and other indebtedness at any time owing by the Lender to or
for the credit or the account of the Borrower against any and all of the
obligations evidenced by this Note, irrespective of whether or not the Lender
shall have made any demand under this Note and although such obligations may be
unmatured. The rights of the Lender under this Section 16 are in addition to all
other rights and remedies (including other rights of set-off or pursuant to any
banker's lien) that the Lender may have.

       SECTION 17 Time of Essence. Time is of the essence of this Note.
                  ---------------

       SECTION 18 Submission to Jurisdiction. The Borrower irrevocably (a)
                  --------------------------
acknowledges that this Note will be accepted by the Lender and performed by the
Borrower in the State of Alabama; (b) submits to the jurisdiction of each state
or federal court sitting in Jefferson County, Alabama (collectively, the
"Courts") over any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this
Note (to enforce the arbitration provisions hereof or, if the arbitration
provisions are found to be unenforceable, to determine any issues arising out of
or relating to this Note) or any of the other Credit Documents (individually, an
"Agreement Action"); (c) waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any
objection or defense that the Borrower may now or hereafter have based on
improper venue, lack of personal jurisdiction, inconvenience of forum or any
similar matter in any Agreement Action brought in any of the Courts; (d) agrees
that final judgment in any Agreement Action brought in any of the Courts shall
be conclusive and binding upon the Borrower and may be enforced in any other
court to the jurisdiction of which the Borrower is subject, by a suit upon such
judgment; (e) consents to the service of process on the Borrower in any
Agreement Action by the mailing of a copy thereof by registered or certified
mail, postage prepaid, to the Borrower at the Borrower's address designated at
the end of this Note; (f) agrees that service in accordance with Section 18(e)
shall in every respect be effective and binding on the Borrower to the same
extent as though served on the Borrower in person by a person duly authorized to
serve such process; and (g) AGREES THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION, EVEN IF
FOUND NOT TO BE STRICTLY ENFORCEABLE BY ANY COURT, SHALL CONSTITUTE "FAIR
WARNING" TO THE BORROWER THAT THE EXECUTION OF THIS NOTE MAY SUBJECT THE
BORROWER TO THE JURISDICTION OF EACH STATE OR FEDERAL COURT SITTING IN JEFFERSON
COUNTY, ALABAMA WITH RESPECT TO ANY AGREEMENT ACTIONS, AND THAT IT IS
FORESEEABLE BY THE BORROWER THAT THE BORROWER MAY BE SUBJECTED TO THE
JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURTS AND MAY BE SUED IN THE STATE OF ALABAMA IN ANY
AGREEMENT ACTIONS. Nothing in this Section 18 shall limit or restrict the
Lender's right to serve process or bring Agreement Actions in manners and in
courts otherwise than as herein provided.

       SECTION 19 Usury Laws. Any provision of this Note or any of the other
                  ----------
Credit Documents to the contrary notwithstanding, the Borrower and the Lender
agree that they do not intend for the interest or other consideration provided
for in this Note and the other Credit Documents to be greater than the maximum
amount permitted by applicable law. Regardless of any provision in this Note or
any of the other Credit Documents, the Lender shall not be entitled to receive,
collect or apply, as interest on the Obligations, any amount in excess of the
maximum rate of interest permitted to be charged under applicable law until such
time, if any, as that interest, together with all other interest then payable,
falls within the then applicable maximum lawful rate of interest. If the Lender
shall receive, collect or apply any amount in excess of the then maximum rate of
interest, the amount that would be excessive interest shall be applied first to
the reduction of the principal amount of the Obligations then outstanding in the
inverse order of maturity, and second, if such principal amount is paid in full,
any excess shall forthwith be returned to the Borrower. In determining whether
the interest paid or payable under any specific contingency exceeds the highest
lawful rate, the Borrower and the Lender shall, to the maximum extent permitted
under applicable law, (a) characterize any nonprincipal payment as an expense,
fee or premium rather than as interest, (b) exclude voluntary prepayments and
the effects thereof, (c) consider all the Obligations as one general obligation
of the Borrower, and (d) "spread" the total amount of the interest throughout
the entire term of this Note so that the interest rate is uniform throughout the
entire term of this Note.

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
       SECTION 20 Arbitration; Dispute Resolution; Preservation of Foreclosure
                  ------------------------------------------------------------
                  Remedies
                  --------

       (a)    The Borrower represents to the Lender that its business and
affairs constitute substantial interstate commerce and that it contemplates
using the proceeds of this Note in substantial interstate commerce. Except as
otherwise specifically set forth below, any action, dispute, claim, counterclaim
or controversy ("Dispute" or "Disputes"), between or among the Lender, the
Borrower or any other Obligor, including any claim based on or arising from an
alleged tort, shall be resolved by arbitration as set forth below. As used
herein, Disputes shall include all actions, disputes, claims, counterclaims or
controversies arising in connection with this Note, any extension of or
commitment to extend credit by the Lender, any collection of any indebtedness
owed to the Lender, any security or collateral given to the Lender, any action
taken (or any omission to take any action) in connection with any of the
foregoing, any past, present and future agreement between or among the Lender,
the Borrower or any other Obligor (including this Note and any Credit Document),
and any past, present or future transactions between or among the Lender, the
Borrower or any other Obligor. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing,
Disputes shall include actions commonly referred to as lender liability actions.

       (b)    All Disputes shall be resolved by binding arbitration in
accordance with Title 9 of the U.S. Code and the Commercial Arbitration Rules of
the American Arbitration Association (the "AAA"). Defenses based on statutes of
limitation, estoppel, waiver, laches and similar doctrines, that would otherwise
be applicable to an action brought by a party, shall be applicable in any such
arbitration proceeding, and the commencement of an arbitration proceeding with
respect to this Note shall be deemed the commencement of an action for such
purposes.

       (c)    Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower and each other Obligor
agrees that the Lender shall have the option, but not the obligation, to submit
to and pursue in a court of law any claim against the Borrower or any other
Obligor for a debt due. The Borrower and each other Obligor agrees that, if the
Lender pursues such a claim in a court of law, (1) failure of the Lender to
assert any additional claim in such proceeding shall not be deemed a waiver of,
or estoppel to pursue, such claim as a claim or counterclaim in arbitration as
set forth above, and (2) the institution or maintenance of a judicial action
hereunder shall not constitute a waiver of the right of any party to submit any
other action, dispute, claim or controversy as described above, even though
arising out of the same transaction or occurrence, to binding arbitration as set
forth herein. If the Borrower asserts a claim against the Lender in arbitration
or otherwise during the pendency of a claim brought by the Lender in a court of
law, the court action shall be stayed and the parties shall submit to
arbitration all claims.

       (d)    No provision of, nor the exercise of any rights under this
Section, shall limit the right of any party (1) to foreclose against any real or
personal property collateral by exercise of a power of sale under any Credit
Document, or by exercise of any rights of foreclosure or of sale under
applicable law, (2) to exercise self-help remedies such as set-off, or (3) to
obtain provisional or ancillary remedies such as injunctive relief, attachment
or the appointment of a receiver from a court having jurisdiction before, during
or after the pendency of any arbitration or referral. The institution and
maintenance of an action for judicial relief or pursuit of provisional or
ancillary remedies or exercise of self-help remedies shall not constitute a
waiver of the right of any party, including the plaintiff in such an action, to
submit the Dispute to arbitration or, in the case of actions on a debt, to
judicial resolution.

       (e)    Whenever an arbitration is required hereunder, the arbitrator
shall be selected in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the
AAA. The AAA shall designate a panel of 10 potential arbitrators knowledgeable
in the subject matter of the Dispute. Each of the Lender and the Obligor shall
designate, within 30 days of the receipt of the list of potential arbitrators,
one of the potential arbitrators to serve, and the two arbitrators so designated
shall select a third arbitrator from the eight remaining potential arbitrators.
The panel of three arbitrators shall determine the resolution of the Dispute.

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
       IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed and delivered this Note
dated the date first written above.

                            /s/ Victor E. Nichol, Jr.
                            -------------------------------------
                            Signature of Borrower

                            Victor E. Nichol, Jr.
                            -------------------------------------
                            Please Print Name

                            Send Correspondence and Billings to:

                                    Victor E. Nichol, Jr.
                                    -----------------------------

                                    1763 Indian Creek Drive
                                    -----------------------------

                                    Vestavia Hills, Alabama 35243
                                    -----------------------------

                                      -6-

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.14

$23,360.00                                                   Birmingham, Alabama
                                                                  April 15, 1999

                                 PROMISSORY NOTE
                                 ---------------

       FOR VALUE RECEIVED, without grace, VICTOR E. NICHOL, JR. (the
"Borrower"), promises to pay to the order of Alabama National BanCorporation, a
Delaware corporation (herein called the "Lender," and together with any
subsequent holder of this note called the "Holder"), in the manner set forth
below, the principal sum of Twenty- Three Thousand Three Hundred Sixty and
00/100 Dollars ($23,360.00), plus interest at the rate set forth below.

       This Note shall bear interest (computed on an Actual/360 Day Basis) on
the unpaid principal balance hereof, from the date of disbursement until payment
in full, at a fixed interest rate equal to six percent (6.0%) per annum.

       Principal and interest shall be payable under this Note on April 15,
2000.

       The Borrower further agrees with the Holder as follows:

       SECTION 1 Rules of Construction. This Note is subject to the rules of
                 ---------------------
construction set forth in the Security Documents.

       SECTION 2 Definitions. As used in this Note, capitalized terms that are
                 -----------
not otherwise defined herein have the meanings defined for them in the Security
Documents and the following terms are defined as follows:

       (a)    Actual/360 Day Basis means a method of computing interest and
              --------------------
other charges on the basis of an assumed year of 360 days for the actual number
of days elapsed, meaning that the interest accrued for each day will be computed
by multiplying the interest rate applicable on that day by the unpaid principal
balance on that day and dividing the result by 360.

       (b)    Business Day means any day, excluding Saturday and Sunday, on
              ------------
which the Lender's main office in Birmingham, Alabama, is open to the public for
carrying on substantially all of its banking business.

       (c)    Credit Documents means this Note, the Security Documents and all
              ----------------
other documents now or hereafter executed or delivered in connection with the
transactions contemplated thereby.

       (d)    Default Rate means a rate of interest equal to four percentage
              ------------
points (400 basis points) in excess of the highest interest rate that would
otherwise be payable on the principal indebtedness evidenced by this Note from
time to time in the absence of the existence of a default, or the maximum rate
permitted by law, whichever is less.

       (e)    Event of Default is defined in Section 8. An Event of Default
              ----------------
"exists" if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.

       (f)    Obligors means the Borrower, each other person executing any
              --------
Security Document as a grantor, (if the Borrower or any such grantor is a
partnership) any general partner thereof, and any other maker, endorser, surety,
guarantor or other person now or hereafter liable for the payment or
performance, in whole or in part, of any of the obligations evidenced by this
Note.

       (g)    Security Documents means the Pledge Agreement dated of even date
              ------------------
herewith executed by the Borrower in favor of the Lender and all other documents
now or hereafter securing or guaranteeing the obligations evidenced by this
Note, or any part thereof.
<PAGE>
 
       SECTION 3 Place and Time of Payments.
                 --------------------------

       (a)    All payments by the Borrower to the Holder under this Note shall
be made in lawful currency of the United States and in immediately available
funds to the Lender at its Main Office in Birmingham, Alabama or at such other
address within the continental United States as shall be specified by the Holder
by notice to the Borrower. Any payment received by the Holder after 2:00 p.m.
(Birmingham, Alabama time) on a Business Day (or at any time on a day that is
not a Business Day) shall be deemed made by the Borrower and received by the
Holder on the following Business Day.

       (b)    All amounts payable by the Borrower to the Holder under this Note
or any of the other Credit Documents for which a payment date is expressly set
forth herein or therein shall be payable on the specified due date without
notice or demand by the Holder. All amounts payable by the Borrower to the
Holder under this Note or the other Credit Documents for which no payment date
is expressly set forth herein or therein shall be payable ten days after written
demand by the Holder to the Borrower. The Holder may, at its option, send
written notice or demand to the Borrower of amounts payable on a specified due
date pursuant to this Note or the other Credit Documents, but the failure to
send such notice shall not affect or excuse the Borrower's obligation to make
payment of the amounts due on the specified due date.

       (c)    Payments that are due on a day that is not a Business Day shall be
payable on the next succeeding Business Day, and any interest payable thereon
shall be payable for such extended time at the specified rate.

       SECTION 4 Default Rate. If an Event of Default exists, this Note shall
                 ------------
bear interest at the Default Rate, until the earlier of (a) such time as all
amounts due hereunder are paid in full or (b) no such Event of Default exists.

       SECTION 5 Security Documents. This Note with interest is secured by and
                 ------------------
entitled to the benefits of the Security Documents. Reference to the Security
Documents is hereby made for all of the provisions thereof. This Note shall be
secured by all security documents that by their terms secure this Note, whether
or not described herein, and all such documents shall constitute Security
Documents.

       SECTION 6 Events of Default. The occurrence of any of the following
                 -----------------
events shall constitute an event of default ("Event of Default") under this Note
(whatever the reason for such event and whether or not it shall be voluntary or
involuntary or be effected by operation of law or pursuant to any Governmental
Requirement): (a) any representation or warranty made in any of the Credit
Documents shall prove to be false or misleading in any material respect as of
the time made; or (b) any report, certificate, financial statement or other
instrument furnished in connection with this Note or any of the other Credit
Documents shall prove to be false or misleading in any material respect as of
the time furnished; or (c) default shall be made in the payment when due of any
of the obligations evidenced by this Note or any part thereof; or (d) any
default or event of default, as therein defined, shall occur under any of the
other Credit Documents (after giving effect to any applicable notice, grace or
cure period specified therein).

       SECTION 7 Acceleration. If an Event of Default exists that does not
                 ------------
already result in the automatic acceleration of this Note under another Credit
Document, the Holder shall have the right without further notice to the Borrower
to declare the entire unpaid principal balance of the indebtedness evidenced by
this Note, with accrued interest, to be immediately due and payable.

       SECTION 8 Certain Waivers and Agreements by Obligors.
                 ------------------------------------------

       (a)    As to the obligations evidenced by this Note, each Obligor
severally (1) waives demand, presentment, protest, notice of protest, suit and
all other requirements necessary to hold liable such Obligor or any of the other
Obligors; (2) waives all exemptions of personal property secured to any Obligor
under the Constitution and laws of the State of Alabama or any other state; and
(3) agrees to pay all costs of collection, including a reasonable attorney's
fee, in the event default should be made in the payment of any of the
obligations evidenced by this Note.

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
       (b)    Each Obligor severally (1) acknowledges that the Lender has not
made any representations or entered into any agreements with such Obligor to
induce such Obligor to enter into the transactions contemplated by this Note
except as set forth in writing in the Credit Documents; (2) agrees upon request
such Obligor will furnish financial statements to the Holder and grant the
Holder access to such Obligor's books and records; (3) agrees that any
obligations of any Obligor may, from time to time, in whole or in part, be
renewed, extended, modified, accelerated, compromised, discharged or released by
the Holder, and any collateral, lien, right of set-off or other security for the
obligations evidenced by this Note or any other obligations of any Obligor to
the Holder may, from time to time, in whole or in part, be exchanged, sold,
released, satisfied, or terminated, all without notice to, or in any way
affecting or releasing any of the obligations of any other Obligor; and (4)
agrees that the Holder will not be required first to resort to any Security
Document, any guaranty or any other security pledged or granted to the Holder,
but upon a default under this Note or any of the Security Documents, the Holder
may forthwith look to any Obligor for payment hereunder or may look to and
realize upon any other security held by the Holder, in any order the Holder
chooses, until the entire debt evidenced by this Note is paid.

       SECTION 9 Independent Obligations. The Borrower agrees that each of the
                 -----------------------
obligations of the Borrower to the Holder under this Note may be enforced
against the Borrower without the necessity of joining any other Obligor, any
other holders of Liens in any Property or any other person, as a party.

       SECTION 10 Heirs, Successors and Assigns. Whenever in this Note any party
                  -----------------------------
hereto is referred to, such reference shall be deemed to include the heirs,
successors and assigns of such party, except that the Borrower may not assign or
transfer its obligations under this Note without the prior written consent of
the Holder; and all obligations of the Borrower under this Note shall bind the
Borrower's heirs, successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of the
successors and assigns of the Holder.

       SECTION 11 Governing Law. This Note shall be construed in accordance with
                  -------------
and governed by Title 9 of the U.S. Code and the internal laws of the State of
Alabama except as required by mandatory provisions of law (without regard to
conflict of law principles).

       SECTION 12 Separability Clause. If any provision of the this Note shall
                  -------------------
be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability
of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired
thereby.

       SECTION 13 No Oral Agreements. This Note is the final expression of the
                  ------------------
agreement between the parties hereto, and this Note may not be contradicted by
evidence of any prior oral agreement between such parties. All previous oral
agreements between the parties hereto have been incorporated into this Note and
the other Credit Documents, and there is no unwritten oral agreement between the
parties hereto in existence.

       SECTION 14 Waiver and Election. The exercise by the Holder of any option
                  -------------------
given under this Note or the Security Documents shall not constitute a waiver of
the right to exercise any other option. No failure or delay on the part of the
Holder in exercising any right, power or remedy under this Note or the Security
Documents shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial
exercise of any such right, power or remedy preclude any further exercise
thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or remedy. No modification,
termination or waiver of any provisions of this Note, nor consent to any
departure by the Borrower therefrom, shall be effective unless in writing and
signed by an authorized officer of the Holder, and then such waiver or consent
shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose
for which given. No notice to or demand on the Borrower in any case shall
entitle the Borrower to any other or further notice or demand in similar or
other circumstances.

       SECTION 15 Set-off. While any Event of Default exists, the Lender is
                  -------
authorized at any time and from time to time, without notice to the Borrower
(any such notice being expressly waived by the Borrower), to set off and apply
any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final)
at any time held and other indebtedness at any time owing by the Lender to or
for the credit or the account of the Borrower against any and all of the
obligations evidenced by this Note, irrespective of whether or not the Lender
shall have made any demand under this Note and although such obligations may be
unmatured. The rights of the Lender under this Section 18 are in addition to all
other rights and remedies (including other rights of set-off or pursuant to any
banker's lien) that the Lender may have.

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
       SECTION 16 Time of Essence. Time is of the essence of this Note.
                  ---------------

       SECTION 17 Submission to Jurisdiction. The Borrower irrevocably (a)
                  --------------------------
acknowledges that this Note will be accepted by the Lender and performed by the
Borrower in the State of Alabama; (b) submits to the jurisdiction of each state
or federal court sitting in Jefferson County, Alabama (collectively, the
"Courts") over any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this
Note (to enforce the arbitration provisions hereof or, if the arbitration
provisions are found to be unenforceable, to determine any issues arising out of
or relating to this Note) or any of the other Credit Documents (individually, an
"Agreement Action"); (c) waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any
objection or defense that the Borrower may now or hereafter have based on
improper venue, lack of personal jurisdiction, inconvenience of forum or any
similar matter in any Agreement Action brought in any of the Courts; (d) agrees
that final judgment in any Agreement Action brought in any of the Courts shall
be conclusive and binding upon the Borrower and may be enforced in any other
court to the jurisdiction of which the Borrower is subject, by a suit upon such
judgment; (e) consents to the service of process on the Borrower in any
Agreement Action by the mailing of a copy thereof by registered or certified
mail, postage prepaid, to the Borrower at the Borrower's address designated at
the end of this Note; (f) agrees that service in accordance with Section 20(e)
shall in every respect be effective and binding on the Borrower to the same
extent as though served on the Borrower in person by a person duly authorized to
serve such process; and (g) AGREES THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION, EVEN IF
FOUND NOT TO BE STRICTLY ENFORCEABLE BY ANY COURT, SHALL CONSTITUTE "FAIR
WARNING" TO THE BORROWER THAT THE EXECUTION OF THIS NOTE MAY SUBJECT THE
BORROWER TO THE JURISDICTION OF EACH STATE OR FEDERAL COURT SITTING IN JEFFERSON
COUNTY, ALABAMA WITH RESPECT TO ANY AGREEMENT ACTIONS, AND THAT IT IS
FORESEEABLE BY THE BORROWER THAT THE BORROWER MAY BE SUBJECTED TO THE
JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURTS AND MAY BE SUED IN THE STATE OF ALABAMA IN ANY
AGREEMENT ACTIONS. Nothing in this Section 20 shall limit or restrict the
Lender's right to serve process or bring Agreement Actions in manners and in
courts otherwise than as herein provided.

       SECTION 18 Usury Laws. Any provision of this Note or any of the other
                  ----------
Credit Documents to the contrary notwithstanding, the Borrower and the Lender
agree that they do not intend for the interest or other consideration provided
for in this Note and the other Credit Documents to be greater than the maximum
amount permitted by applicable law. Regardless of any provision in this Note or
any of the other Credit Documents, the Lender shall not be entitled to receive,
collect or apply, as interest on the Obligations, any amount in excess of the
maximum rate of interest permitted to be charged under applicable law until such
time, if any, as that interest, together with all other interest then payable,
falls within the then applicable maximum lawful rate of interest. If the Lender
shall receive, collect or apply any amount in excess of the then maximum rate of
interest, the amount that would be excessive interest shall be applied first to
the reduction of the principal amount of the Obligations then outstanding in the
inverse order of maturity, and second, if such principal amount is paid in full,
any excess shall forthwith be returned to the Borrower. In determining whether
the interest paid or payable under any specific contingency exceeds the highest
lawful rate, the Borrower and the Lender shall, to the maximum extent permitted
under applicable law, (a) characterize any nonprincipal payment as an expense,
fee or premium rather than as interest, (b) exclude voluntary prepayments and
the effects thereof, (c) consider all the Obligations as one general obligation
of the Borrower, and (d) "spread" the total amount of the interest throughout
the entire term of this Note so that the interest rate is uniform throughout the
entire term of this Note.

       SECTION 19 Arbitration; Dispute Resolution; Preservation of Foreclosure
                  ------------------------------------------------------------
                  Remedies.
                  --------

       (a)    The Borrower represents to the Lender that its business and
affairs constitute substantial interstate commerce and that it contemplates
using the proceeds of this Note in substantial interstate commerce. Except as
otherwise specifically set forth below, any action, dispute, claim, counterclaim
or controversy ("Dispute" or "Disputes"), between or among the Lender, the
Borrower or any other Obligor, including any claim based on or arising from an
alleged tort, shall be resolved by arbitration as set forth below. As used
herein, Disputes shall include all actions, disputes, claims, counterclaims or
controversies arising in connection with this Note, any extension of or
commitment to extend credit by the Lender, any collection of any indebtedness
owed to the Lender, any security or collateral given to the Lender, any action
taken (or any omission to take any action) in connection with any of the
foregoing, any past, 

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
present and future agreement between or among the Lender, the Borrower or any
other Obligor (including this Note and any Credit Document), and any past,
present or future transactions between or among the Lender, the Borrower or any
other Obligor. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Disputes shall
include actions commonly referred to as lender liability actions.

       (b)    All Disputes shall be resolved by binding arbitration in
accordance with Title 9 of the U.S. Code and the Commercial Arbitration Rules of
the American Arbitration Association (the "AAA"). Defenses based on statutes of
limitation, estoppel, waiver, laches and similar doctrines, that would otherwise
be applicable to an action brought by a party, shall be applicable in any such
arbitration proceeding, and the commencement of an arbitration proceeding with
respect to this Note shall be deemed the commencement of an action for such
purposes.

       (c)    Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower and each other Obligor
agrees that the Lender shall have the option, but not the obligation, to submit
to and pursue in a court of law any claim against the Borrower or any other
Obligor for a debt due. The Borrower and each other Obligor agrees that, if the
Lender pursues such a claim in a court of law, (1) failure of the Lender to
assert any additional claim in such proceeding shall not be deemed a waiver of,
or estoppel to pursue, such claim as a claim or counterclaim in arbitration as
set forth above, and (2) the institution or maintenance of a judicial action
hereunder shall not constitute a waiver of the right of any party to submit any
other action, dispute, claim or controversy as described above, even though
arising out of the same transaction or occurrence, to binding arbitration as set
forth herein. If the Borrower asserts a claim against the Lender in arbitration
or otherwise during the pendency of a claim brought by the Lender in a court of
law, the court action shall be stayed and the parties shall submit to
arbitration all claims.

       (d)    No provision of, nor the exercise of any rights under this
Section, shall limit the right of any party (1) to foreclose against any real or
personal property collateral by exercise of a power of sale under any Credit
Document, or by exercise of any rights of foreclosure or of sale under
applicable law, (2) to exercise self-help remedies such as set-off, or (3) to
obtain provisional or ancillary remedies such as injunctive relief, attachment
or the appointment of a receiver from a court having jurisdiction before, during
or after the pendency of any arbitration or referral. The institution and
maintenance of an action for judicial relief or pursuit of provisional or
ancillary remedies or exercise of self-help remedies shall not constitute a
waiver of the right of any party, including the plaintiff in such an action, to
submit the Dispute to arbitration or, in the case of actions on a debt, to
judicial resolution.

       (e)    Whenever an arbitration is required hereunder, the arbitrator
shall be selected in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the
AAA. The AAA shall designate a panel of 10 potential arbitrators knowledgeable
in the subject matter of the Dispute. Each of the Lender and the Obligor shall
designate, within 30 days of the receipt of the list of potential arbitrators,
one of the potential arbitrators to serve, and the two arbitrators so designated
shall select a third arbitrator from the eight remaining potential arbitrators.
The panel of three arbitrators shall determine the resolution of the Dispute.]

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
       IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed and delivered this Note
dated the date first written above.



                            /s/ VICTOR E. NICHOL, JR.
                            ------------------------------------
                            Signature of Borrower


                            VICTOR E. NICHOL, JR.
                            ------------------------------------
                            Please Print Name

                            Send Correspondence and Billings to:

                                 Victor E. Nichol, Jr.
                                 -------------------------------
 
                                 1763 Indian Creek Drive
                                 -------------------------------

                                 Vestavia Hills, Alabama 35243
                                 -------------------------------

                                      -6-

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.15

                                PLEDGE AGREEMENT
                                ----------------

       THIS PLEDGE AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") dated April 15, 1999 is between
VICTOR E. NICHOL, JR., as pledgor and debtor (the "Borrower"), and ALABAMA
NATIONAL BANCORPORATION, a Delaware corporation, as pledgee and secured party
(the "Lender").

                                    Recitals
                                    --------

       The Borrower is the holder, beneficially and of record, of certain shares
of the outstanding capital stock of the Lender, more particularly described on
Exhibit A attached hereto and made a part hereof (the "Stock").

       Capitalized terms used in these Recitals have the meanings defined for
them above or in Section 1.2. The Borrower has requested that the Lender extend
Credit to the Borrower under the Credit Documents. To secure the Obligations,
and to induce the Lender to extend Credit to the Borrower under the Credit
Documents, the Borrower has agreed to execute and deliver this Agreement to the
Lender.

                                    Agreement
                                    ---------

       NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing Recitals, and to induce
the Lender to extend Credit to the Borrower under the Credit Documents, the
Borrower agrees with the Lender as follows:

                                    ARTICLE 1

                      Rules of Construction and Definitions
                      -------------------------------------

       SECTION 1.1 Rules of Construction. For the purposes of this Agreement,
                   ---------------------
except as otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires:

       (a)    Words of masculine, feminine or neuter gender include the
correlative words of other genders. Singular terms include the plural as well as
the singular, and vice versa.

       (b)    All references herein to designated "Articles," "Sections" and
other subdivisions or to lettered Exhibits are to the designated Articles,
Sections and subdivisions hereof and the Exhibits annexed hereto unless
expressly otherwise designated in context. All Article, Section, other
subdivision and Exhibit captions herein are used for reference only and do not
limit or describe the scope or intent of, or in any way affect, this Agreement.

       (c)    The terms "include," "including," and similar terms shall be
construed as if followed by the phrase "without being limited to."

       (d)    The terms "herein," "hereof" and "hereunder" and other words of
similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular
Article, Section, other subdivision or Exhibit.

       (e)    All Recitals set forth in, and all Exhibits to, this Agreement are
hereby incorporated in this Agreement by reference.

       (f)    No inference in favor of or against any party shall be drawn from
the fact that such party or such party's counsel has drafted any portion hereof.

       (g)    All references in this Agreement to a separate instrument are to
such separate instrument as the same may be amended or supplemented from time to
time pursuant to the applicable provisions thereof.

       SECTION 1.2 Definitions. As used in this Agreement, the following terms
                   -----------
are defined as follows:

       (a)    Unless otherwise defined herein, terms used in this Agreement that
are defined in Article 9 of the Alabama Uniform Commercial Code have the
meanings defined for them therein.
<PAGE>
 
       (b)    Additional Stock is defined in Section 2.2.
              ----------------

       (c)    Business Day means any day, excluding Saturday and Sunday, on
              -----------
which the Lender's main office in Birmingham, Alabama, is open to the public for
carrying on substantially all of its banking business.

       (d)    Credit means, individually and collectively, all loans,
              ------
forbearances, renewals, extensions, advances, disbursements and other extensions
of credit now or hereafter made by the Lender to or for the account of the
Borrower under the Credit Documents.

       (e)    Credit Documents means the documents described in Exhibit B and
              ----------------
all other documents now or hereafter executed or delivered in connection with
the transactions contemplated thereby.

       (f)    Debt of any person means (1) all indebtedness, whether or not
              ----
represented by bonds, debentures, notes or other securities, for the repayment
of borrowed money, (2) all deferred indebtedness for the payment of the purchase
price of property or assets purchased, (3) all capitalized lease obligations,
(4) all indebtedness secured by any Lien on any property of such person, whether
or not indebtedness secured thereby has been assumed, (5) all obligations with
respect to any conditional sale contract or title retention agreement, (6) all
indebtedness and obligations arising under acceptance facilities or in
connection with surety or similar bonds, and the outstanding amount of all
letters of credit issued for the account of such person, and (7) all obligations
with respect to interest rate swap agreements.

       (g)    Default Rate means a rate of interest equal to four percentage
              ------------
points (400 basis points) in excess of the highest interest rate that would
otherwise be payable on the principal amount of the Credit under the Credit
Documents from time to time in the absence of the existence of a default, or the
maximum rate permitted by law, whichever is less.

       (h)    Event of Default is defined in Section 4.1. An Event of Default
              ----------------
"exists" if the same has occurred and is continuing.

       (i)    Governmental Authority means any national, state, county,
              ----------------------
municipal or other government, domestic or foreign, and any agency, authority,
department, commission, bureau, board, court or other instrumentality thereof.

       (j)    Lien means any mortgage, pledge, assignment, charge, encumbrance,
              ----
lien, security title, security interest or other preferential arrangement.

       (k)    Obligations means (1) the payment of all amounts now or hereafter
              -----------
becoming due and payable under the Credit Documents, including the principal
amount of the Credit, all interest thereon (including interest that, but for the
filing of a petition in bankruptcy, would accrue on any such principal) and all
other fees, charges and costs (including attorneys' fees and disbursements)
payable in connection therewith; (2) the observance and performance the Borrower
of all of the provisions of the Credit Documents; (3) the payment of all sums
advanced or paid by the Lender in exercising any of its rights, powers or
remedies under the Credit Documents, and all interest (including post-bankruptcy
petition interest, as aforesaid) on such sums provided for herein or therein;
and (4) all renewals, extensions, modifications and amendments of any of the
foregoing, whether or not any renewal, extension, modification or amendment
agreement is executed in connection therewith.

       (l)    Obligors means the Borrower each other person, if any, executing
              --------
any Security Document as a grantor, (if the Borrower is a partnership) any
general partner thereof, and any other maker, endorser, surety, guarantor or
other person now or hereafter liable for the payment or performance, in whole or
in part, of any of the Obligations.

       (m)    Permitted Encumbrances means the Liens granted to the Lender under
              ----------------------
this Agreement and any other Liens of the Lender.

       (n)    Person (whether or not capitalized) includes natural persons, sole
              ------
proprietorships, corporations, trusts, unincorporated organizations,
associations, companies, institutions, entities, joint ventures, partnerships,
limited liability companies and Governmental Authorities.

       (o)    Pledged Stock is defined in Section 2.2.
              -------------
       (p)    Property is defined in Section 2.2.
              --------

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 

       (q)    Security Documents means all Credit Documents that now or
              ------------------
hereafter grant or purport to grant to the Lender any guaranty, collateral or
other security for any of the Obligations.

                                    ARTICLE 2

                               Security Agreement
                               ------------------

       SECTION 2.1 Pledge of Stock. As security for the Obligations, the
                   ---------------
Borrower hereby grants to the Lender security title to and a continuing security
interest in, and assigns, transfers, conveys, pledges and hypothecates to the
Lender, all of the Borrower's right, title and interest in and to the Stock and
all proceeds thereof, and the Borrower hereby delivers to the Lender the stock
certificates evidencing the Stock, as described in Exhibit A, together with
                                                   ---------
separate assignments thereof, to be held by the Lender upon the terms and
conditions set forth in this Agreement.

       SECTION 2.2 Pledge of Additional Stock. If the Borrower shall acquire by
                   --------------------------
exchange or replacement any additional shares of the capital stock of the
Company, of whatever class or description ("Additional Stock") at any time after
the date hereof, the Borrower hereby grants to the Lender a security interest
in, and assigns, transfers, conveys, pledges and hypothecates to the Lender, all
of the Borrower's right, title and interest in and to the Additional Stock and
such certificates, and immediately upon receipt thereof the Borrower shall
pledge and deposit the Additional Stock with the Lender and shall deliver to the
Lender certificates therefor registered in the name of the Borrower, together
with executed separate assignments thereof, to be held by the Lender under this
Agreement. The Stock, the Additional Stock, and any stock or other securities
issued in exchange therefor or replacement thereof, are hereinafter together
called the "Pledged Stock," and the Pledged Stock and all proceeds thereof and
all other securities and moneys received and at the time held by the Lender
hereunder are hereinafter together called the "Property," all of which shall be
subject to the Liens granted to the Lender under this Agreement.

       SECTION 2.3 Dividends and Other Distributions. Unless an Event of Default
                   ---------------------------------
exists, all cash dividends paid on the Pledged Stock shall be paid to the
Borrower, except that all cash dividends payable on the Pledged Stock that are
determined by the Lender in its sole discretion to represent in whole or in part
an extraordinary, liquidating or other distribution in return of capital shall
be paid to the Lender and retained by it as Property. The Lender shall also be
entitled to receive directly and to retain as Property:

       (a)    all stock and other securities or property (other than cash) paid
or distributed with respect to the Pledged Stock by way of dividend;

       (b)    all stock and other securities or property (including cash) paid
or distributed with respect to the Pledged Stock by way of stock-split,
spin-off, split-up, reclassification, combination of shares or similar or other
corporate rearrangement; and

       (c)    all stock and other securities or property (including cash) that
may be paid or distributed with respect to the Pledged Stock by reason of any
consolidation, merger, exchange of stock, conveyance of assets, liquidation or
similar corporate reorganization.

       SECTION 2.4 Voting While No Event of Default. Unless an Event of Default
                   --------------------------------
exists, the Borrower shall have the right to vote any and all shares of the
Pledged Stock and to give consents, waivers and ratifications with respect to
the Property and otherwise act with respect thereto. All such rights of the
Borrower to vote and to give consents, waivers and ratifications shall cease if
an Event of Default exists.

                                    ARTICLE 3

                    Representations, Warranties and Covenants
                    -----------------------------------------

       SECTION 3.1 Representations and Warranties. The Borrower represents and
                   ------------------------------
warrants to the Lender that (a) subject to Permitted Encumbrances, the Borrower
is the holder of record and sole beneficial owner of the Stock (which is fully
issued and non-assessable), free of Liens and adverse claims of any kind, except
Permitted Encumbrances; (b) the Borrower has a good right to grant to the Lender
the Liens in the Stock purported to be granted under this Agreement; (c) there
are no outstanding subscriptions, options, rights, warrants, calls, commitments
or agreements of any kind to acquire or transfer any of the Stock; and (d) to
the best of the Borrower's knowledge, no consent, authorization or other action
by, and no notice to or filing with, any other person (including any
stockholder, partner or creditor of the Borrower and any Governmental Authority)
is required for (1) the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the
Borrower, (2) the granting to the Lender of the Liens on the Property under this
Agreement, or (3) the exercise by the Lender of the rights, powers and remedies
granted to it under

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
this Agreement, except as may be required in connection with any disposition by
the Lender of the Property under laws affecting the offering and sale of
securities generally.

       SECTION 3.2 Encumbrances and Dispositions. The Borrower shall not (a)
                   -----------------------------
encumber any of the Property, or permit any of the Property to be encumbered,
with any kind of Lien, other than Permitted Encumbrances, or (b) sell, transfer
or otherwise dispose of, or grant any option or warrant with respect to, any of
the Property.

       SECTION 3.3 Taxes and Assessments. The Borrower shall pay when due all
                   ----------------------
taxes, assessments and other charges levied or assessed against any of the
Property, and all other claims that are or may become Liens against any of the
Property, except any that are Permitted Encumbrances; and should default be made
in the payment of same, the Lender, at its option, may pay them.

       SECTION 3.4 Filing Fees and Taxes. The Borrower agrees, to the extent
                   ---------------------
permitted by law, to pay all recording and filing fees, revenue stamps, taxes
and other expenses and charges payable in connection with the execution and
delivery of the Credit Documents, and the recording, filing, satisfaction,
continuation and release thereof.

       SECTION 3.5 Further Assurances. At the Borrower's cost and expense, upon
                   ------------------
request of the Lender, the Borrower shall duly execute and deliver, or cause to
be duly executed and delivered, to the Lender such further instruments and do
and cause to be done such further acts as may be reasonably necessary or proper
in the opinion of the Lender or its counsel to perfect, preserve and protect the
validity of the Liens of the Lender in the Property and to carry out more
effectively the provisions and purposes of this Agreement.

       SECTION 3.6 Attorney-in-Fact. The Borrower hereby constitutes and
                   ----------------
appoints the Lender, or any other person whom the Lender may designate, as the
Borrower's attorney-in-fact, at the Borrower's sole cost and expense, effective
upon the existence of any Event of Default, with full authority in the place and
stead of the Borrower and in the name of the Borrower or otherwise, from time to
time in the Lender's discretion to take any action (a) that the Borrower has
agreed, but has failed, to take under this Agreement, (b) that the Lender in its
sole discretion deems necessary or advisable to maintain, preserve or protect
the security intended to be afforded by this Agreement, or (c) that the Lender
may deem necessary or advisable to accomplish the purposes of this Agreement and
the other Credit Documents.

                                    ARTICLE 4

                                Events of Default
                                -----------------

       SECTION 4.1 Events of Default. The occurrence of any of the following
                   -----------------
events shall constitute an event of default (an "Event of Default") under this
Agreement (whatever the reason for such event and whether or not it shall be
voluntary or involuntary or be effected by operation of law or pursuant to any
Governmental Requirement):

       (a)    any representation or warranty made in this Agreement or in any of
the other Credit Documents shall prove to be false or misleading in any material
respect as of the time made; or

       (b)    any report, certificate, financial statement or other instrument
furnished in connection with the Credit, this Agreement or any of the other
Credit Documents, shall prove to be false or misleading in any material respect
as of the time furnished; or

       (c)    default shall be made in the payment when due of any of the
Obligations; or

       (d)    default shall be made in the due observance or performance of any
covenant, condition or agreement on the part of the Borrower to be observed or
performed pursuant to the terms of this Agreement (other than any covenant,
condition or agreement, default in the observance or performance of which is
elsewhere in this Section 4.1 specifically dealt with) and such default shall
continue unremedied for a period of thirty (30) days; or

       (e)    any default or event of default, as therein defined, shall occur
under any of the other Credit Documents (after giving effect to any applicable
notice, grace or cure period specified therein); or

       (f)    (1) default shall be made with respect to any Debt (other than the
Obligations) of any Obligor, if the effect of such default is to accelerate the
maturity of such Debt or to permit the holder thereof to cause such Debt to
become due prior

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
to its stated maturity, or (2) any such Debt shall not be paid when due (after
giving effect to any applicable notice, grace or cure periods); or

       (g)    any Obligor shall (1) apply for or consent to the appointment of a
receiver, trustee, liquidator or other custodian of such Obligor or any of such
Obligor's properties or assets (including the Property), (2) fail or admit in
writing such Obligor's inability to pay such Obligor's debts generally as they
become due, (3) make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors, (4)
suffer or permit an order for relief to be entered against such Obligor in any
proceeding under the federal Bankruptcy Code, or (5) file a voluntary petition
in bankruptcy, or a petition or an answer seeking an arrangement with creditors
or to take advantage of any bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency, readjustment
of debt, dissolution or liquidation law or statute, or an answer admitting the
material allegations of a petition filed against such Obligor in any proceeding
under any such law or statute, or if corporate action shall be taken by any
Obligor for the purpose of effecting any of the foregoing; or

       (h)    a petition shall be filed, without the application, approval or
consent of any Obligor in any court of competent jurisdiction, seeking
bankruptcy, reorganization, rearrangement, dissolution or liquidation of such
Obligor or of all or a substantial part of the properties or assets of such
Obligor, or seeking any other relief under any law or statute of the type
referred to in Section 4.1(l)(5) against such Obligor, or the appointment of a
receiver, trustee, liquidator or other custodian of such Obligor or of all or a
substantial part of the properties or assets of such Obligor, and such petition
shall not have been stayed or dismissed within 30 days after the filing thereof;
or

       (i)    any writ of execution, attachment or garnishment shall be issued
against the assets of any Obligor and such writ of execution, attachment or
garnishment shall not be dismissed, discharged or quashed within 30 days of
issuance; or

       (j)    any final judgment for the payment of money shall be rendered
against any Obligor and the same shall remain undischarged for a period of 30
days during which execution shall not be effectively stayed; or

       (k)    any guarantor of any of the Obligations shall default in the due
observance or performance of any covenant, condition or agreement on such
guarantor's part to be observed or performed under such guarantor's guaranty
agreement (after giving effect to any applicable notice, grace or cure period
specified therein) or shall terminate or attempt to terminate such guarantor's
guaranty agreement.

                                    ARTICLE 5

                                    Remedies
                                    --------

       SECTION 5.1 Acceleration of Obligations. If an Event of Default exists
                   ---------------------------
under Section 4.1(l), 4.1(m) or 4.1(l), all of the Obligations shall
automatically become immediately due and payable. If any other Event of Default
exists that does not already result in the automatic acceleration of the
Obligations under another Credit Document, the Lender shall have the right
without further notice to the Borrower (except any such notice as may be
specifically required under the other Credit Documents) to declare all of the
Obligations immediately due and payable.

       SECTION 5.2 Remedies. If an Event of Default exists, the Lender shall be
                   --------
entitled to exercise all of the rights, powers and remedies vested in it by this
Agreement and applicable law (including all rights of a secured party under
Article 9 of the Alabama Uniform Commercial Code) for the protection and
enforcement of its rights with respect to the Property, including the rights:

       (a)    to receive all amounts payable with respect to the Property
otherwise payable to the Borrower under Section 2.3;

       (b)    to transfer all or any part of the Pledged Stock into the Lender's
name or the name of its nominee and to cause new certificates to be issued in
the name of such transferee;

       (c)    to vote all or any part of the Pledged Stock, whether or not
transferred into the name of the Lender or its nominee, and to give all
consents, waivers and ratifications with respect to the Property and otherwise
act with respect thereto as though the Lender were the outright owner thereof
(the Borrower hereby irrevocably constituting and appointing the Lender the
proxy and attorney-in-fact of the Borrower, with full power of substitution, to
do so);

       (d)    to settle, adjust, compromise and arrange all accounts,
controversies, claims and demands in relation to any Property;

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
       (e)    to execute all contracts, agreements, documents and instruments,
to bring, defend and abandon all actions and proceedings, and to take all other
actions, in relation to any Property as the Lender in its sole discretion may
determine; and

       (f)    at any time or from time to time to sell, assign and deliver, or
grant options to purchase, all or any part of the Property, or any interest
therein, at any public or private sale, at any exchange, broker's board or at
any of the Lender's offices, in one or more parcels, without demand of
performance, advertisement or notice of intention to sell or of the time or
place of sale or adjournment thereof or otherwise (all of which are hereby
waived by the Borrower), for cash, on credit, or for other property, for
immediate or future delivery without any assumption of credit risk, and for such
prices and on such terms as the Lender in its sole discretion may deem to be
commercially reasonable. The Lender shall not be obligated to make any sale of
Property regardless of notice having been given. The Lender may adjourn any sale
from time to time by announcement at the time and place fixed therefor, and any
such sale may, without further notice, be made at the time and place to which it
was adjourned. The Lender shall not be liable for any failure to collect or
realize upon any Property or for any delay in so doing, or shall it be obligated
to take any action whatsoever with respect thereto.

       SECTION 5.3 Non-Public Sale. If at any time when the Lender shall
                   ---------------
determine to exercise its right to sell all or any of the Pledged Stock and
other securities pursuant to Section 5.2, such Pledged Stock and other
securities or the part thereof to be sold shall not for any reason be
effectively registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as then in effect, the
Lender may, in its sole discretion, sell such Pledged Stock and other securities
or part thereof by private sale in such manner and under such circumstances as
the Lender may deem necessary or advisable in order that such sale may legally
be effected without such registration. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, in any such event the Lender, in its sole discretion (a) may proceed
to make such private sale notwithstanding that a registration statement
registering any such Pledged Stock shall have been filed under such Securities
Act, (b) may approach and negotiate with as few as one possible purchaser to
effect such sale, and (c) may restrict such sale to a purchaser who will
represent and agree that such purchaser is purchasing for its own account, for
investment, and not with a view to the distribution or sale of any such Pledged
Stock and who will satisfy such other conditions as at such time may be required
for lawful non-public sale. In the event of any such sale, the Lender shall
incur no responsibility or liability for selling all or any part of the Pledged
Stock at a price which the Lender, in its sole discretion, may deem reasonable
under the circumstances, notwithstanding the possibility that a substantially
higher price might be realized if the sale were deferred until after
registration.

       SECTION 5.4 Reasonable Care. The Lender shall be deemed to have exercised
                   ---------------
reasonable care in the custody and preservation of any Property in its
possession if it takes such reasonable actions for that purpose as the Borrower
shall request in writing, but the Lender shall have sole power to determine
whether such actions are reasonable. Any omission to do any act not requested by
the Borrower shall not be deemed a failure to exercise reasonable care.

       SECTION 5.5 Waiver of Redemption, Marshalling, etc. The Borrower hereby
                   --------------------------------------
waives and releases to the fullest extent permitted by law any right or equity
of redemption with respect to the Property, whether before or after sale
hereunder, and all rights, if any, of marshalling the Property and any other
security for the Obligations or otherwise. At any such sale, unless prohibited
by applicable law, the Lender may bid for and purchase all or any part of the
Property so sold free from any such right or equity of redemption.

       SECTION 5.6 Application of Proceeds. The net cash proceeds resulting from
                   -----------------------
the exercise of any of the rights and remedies of the Lender under this
Agreement, after deducting all charges, expenses, costs and attorneys' fees
relating thereto, including any and all costs and expenses referred to in
Section 6.2, shall be applied by the Lender to the payment of the Obligations,
whether due or to become due, in such order and in such proportions as the
Lender may elect; and the Borrower shall remain liable to the Lender for any
deficiency.

       SECTION 5.7 Additional Security, etc. Without notice to or consent of the
                   -------------------------
Borrower, and without impairment of the Liens and rights created by this
Agreement, the Lender may accept from the Borrower, any other Obligor or any
other person, additional security for the Obligations. Neither the giving of
this Agreement nor the acceptance of any such additional security shall prevent
the Lender from resorting first to any such additional security, or first to the
Liens created by this Agreement, without affecting the Liens and rights of the
Lender under this Agreement.

       SECTION 5.8 Default Rate. If an Event of Default exists, the Obligations
                   ------------
shall bear interest at the Default Rate, until the earlier of (a) such time as
all of the Obligations are paid in full or (b) no such Event of Default exists.

       SECTION 5.9 Remedies Cumulative. The rights and remedies of the Lender
                   -------------------
under this Agreement are cumulative and not exclusive of any other rights or
remedies now or hereafter existing at law or in equity.

                                      -6-
<PAGE>
 
                                    ARTICLE 6

                                  Miscellaneous
                                  -------------

       SECTION 6.1 Notices.
                   -------

       (a)    Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent,
waiver or other document provided or permitted by this Agreement to be made
upon, given or furnished to, or filed with, the Borrower or the Lender must
(except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement) be in writing and be
delivered by one of the following methods: (1) by personal delivery at the hand
delivery address specified below, (2) by first-class, registered or certified
mail, postage prepaid, addressed as specified below, or (3) if facsimile
transmission facilities for such party are identified below or pursuant to a
separate written notice from such party, sent by facsimile transmission to the
number specified below or in such notice.

       (b)    The hand delivery address, mailing address and (if applicable)
facsimile transmission number for receipt of notice or other documents by such
parties are as follows:

             (1)    Borrower:
                    ---------

                    By hand
                    or mail:      Victor E. Nichol, Jr.
                                  1763 Indian Creek Drive
                                  Vestavia Hills, Alabama 35243

             (2)    Lender:
                    -------
 
                    By hand
                    or mail:      Alabama National Bancorporation
                                  1927 First Avenue North
                                  Birmingham, Alabama 35203
                                  Attention: Chief Executive Officer

                    By facsimile: (205) 583-3275

Any of such parties may change the address or number for receiving any such
notice or other document by giving notice of the change to the other parties
named in this Section 6.1.

       (c)    Any such notice or other document shall be deemed delivered when
actually received by the party to whom directed (or, if such party is not an
individual, to an officer, director, partner or other legal representative of
the party) at the address or number specified pursuant to this Section 6.1, or,
if sent by mail, three Business Days after such notice or document is deposited
in the United States mail, addressed as provided above.

       (d)    Five Business Days' written notice to the Borrower as provided
above shall constitute reasonable notification to the Borrower when notification
is required by law; provided, however, that nothing contained in the foregoing
shall be construed as requiring five Business Days' notice if, under applicable
law and the circumstances then existing, a shorter period of time would
constitute reasonable notice.

       SECTION 6.2 Expenses. The Borrower shall promptly on demand pay all costs
                   --------
and expenses, including the fees and disbursements of counsel to the Lender,
incurred by the Lender in connection with (a) the negotiation, preparation and
review of this Agreement (whether or not the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement shall be consummated), (b) the enforcement of this Agreement, (c) the
custody and preservation of the Property, (d) the protection or perfection of
the Lender's rights and interests under this Agreement in the Property, (e) the
exercise by or on behalf of the Lender of any of its rights, powers or remedies
under this Agreement and (f) the prosecution or defense of any action or
proceeding by or against the Lender, the Borrower, any other Obligor, or any one
or more of them, concerning any matter related to this Agreement, any of the
Property or any of the Obligations. All such amounts shall bear interest from
the date demand is made at the Default Rate and shall be included in the
Obligations secured hereby. The Borrower's obligations under this Section 6.2
shall survive the payment in full of the Obligations and the termination of this
Agreement.

                                      -7-
<PAGE>
 
       SECTION 6.3 Heirs, Successors and Assigns. Whenever in this Agreement any
                   ------------------------------
party hereto is referred to, such reference shall be deemed to include the
heirs, successors and assigns of such party, except that the Borrower may not
assign or transfer this Agreement without the prior written consent of the
Lender; and all covenants and agreements of the Borrower contained in this
Agreement shall bind the Borrower's heirs, successors and assigns and shall
inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Lender.

       SECTION 6.4 Joint and Several Liability. If the Borrower is comprised of
                   ---------------------------
more than one person, all of the Borrower's representations, warranties,
covenants and agreements under this Agreement shall be joint and several and
shall be binding on and enforceable against either, any or all of the persons
comprising the Borrower. If any one or more of the persons comprising the
Borrower is in default, the Lender my exercise its remedies on default against
all of the person comprising the Borrower.

       SECTION 6.5 Independent Obligations. The Borrower agrees that each of the
                   -----------------------
obligations of the Borrower to the Lender under this Agreement may be enforced
against the Borrower without the necessity of joining any other Obligor, any
other holders of Liens in any Property or any other person, as a party.

       SECTION 6.6 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be construed in
                   --------------
accordance with and governed by Title 9 of the U.S. Code and the internal laws
of the State of Alabama (without regard to conflict of law principles) except as
required by mandatory provisions of law and except to the extent that the
validity and perfection of the Liens on the Property are governed by the laws of
any jurisdiction other than the State of Alabama.

       SECTION 6.7 Date of Agreement. The date of this Agreement is intended as
                   -----------------
a date for the convenient identification of this Agreement and is not intended
to indicate that this Agreement was executed and delivered on that date.

       SECTION 6.8 Separability Clause. If any provision of the Credit Documents
                   -------------------
shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and
enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or
impaired thereby.

       SECTION 6.9 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
                   ------------
counterparts, each of which so executed shall be deemed an original, but all
such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same agreement.

       SECTION 6.10 No Oral Agreements. This Agreement is the final expression
                    ------------------
of the agreement between the parties hereto, and this Agreement may not be
contradicted by evidence of any prior oral agreement between such parties. All
previous oral agreements between the parties hereto have been incorporated into
this Agreement and the other Credit Documents, and there is no unwritten oral
agreement between the parties hereto in existence.

       SECTION 6.11 Waiver and Election. The exercise by the Lender of any
                    -------------------
option given under this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver of the right to
exercise any other option. No failure or delay on the part of the Lender in
exercising any right, power or remedy under this Agreement shall operate as a
waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right,
power or remedy preclude any further exercise thereof or the exercise of any
other right, power or remedy. No modification, termination or waiver of any
provisions of the Credit Documents, nor consent to any departure by the Borrower
therefrom, shall be effective unless in writing and signed by an authorized
officer of the Lender, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only
in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given. No notice
to or demand on the Borrower in any case shall entitle the Borrower to any other
or further notice or demand in similar or other circumstances.

       SECTION 6.12 No Obligations of Lender; Indemnification. The Lender does
                    ------------------------------------------
not by virtue of this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated by the
Credit Documents assume any duties, liabilities or obligations with respect to
any of the Property unless expressly assumed by the Lender under a separate
agreement in writing, and this Agreement shall not be deemed to confer on the
Lender any duties or obligations that would make the Lender directly or
derivatively liable for any person's negligent, reckless or wilful conduct. The
Borrower agrees to indemnify and hold the Lender harmless against and with
respect to any damage, claim, action, loss, cost, expense, liability, penalty or
interest (including attorney's fees) and all costs and expenses of all actions,
suits, proceedings, demands, assessments, claims and judgments directly or
indirectly resulting from, occurring in connection with, or arising out of: (a)
any inaccurate representation made by the Borrower or any Obligor in this
Agreement or any other Credit Document; (b) any breach of any of the warranties
or obligations of the Borrower or any Obligor under this Agreement or any other
Credit Document; and (c) the Property, or the Liens of the Lender thereon. The
provisions of this Section 6.12 shall survive the payment of the Obligations in
full and the termination, satisfaction, release (in whole or in part) and
foreclosure of this Agreement.

                                      -8-
<PAGE>
 
       SECTION 6.13 Advances by the Lender. If the Borrower shall fail to comply
                    ----------------------
with any of the provisions of this Agreement, the Lender may (but shall not be
required to) make advances to perform the same, and where necessary enter any
premises where any Property is located for the purpose of performing the
Borrower's obligations under any such provision. The Borrower agrees to repay
all such sums advanced upon demand, with interest from the date such advances
are made at the Default Rate, and all sums so advanced with interest shall be a
part of the Obligations. The making of any such advances shall not be construed
as a waiver by the Lender of any Event of Default resulting from the Borrower's
failure to pay such amounts.

       SECTION 6.14 Rights, Liens and Obligations Absolute. All rights of the
                    --------------------------------------
Lender hereunder, all Liens granted to the Lender hereunder, and all obligations
of the Borrower hereunder, shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be
affected by (a) any lack of validity or enforceability as to any other person of
any of the Credit Documents, (b) any change in the time, manner or place of
payment of, or any other term of the Obligations, (c) any amendment or waiver of
any of the provisions of the Credit Documents as to any other person, and (d)
any exchange, release or non-perfection of any other collateral or any release,
termination or waiver of any guaranty, for any of the Obligations.

       SECTION 6.15 Termination. This Agreement and the Lender's Liens in the
                    -----------
Property hereunder will not be terminated until one of the Lender's officers
signs a written termination agreement. Except as otherwise expressly provided
for in this Agreement, no termination of this Agreement shall in any way affect
or impair the representations, warranties, agreements or other obligations of
the Borrower or the rights, powers and remedies of the Lender under this
Agreement with respect to any transaction or event occurring prior to such
termination, all of which shall survive such termination.

       SECTION 6.16 Reinstatement. This Agreement, the obligations of the
                    -------------
Borrower hereunder, and the Liens, rights, powers and remedies of the Lender
hereunder, shall continue to be effective, or be automatically reinstated, as
the case may be, if at any time any amount applied to the payment of any of the
Obligations is rescinded or must otherwise be restored or returned to the
Borrower, any Obligor, or any other person (or paid to the creditors of any of
them, or to any custodian, receiver, trustee or other officer with similar
powers with respect to any of them, or with respect to any part of their
property) upon the insolvency, bankruptcy, dissolution, liquidation or
reorganization of the Borrower, any Obligor or any such person, or upon or as a
result of the appointment of a custodian, receiver, trustee or other officer
with respect to any of them, or with respect to any part of their property, or
otherwise, all as though such payment had not been made.

       SECTION 6.17 Submission to Jurisdiction. The Borrower irrevocably (a)
                    --------------------------
acknowledges that this Agreement will be accepted by the Lender and performed by
the Borrower in the State of Alabama; (b) submits to the jurisdiction of each
state or federal court sitting in Jefferson County, Alabama (collectively, the
"Courts") over any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this
Agreement (to enforce the arbitration provisions hereof or, if the arbitration
provisions are found to be unenforceable, to determine any issues arising out of
or relating to this Agreement) or any of the other Credit Documents
(individually, an "Agreement Action"); (c) waives, to the fullest extent
permitted by law, any objection or defense that the Borrower may now or
hereafter have based on improper venue, lack of personal jurisdiction,
inconvenience of forum or any similar matter in any Agreement Action brought in
any of the Courts; (d) agrees that final judgment in any Agreement Action
brought in any of the Courts shall be conclusive and binding upon the Borrower
and may be enforced in any other court to the jurisdiction of which the Borrower
is subject, by a suit upon such judgment; (e) consents to the service of process
on the Borrower in any Agreement Action by the mailing of a copy thereof by
registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, to the Borrower at the Borrower's
address designated in or pursuant to Section 6.1; (f) agrees that service in
accordance with Section 6.17(e) shall in every respect be effective and binding
on the Borrower to the same extent as though served on the Borrower in person by
a person duly authorized to serve such process; and (g) AGREES THAT THE
PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION, EVEN IF FOUND NOT TO BE STRICTLY ENFORCEABLE BY ANY
COURT, SHALL CONSTITUTE "FAIR WARNING" TO THE BORROWER THAT THE EXECUTION OF
THIS AGREEMENT MAY SUBJECT THE BORROWER TO THE JURISDICTION OF EACH STATE OR
FEDERAL COURT SITTING IN JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALABAMA WITH RESPECT TO ANY AGREEMENT
ACTIONS, AND THAT IT IS FORESEEABLE BY THE BORROWER THAT THE BORROWER MAY BE
SUBJECTED TO THE JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURTS AND MAY BE SUED IN THE STATE OF
ALABAMA IN ANY AGREEMENT ACTIONS. Nothing in this Section 6.17 shall limit or
restrict the Lender's right to serve process or bring Agreement Actions in
manners and in courts otherwise than as herein provided.

       SECTION 6.18 Arbitration; Dispute Resolution; Preservation of Foreclosure
                    ------------------------------------------------------------
                    Remedies
                    --------
       (a) The Borrower represents to the Lender that its business and affairs
constitute substantial interstate commerce and that it contemplates using the
proceeds of the Note in substantial interstate commerce. Except as otherwise
specifically set forth below, any action, dispute, claim, counterclaim or
controversy ("Dispute" or "Disputes"), between or among the Lender, the Borrower
or any other Obligor, including any claim based on or arising from an alleged
tort, shall be resolved by arbitration

                                      -9-
<PAGE>
 
as set forth below. As used herein, Disputes shall include all actions,
disputes, claims, counterclaims or controversies arising in connection with the
Note, any extension of or commitment to extend Credit by the Lender, any
collection of any indebtedness owed to the Lender, any security or collateral
given to the Lender, any action taken (or any omission to take any action) in
connection with any of the foregoing, any past, present and future agreement
between or among the Lender, the Borrower or any other Obligor (including the
Note and any Credit Document), and any past, present or future transactions
between or among the Lender, the Borrower or any other Obligor. Without limiting
the generality of the foregoing, Disputes shall include actions commonly
referred to as lender liability actions.

       (b)    All Disputes shall be resolved by binding arbitration in
accordance with Title 9 of the U.S. Code and the Commercial Arbitration Rules of
the American Arbitration Association (the "AAA"). Defenses based on statutes of
limitation, estoppel, waiver, laches and similar doctrines, that would otherwise
be applicable to an action brought by a party, shall be applicable in any such
arbitration proceeding, and the commencement of an arbitration proceeding with
respect to this Agreement shall be deemed the commencement of an action for such
purposes.

       (c)    Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower and each other Obligor
agrees that the Lender shall have the option, but not the obligation, to submit
to and pursue in a court of law any claim against the Borrower or any other
Obligor for a debt due. The Borrower and each other Obligor agrees that, if the
Lender pursues such a claim in a court of law, (1) failure of the Lender to
assert any additional claim in such proceeding shall not be deemed a waiver of,
or estoppel to pursue, such claim as a claim or counterclaim in arbitration as
set forth above, and (2) the institution or maintenance of a judicial action
hereunder shall not constitute a waiver of the right of any party to submit any
other action, dispute, claim or controversy as described above, even though
arising out of the same transaction or occurrence, to binding arbitration as set
forth herein. If the Borrower asserts a claim against the Lender in arbitration
or otherwise during the pendency of a claim brought by the Lender in a court of
law, the court action shall be stayed and the parties shall submit to
arbitration all claims.

       (d)    No provision of, nor the exercise of any rights under this
Section, shall limit the right of any party (1) to foreclose against any real or
personal property collateral by exercise of a power of sale under any Credit
Document, or by exercise of any rights of foreclosure or of sale under
applicable law, (2) to exercise self-help remedies such as set-off, or (3) to
obtain provisional or ancillary remedies such as injunctive relief, attachment
or the appointment of a receiver from a court having jurisdiction before, during
or after the pendency of any arbitration or referral. The institution and
maintenance of an action for judicial relief or pursuit of provisional or
ancillary remedies or exercise of self-help remedies shall not constitute a
waiver of the right of any party, including the plaintiff in such an action, to
submit the Dispute to arbitration or, in the case of actions on a debt, to
judicial resolution.

       (e)    Whenever an arbitration is required hereunder, the arbitrator
shall be selected in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the
AAA. The AAA shall designate a panel of 10 potential arbitrators knowledgeable
in the subject matter of the Dispute. Each of the Lender and the Obligor shall
designate, within 30 days of the receipt of the list of potential arbitrators,
one of the potential arbitrators to serve, and the two arbitrators so designated
shall select a third arbitrator from the eight remaining potential arbitrators.
The panel of three arbitrators shall determine the resolution of the Dispute.

       IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Agreement dated
April 15, 1999.

                            /s/ Victor E. Nichol, Jr.
                            ---------------------------
                            (Signature of the Borrower)


                            Victor E. Nichol, Jr.
                            ---------------------------
                            (Printed Name)

                                      -10-
<PAGE>
 
                                    EXHIBIT A
                                    ---------

Certificate No.     No. of Shares    Issued To                Date
- ---------------     -------------    ---------                ----

ANB 2834            7,043            Victor E. Nichol Jr.  January 2, 1996



                                      A-1
<PAGE>
 
                                    EXHIBIT B
                                    ---------
                               (Credit Documents)

       The "Credit Documents" referred to in this Agreement include the
following:

       (a)    Promissory Note dated of even date herewith in the principal
amount of $99,558.00 executed by the Borrower in favor of the Lender, which
evidences a loan made by the Lender to the Borrower.

       (b)    Promissory Note dated of even date herewith in the principal
amount of $23,360.00 executed by the Borrower in favor of the Lender, which
evidences a loan made available by the Lender to the Borrower and has a final
maturity date of April 15, 2000.


                                      B-1

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.16

$109,833.00                                                  Birmingham, Alabama
                                                                  April 15, 1999

                                 PROMISSORY NOTE
                                 ---------------

       FOR VALUE RECEIVED, without grace WILLIAM G. SANDERS, JR., (the
"Borrower"), promises to pay to the order of ALABAMA NATIONAL BANCORPORATION, a
Delaware corporation (herein called the "Lender," and together with any
subsequent holder of this note called the "Holder"), in the manner set forth
below, the principal sum of One Hundred Nine Thousand Eight Hundred Thirty-Three
and 00/100 Dollars ($109,833.00), plus interest at the rate set forth below.

       This Note shall bear interest (computed on an Actual/360 Day Basis) on
the unpaid principal balance hereof, from the date of disbursement until payment
in full or complete forgiveness, whichever occurs first, at the rate per annum
equal to the LIBOR-Based Rate (as defined below) adjusted on each Interest Rate
Determination Date (as defined below). If in the Lender's opinion it is
impossible or impractical to determine the LIBOR-Based Rate for a certain year,
this Note shall bear interest at the Prime Rate until the next Interest Rate
Determination Date. Interest payable hereunder shall be payable on each Interest
Rate Determination Date, commencing April 15, 2000.

       Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, if the
Borrower remains continually employed by the Lender or one of its subsidiaries
or affiliates (hereinafter referred to as a "Qualifying Employer") as of the
first ten (10) anniversaries of this Note, ten percent (10%) of the original
principal balance ($10,983.00) of this Note shall be forgiven as of each such
anniversary, commencing April 15, 2000. In addition, as long as the Borrower
remains continually employed by a Qualifying Employer, upon the occurrence of
(x) a Change in Control (as hereinafter defined), (y) the Borrower's death or
(z) the Total Disability (as hereinafter defined) of the Borrower, the entire
principal balance then remaining unpaid hereunder, shall be immediately forgiven
in full.

       The Borrower further agrees with the Holder as follows:

       SECTION 1 Rules of Construction. This Note is subject to the rules of
                 ---------------------
construction set forth in the Security Documents.

       SECTION 2 Definitions. As used in this Note, capitalized terms that are
                 -----------
not otherwise defined herein have the meanings defined for them in the Security
Documents and the following terms are defined as follows: 

       (a)    Actual/360 Day Basis means a method of computing interest and
              --------------------
other charges on the basis of an assumed year of 360 days for the actual number
of days elapsed, meaning that the interest accrued for each day will be computed
by multiplying the interest rate applicable on that day by the unpaid principal
balance on that day and dividing the result by 360.

       (b)    Business Day means any day, excluding Saturday and Sunday, on
              ------------
which the Lender's main office in Birmingham, Alabama, is open to the public for
carrying on substantially all of its banking business.

       (c)    Change in Control of the Lender means (i) any transaction, whether
              -------------------------------
by merger, consolidation, asset sale, tender offer, reverse stock split, or
otherwise, which results in the acquisition or beneficial ownership (as such
term is defined under rules and regulations promulgated under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) by any person or entity or any group of
persons or entities acting in concert, of fifty percent (50%) or more of the
outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Lender; or (ii) the sale of all or
substantially all of the assets of the Lender; or (iii) the liquidation of the
Lender.

       (d) Credit Documents means this Note, the Security Documents and all
           ----------------
other documents now or hereafter executed or delivered in connection with the
transactions contemplated thereby.

       (e)    Default Rate means a rate of interest equal to four percentage
              ------------
points (400 basis points) in excess of the highest interest rate that would
otherwise be payable on the principal indebtedness evidenced by this Note from
time to time in the absence of the existence of a default, or the maximum rate
permitted by law, whichever is less.

       (f) Event of Default is defined in Section 6. An Event of Default
           ---------------
"exists" if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.
<PAGE>
 
       (g)    Interest Rate Determination Date means the fifteenth (15) day of
              --------------------------------
April of each year during the term hereof.

       (h)    LIBOR-Based Rate means a fixed rate of one percent (100 basis
              ----------------
points) in excess of the per annum rate of interest most recently published in
The Wall Street Journal as of the close of business on the date hereof and on
and after the most recent Interest Rate Determination Date (being the rate
quoted for the immediately preceding business day) as the London Interbank
Offered Rate for U.S. dollar deposits having a term of ninety (90) days. The
Lender shall determine the LIBOR-Based Rate on the date hereof and on each
Interest Rate Determination Date.

       (i)    Obligors means the Borrower, each other person executing any
              --------
Security Document as a grantor, (if the Borrower or any such grantor is a
partnership) any general partner thereof, and any other maker, endorser, surety,
guarantor or other person now or hereafter liable for the payment or
performance, in whole or in part, of any of the obligations evidenced by this
Note.

       (j)    Prime Rate means a floating interest rate equal to the rate of
              ----------
interest designated by the Lender from time to time as its "prime rate."

       (k)    Security Documents means the Pledge Agreement dated of even date
              ------------------
herewith executed by the Borrower in favor of the Lender and all other documents
now or hereafter securing or guaranteeing the obligations evidenced by this
Note, or any part thereof.

       (l) Total Disability means the Borrower's inability, as a result of
           ----------------
illness or injury, to perform the normal duties of the Borrower's employment for
a period of ninety (90) consecutive days.

       SECTION 3 Place and Time of Payments.
                 --------------------------

       (a)    All payments by the Borrower to the Holder under this Note shall
be made in lawful currency of the United States and in immediately available
funds to the Lender at its Main Office in Birmingham, Alabama or at such other
address within the continental United States as shall be specified by the Holder
by notice to the Borrower. Any payment received by the Holder after 2:00 p.m.
(Birmingham, Alabama time) on a Business Day (or at any time on a day that is
not a Business Day) shall be deemed made by the Borrower and received by the
Holder on the following Business Day.

       (b)    The amount payable by the Borrower to the Holder under this Note
or any of the other Credit Documents for which a payment date is expressly set
forth herein or therein shall be payable on the specified due date without
notice or demand by the Holder.

       (c)    Payments that are due on a day that is not a Business Day shall be
payable on the next succeeding Business Day, and any interest payable thereon
shall be payable for such extended time at the specified rate.

       SECTION 4 Default Rate. If an Event of Default exists, this Note shall
                 ------------
bear interest at the Default Rate, until the earlier of (a) such time as all
amounts due hereunder are paid in full or (b) no such Event of Default exists.

       SECTION 5 Security Documents. This Note with interest is secured by and
                 ------------------
entitled to the benefits of the Security Documents. Reference to the Security
Documents is hereby made for all of the provisions thereof. This Note shall be
secured by all security documents that by their terms secure this Note, and all
such documents shall constitute Security Documents.

       SECTION 6 Events of Default. The occurrence of any of the following
                 -----------------
events shall constitute an event of default ("Event of Default") under this Note
(whatever the reason for such event and whether or not it shall be voluntary or
involuntary or be effected by operation of law or pursuant to any Governmental
Requirement): (a) any representation or warranty made in any of the Credit
Documents shall prove to be false or misleading in any material respect as of
the time made; or (b) any report, certificate, financial statement or other
instrument furnished in connection with this Note or any of the other Credit
Documents shall prove to be false or misleading in any material respect as of
the time furnished; or (c) default shall be made in the payment when due of any
of the obligations evidenced by this Note or any part thereof; or (d) the
termination of the Borrower's employment with a Qualifying Employer for any
reason with or without cause, whether voluntary or involuntary, other than the
Borrower's death or Total Disability; or (e) any default or event of default, as
therein defined, shall occur under any of the other Credit Documents (after
giving effect to any applicable notice, grace or cure period specified therein).

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
       SECTION 7 Acceleration. If an Event of Default exists that does not
                 ------------
already result in the automatic acceleration of this Note under another Credit
Document, the Holder shall have the right without further notice to the Borrower
to declare the entire unpaid principal balance of the indebtedness evidenced by
this Note, with accrued interest, to be immediately due and payable.
Notwithstanding anything in this Note or any other Security Document to the
contrary, the entire unpaid principal balance of the indebtedness evidenced by
this Note shall be immediately due and payable without written notice or demand,
upon the termination of the Borrower's employment with a Qualifying Employer for
any reason with or without cause, whether voluntary or involuntary, other than
the Borrower's death or Total Disability.

       SECTION 8 Certain Waivers and Agreements by Obligors.
                 ------------------------------------------

       (a)    As to the obligations evidenced by this Note, each Obligor
severally (1) waives demand, presentment, protest, notice of protest, suit and
all other requirements necessary to hold liable such Obligor or any of the other
Obligors; (2) waives all exemptions of personal property secured to any Obligor
under the Constitution and laws of the State of Alabama or any other state; and
(3) agrees to pay all costs of collection, including a reasonable attorney's
fee, in the event default should be made in the payment of any of the
obligations evidenced by this Note.

       (b)    Each Obligor severally (1) acknowledges that the Lender has not
made any representations or entered into any agreements with such Obligor to
induce such Obligor to enter into the transactions contemplated by this Note
except as set forth in writing in the Credit Documents; (2) agrees upon request
such Obligor will furnish financial statements to the Holder and grant the
Holder access to such Obligor's books and records; (3) agrees that any
obligations of any Obligor may, from time to time, in whole or in part, be
renewed, extended, modified, accelerated, compromised, discharged or released by
the Holder, and any collateral, lien, right of set-off or other security for the
obligations evidenced by this Note or any other obligations of any Obligor to
the Holder may, from time to time, in whole or in part, be exchanged, sold,
released, satisfied, or terminated, all without notice to, or in any way
affecting or releasing any of the obligations of any other Obligor; and (4)
agrees that the Holder will not be required first to resort to any Security
Document, any guaranty or any other security pledged or granted to the Holder,
but upon a default under this Note or any of the Security Documents, the Holder
may forthwith look to any Obligor for payment hereunder or may look to and
realize upon any other security held by the Holder, in any order the Holder
chooses, until the entire debt evidenced by this Note is paid.

       SECTION 9 Joint and Several Liability. If the Borrower is comprised of
                 ---------------------------
more than one person, all of the Borrower's representations, warranties,
covenants and agreements under this Note shall be joint and several and shall be
binding on and enforceable against either, any or all of the persons comprising
the Borrower. If any one or more of the persons comprising the Borrower is in
default, the Holder my exercise its remedies on default against all of the
persons comprising the Borrower.

       SECTION 10 Independent Obligations. The Borrower agrees that each of the
                  -----------------------
obligations of the Borrower to the Holder under this Note may be enforced
against the Borrower without the necessity of joining any other Obligor, any
other holders of Liens in any Property or any other person, as a party.

       SECTION 11 Heirs, Successors and Assigns. Whenever in this Note any party
                  -----------------------------
hereto is referred to, such reference shall be deemed to include the heirs,
successors and assigns of such party, except that the Borrower may not assign or
transfer its obligations under this Note without the prior written consent of
the Holder; and all obligations of the Borrower under this Note shall bind the
Borrower's heirs, successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of the
successors and assigns of the Holder.

       SECTION 12 Governing Law. This Note shall be construed in accordance with
                  -------------
and governed by Title 9 of the U.S. Code and the internal laws of the State of
Alabama except as required by mandatory provisions of law (without regard to
conflict of law principles).

       SECTION 13 Separability Clause. If any provision of the this Note shall
                  -------------------
be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability
of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired
thereby.

       SECTION 14 No Oral Agreements. This Note is the final expression of the
                  ------------------
agreement between the parties hereto, and this Note may not be contradicted by
evidence of any prior oral agreement between such parties. All previous oral
agreements between the parties hereto have been incorporated into this Note and
the other Credit Documents, and there is no unwritten oral agreement between the
parties hereto in existence.

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
       SECTION 15 Waiver and Election. The exercise by the Holder of any option
                  -------------------
given under this Note or the Security Documents shall not constitute a waiver of
the right to exercise any other option. No failure or delay on the part of the
Holder in exercising any right, power or remedy under this Note or the Security
Documents shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial
exercise of any such right, power or remedy preclude any further exercise
thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or remedy. No modification,
termination or waiver of any provisions of this Note, nor consent to any
departure by the Borrower therefrom, shall be effective unless in writing and
signed by an authorized officer of the Holder, and then such waiver or consent
shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose
for which given. No notice to or demand on the Borrower in any case shall
entitle the Borrower to any other or further notice or demand in similar or
other circumstances.

       SECTION 16 Set-off. While any Event of Default exists, the Lender is
                  -------
authorized at any time and from time to time, without notice to the Borrower
(any such notice being expressly waived by the Borrower), to set off and apply
any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final)
at any time held and other indebtedness at any time owing by the Lender to or
for the credit or the account of the Borrower against any and all of the
obligations evidenced by this Note, irrespective of whether or not the Lender
shall have made any demand under this Note and although such obligations may be
unmatured. The rights of the Lender under this Section 16 are in addition to all
other rights and remedies (including other rights of set-off or pursuant to any
banker's lien) that the Lender may have.

       SECTION 17 Time of Essence. Time is of the essence of this Note.
                  ---------------

       SECTION 18 Submission to Jurisdiction. The Borrower irrevocably (a)
                  --------------------------
acknowledges that this Note will be accepted by the Lender and performed by the
Borrower in the State of Alabama; (b) submits to the jurisdiction of each state
or federal court sitting in Jefferson County, Alabama (collectively, the
"Courts") over any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this
Note (to enforce the arbitration provisions hereof or, if the arbitration
provisions are found to be unenforceable, to determine any issues arising out of
or relating to this Note) or any of the other Credit Documents (individually, an
"Agreement Action"); (c) waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any
objection or defense that the Borrower may now or hereafter have based on
improper venue, lack of personal jurisdiction, inconvenience of forum or any
similar matter in any Agreement Action brought in any of the Courts; (d) agrees
that final judgment in any Agreement Action brought in any of the Courts shall
be conclusive and binding upon the Borrower and may be enforced in any other
court to the jurisdiction of which the Borrower is subject, by a suit upon such
judgment; (e) consents to the service of process on the Borrower in any
Agreement Action by the mailing of a copy thereof by registered or certified
mail, postage prepaid, to the Borrower at the Borrower's address designated at
the end of this Note; (f) agrees that service in accordance with Section 18(e)
shall in every respect be effective and binding on the Borrower to the same
extent as though served on the Borrower in person by a person duly authorized to
serve such process; and (g) AGREES THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION, EVEN IF
FOUND NOT TO BE STRICTLY ENFORCEABLE BY ANY COURT, SHALL CONSTITUTE "FAIR
WARNING" TO THE BORROWER THAT THE EXECUTION OF THIS NOTE MAY SUBJECT THE
BORROWER TO THE JURISDICTION OF EACH STATE OR FEDERAL COURT SITTING IN JEFFERSON
COUNTY, ALABAMA WITH RESPECT TO ANY AGREEMENT ACTIONS, AND THAT IT IS
FORESEEABLE BY THE BORROWER THAT THE BORROWER MAY BE SUBJECTED TO THE
JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURTS AND MAY BE SUED IN THE STATE OF ALABAMA IN ANY
AGREEMENT ACTIONS. Nothing in this Section 18 shall limit or restrict the
Lender's right to serve process or bring Agreement Actions in manners and in
courts otherwise than as herein provided.

       SECTION 19 Usury Laws. Any provision of this Note or any of the other
                  ----------
Credit Documents to the contrary notwithstanding, the Borrower and the Lender
agree that they do not intend for the interest or other consideration provided
for in this Note and the other Credit Documents to be greater than the maximum
amount permitted by applicable law. Regardless of any provision in this Note or
any of the other Credit Documents, the Lender shall not be entitled to receive,
collect or apply, as interest on the Obligations, any amount in excess of the
maximum rate of interest permitted to be charged under applicable law until such
time, if any, as that interest, together with all other interest then payable,
falls within the then applicable maximum lawful rate of interest. If the Lender
shall receive, collect or apply any amount in excess of the then maximum rate of
interest, the amount that would be excessive interest shall be applied first to
the reduction of the principal amount of the Obligations then outstanding in the
inverse order of maturity, and second, if such principal amount is paid in full,
any excess shall forthwith be returned to the Borrower. In determining whether
the interest paid or payable under any specific contingency exceeds the highest
lawful rate, the Borrower and the Lender shall, to the maximum extent permitted
under applicable law, (a) characterize any nonprincipal payment as an expense,
fee or premium rather than as interest, (b) exclude voluntary prepayments and
the effects thereof, (c) consider all the Obligations as one general obligation
of the Borrower, and (d) "spread" the total amount of the interest throughout
the entire term of this Note so that the interest rate is uniform throughout the
entire term of this Note.

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
       SECTION 20 Arbitration; Dispute Resolution; Preservation of Foreclosure
                  ------------------------------------------------------------
Remedies
- --------

       (a)    The Borrower represents to the Lender that its business and
affairs constitute substantial interstate commerce and that it contemplates
using the proceeds of this Note in substantial interstate commerce. Except as
otherwise specifically set forth below, any action, dispute, claim, counterclaim
or controversy ("Dispute" or "Disputes"), between or among the Lender, the
Borrower or any other Obligor, including any claim based on or arising from an
alleged tort, shall be resolved by arbitration as set forth below. As used
herein, Disputes shall include all actions, disputes, claims, counterclaims or
controversies arising in connection with this Note, any extension of or
commitment to extend credit by the Lender, any collection of any indebtedness
owed to the Lender, any security or collateral given to the Lender, any action
taken (or any omission to take any action) in connection with any of the
foregoing, any past, present and future agreement between or among the Lender,
the Borrower or any other Obligor (including this Note and any Credit Document),
and any past, present or future transactions between or among the Lender, the
Borrower or any other Obligor. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing,
Disputes shall include actions commonly referred to as lender liability actions.

       (b)    All Disputes shall be resolved by binding arbitration in
accordance with Title 9 of the U.S. Code and the Commercial Arbitration Rules of
the American Arbitration Association (the "AAA"). Defenses based on statutes of
limitation, estoppel, waiver, laches and similar doctrines, that would otherwise
be applicable to an action brought by a party, shall be applicable in any such
arbitration proceeding, and the commencement of an arbitration proceeding with
respect to this Note shall be deemed the commencement of an action for such
purposes.

       (c)    Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower and each other Obligor
agrees that the Lender shall have the option, but not the obligation, to submit
to and pursue in a court of law any claim against the Borrower or any other
Obligor for a debt due. The Borrower and each other Obligor agrees that, if the
Lender pursues such a claim in a court of law, (1) failure of the Lender to
assert any additional claim in such proceeding shall not be deemed a waiver of,
or estoppel to pursue, such claim as a claim or counterclaim in arbitration as
set forth above, and (2) the institution or maintenance of a judicial action
hereunder shall not constitute a waiver of the right of any party to submit any
other action, dispute, claim or controversy as described above, even though
arising out of the same transaction or occurrence, to binding arbitration as set
forth herein. If the Borrower asserts a claim against the Lender in arbitration
or otherwise during the pendency of a claim brought by the Lender in a court of
law, the court action shall be stayed and the parties shall submit to
arbitration all claims.

       (d)    No provision of, nor the exercise of any rights under this
Section, shall limit the right of any party (1) to foreclose against any real or
personal property collateral by exercise of a power of sale under any Credit
Document, or by exercise of any rights of foreclosure or of sale under
applicable law, (2) to exercise self-help remedies such as set-off, or (3) to
obtain provisional or ancillary remedies such as injunctive relief, attachment
or the appointment of a receiver from a court having jurisdiction before, during
or after the pendency of any arbitration or referral. The institution and
maintenance of an action for judicial relief or pursuit of provisional or
ancillary remedies or exercise of self-help remedies shall not constitute a
waiver of the right of any party, including the plaintiff in such an action, to
submit the Dispute to arbitration or, in the case of actions on a debt, to
judicial resolution.

       (e)    Whenever an arbitration is required hereunder, the arbitrator
shall be selected in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the
AAA. The AAA shall designate a panel of 10 potential arbitrators knowledgeable
in the subject matter of the Dispute. Each of the Lender and the Obligor shall
designate, within 30 days of the receipt of the list of potential arbitrators,
one of the potential arbitrators to serve, and the two arbitrators so designated
shall select a third arbitrator from the eight remaining potential arbitrators.
The panel of three arbitrators shall determine the resolution of the Dispute.

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
       IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed and delivered this Note
dated the date first written above.

                           /s/ William G. Sanders, Jr.
                           ------------------------------------
                           Signature of Borrower

                           William G. Sanders, Jr.
                           ------------------------------------
                           Please Print Name

                           Send Correspondence and Billings to:

                                   William G. Sanders, Jr.
                                   ----------------------------

                                   8 Clarendon Road
                                   ----------------------------

                                   Birmingham, Alabama 35213
                                   ----------------------------

                                      -6-

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.17


$16,000.00                                                   Birmingham, Alabama
                                                                  April 15, 1999

                                 PROMISSORY NOTE
                                 ---------------

       FOR VALUE RECEIVED, without grace, WILLIAM G. SANDERS, JR. (the
"Borrower"), promises to pay to the order of Alabama National BanCorporation, a
Delaware corporation (herein called the "Lender," and together with any
subsequent holder of this note called the "Holder"), in the manner set forth
below, the principal sum of Sixteen Thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($16,000.00),
plus interest at the rate set forth below.

       This Note shall bear interest (computed on an Actual/360 Day Basis) on
the unpaid principal balance hereof, from the date of disbursement until payment
in full, at a fixed interest rate equal to six percent (6.0%) per annum.

       Principal and interest shall be payable under this Note on April 15,
2000.

       The Borrower further agrees with the Holder as follows:

       SECTION 1 Rules of Construction. This Note is subject to the rules of
                 ---------------------
construction set forth in the Security Documents.

       SECTION 2 Definitions. As used in this Note, capitalized terms that are
                 ------------
not otherwise defined herein have the meanings defined for them in the Security
Documents and the following terms are defined as follows:

       (a)    Actual/360 Day Basis means a method of computing interest and
              --------------------
other charges on the basis of an assumed year of 360 days for the actual number
of days elapsed, meaning that the interest accrued for each day will be computed
by multiplying the interest rate applicable on that day by the unpaid principal
balance on that day and dividing the result by 360.

       (b)    Business Day means any day, excluding Saturday and Sunday, on
              ------------
which the Lender's main office in Birmingham, Alabama, is open to the public for
carrying on substantially all of its banking business.

       (c)    Credit Documents means this Note, the Security Documents and all
              ----------------
other documents now or hereafter executed or delivered in connection with the
transactions contemplated thereby.

       (d)    Default Rate means a rate of interest equal to four percentage
              ------------
points (400 basis points) in excess of the highest interest rate that would
otherwise be payable on the principal indebtedness evidenced by this Note from
time to time in the absence of the existence of a default, or the maximum rate
permitted by law, whichever is less.

       (e)    Event of Default is defined in Section 8. An Event of Default
              ----------------
"exists" if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.

       (f)    Obligors means the Borrower, each other person executing any
              --------
Security Document as a grantor, (if the Borrower or any such grantor is a
partnership) any general partner thereof, and any other maker, endorser, surety,
guarantor or other person now or hereafter liable for the payment or
performance, in whole or in part, of any of the obligations evidenced by this
Note.

       (g)    Security Documents means the Pledge Agreement dated of even date
              ------------------
herewith executed by the Borrower in favor of the Lender and all other documents
now or hereafter securing or guaranteeing the obligations evidenced by this
Note, or any part thereof.
<PAGE>
 
       SECTION 3 Place and Time of Payments.
                 --------------------------

       (a)    All payments by the Borrower to the Holder under this Note shall
be made in lawful currency of the United States and in immediately available
funds to the Lender at its Main Office in Birmingham, Alabama or at such other
address within the continental United States as shall be specified by the Holder
by notice to the Borrower. Any payment received by the Holder after 2:00 p.m.
(Birmingham, Alabama time) on a Business Day (or at any time on a day that is
not a Business Day) shall be deemed made by the Borrower and received by the
Holder on the following Business Day.

       (b)    All amounts payable by the Borrower to the Holder under this Note
or any of the other Credit Documents for which a payment date is expressly set
forth herein or therein shall be payable on the specified due date without
notice or demand by the Holder. All amounts payable by the Borrower to the
Holder under this Note or the other Credit Documents for which no payment date
is expressly set forth herein or therein shall be payable ten days after written
demand by the Holder to the Borrower. The Holder may, at its option, send
written notice or demand to the Borrower of amounts payable on a specified due
date pursuant to this Note or the other Credit Documents, but the failure to
send such notice shall not affect or excuse the Borrower's obligation to make
payment of the amounts due on the specified due date.

       (c)    Payments that are due on a day that is not a Business Day shall be
payable on the next succeeding Business Day, and any interest payable thereon
shall be payable for such extended time at the specified rate.

       SECTION 4 Default Rate. If an Event of Default exists, this Note shall
                 ------------
bear interest at the Default Rate, until the earlier of (a) such time as all
amounts due hereunder are paid in full or (b) no such Event of Default exists.

       SECTION 5 Security Documents. This Note with interest is secured by and
                 ------------------
entitled to the benefits of the Security Documents. Reference to the Security
Documents is hereby made for all of the provisions thereof. This Note shall be
secured by all security documents that by their terms secure this Note, whether
or not described herein, and all such documents shall constitute Security
Documents.

       SECTION 6 Events of Default. The occurrence of any of the following
                 -----------------
events shall constitute an event of default ("Event of Default") under this Note
(whatever the reason for such event and whether or not it shall be voluntary or
involuntary or be effected by operation of law or pursuant to any Governmental
Requirement): (a) any representation or warranty made in any of the Credit
Documents shall prove to be false or misleading in any material respect as of
the time made; or (b) any report, certificate, financial statement or other
instrument furnished in connection with this Note or any of the other Credit
Documents shall prove to be false or misleading in any material respect as of
the time furnished; or (c) default shall be made in the payment when due of any
of the obligations evidenced by this Note or any part thereof; or (d) any
default or event of default, as therein defined, shall occur under any of the
other Credit Documents (after giving effect to any applicable notice, grace or
cure period specified therein).

       SECTION 7 Acceleration. If an Event of Default exists that does not
                 ------------
already result in the automatic acceleration of this Note under another Credit
Document, the Holder shall have the right without further notice to the Borrower
to declare the entire unpaid principal balance of the indebtedness evidenced by
this Note, with accrued interest, to be immediately due and payable.

       SECTION 8 Certain Waivers and Agreements by Obligors.
                 ------------------------------------------

       (a)    As to the obligations evidenced by this Note, each Obligor
severally (1) waives demand, presentment, protest, notice of protest, suit and
all other requirements necessary to hold liable such Obligor or any of the other
Obligors; (2) waives all exemptions of personal property secured to any Obligor
under the Constitution and laws of the State of Alabama or any other state; and
(3) agrees to pay all costs of collection, including a reasonable attorney's
fee, in the event default should be made in the payment of any of the
obligations evidenced by this Note.

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
       (b)    Each Obligor severally (1) acknowledges that the Lender has not
made any representations or entered into any agreements with such Obligor to
induce such Obligor to enter into the transactions contemplated by this Note
except as set forth in writing in the Credit Documents; (2) agrees upon request
such Obligor will furnish financial statements to the Holder and grant the
Holder access to such Obligor's books and records; (3) agrees that any
obligations of any Obligor may, from time to time, in whole or in part, be
renewed, extended, modified, accelerated, compromised, discharged or released by
the Holder, and any collateral, lien, right of set-off or other security for the
obligations evidenced by this Note or any other obligations of any Obligor to
the Holder may, from time to time, in whole or in part, be exchanged, sold,
released, satisfied, or terminated, all without notice to, or in any way
affecting or releasing any of the obligations of any other Obligor; and (4)
agrees that the Holder will not be required first to resort to any Security
Document, any guaranty or any other security pledged or granted to the Holder,
but upon a default under this Note or any of the Security Documents, the Holder
may forthwith look to any Obligor for payment hereunder or may look to and
realize upon any other security held by the Holder, in any order the Holder
chooses, until the entire debt evidenced by this Note is paid.

       SECTION 9 Independent Obligations. The Borrower agrees that each of the
                 -----------------------
obligations of the Borrower to the Holder under this Note may be enforced
against the Borrower without the necessity of joining any other Obligor, any
other holders of Liens in any Property or any other person, as a party.

       SECTION 10 Heirs, Successors and Assigns. Whenever in this Note any party
                  -----------------------------
hereto is referred to, such reference shall be deemed to include the heirs,
successors and assigns of such party, except that the Borrower may not assign or
transfer its obligations under this Note without the prior written consent of
the Holder; and all obligations of the Borrower under this Note shall bind the
Borrower's heirs, successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of the
successors and assigns of the Holder.

       SECTION 11 Governing Law. This Note shall be construed in accordance with
                  -------------
and governed by Title 9 of the U.S. Code and the internal laws of the State of
Alabama except as required by mandatory provisions of law (without regard to
conflict of law principles).

       SECTION 12 Separability Clause. If any provision of the this Note shall
                  -------------------
be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability
of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired
thereby.

       SECTION 13 No Oral Agreements. This Note is the final expression of the
                  ------------------
agreement between the parties hereto, and this Note may not be contradicted by
evidence of any prior oral agreement between such parties. All previous oral
agreements between the parties hereto have been incorporated into this Note and
the other Credit Documents, and there is no unwritten oral agreement between the
parties hereto in existence.

       SECTION 14 Waiver and Election. The exercise by the Holder of any option
                  -------------------
given under this Note or the Security Documents shall not constitute a waiver of
the right to exercise any other option. No failure or delay on the part of the
Holder in exercising any right, power or remedy under this Note or the Security
Documents shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial
exercise of any such right, power or remedy preclude any further exercise
thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or remedy. No modification,
termination or waiver of any provisions of this Note, nor consent to any
departure by the Borrower therefrom, shall be effective unless in writing and
signed by an authorized officer of the Holder, and then such waiver or consent
shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose
for which given. No notice to or demand on the Borrower in any case shall
entitle the Borrower to any other or further notice or demand in similar or
other circumstances.

       SECTION 15 Set-off. While any Event of Default exists, the Lender is
                  -------
authorized at any time and from time to time, without notice to the Borrower
(any such notice being expressly waived by the Borrower), to set off and apply
any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final)
at any time held and other indebtedness at any time owing by the Lender to or
for the credit or the account of the Borrower against any and all of the
obligations evidenced by this Note, irrespective of whether or not the Lender
shall have made any demand under this Note and although such obligations may be
unmatured. The rights of the Lender under this Section 18 are in addition to all
other rights and remedies (including other rights of set-off or pursuant to any
banker's lien) that the Lender may have.

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
       SECTION 16 Time of Essence. Time is of the essence of this Note.
                  ---------------

       SECTION 17 Submission to Jurisdiction. The Borrower irrevocably (a)
                  --------------------------
acknowledges that this Note will be accepted by the Lender and performed by the
Borrower in the State of Alabama; (b) submits to the jurisdiction of each state
or federal court sitting in Jefferson County, Alabama (collectively, the
"Courts") over any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this
Note (to enforce the arbitration provisions hereof or, if the arbitration
provisions are found to be unenforceable, to determine any issues arising out of
or relating to this Note) or any of the other Credit Documents (individually, an
"Agreement Action"); (c) waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any
objection or defense that the Borrower may now or hereafter have based on
improper venue, lack of personal jurisdiction, inconvenience of forum or any
similar matter in any Agreement Action brought in any of the Courts; (d) agrees
that final judgment in any Agreement Action brought in any of the Courts shall
be conclusive and binding upon the Borrower and may be enforced in any other
court to the jurisdiction of which the Borrower is subject, by a suit upon such
judgment; (e) consents to the service of process on the Borrower in any
Agreement Action by the mailing of a copy thereof by registered or certified
mail, postage prepaid, to the Borrower at the Borrower's address designated at
the end of this Note; (f) agrees that service in accordance with Section 20(e)
shall in every respect be effective and binding on the Borrower to the same
extent as though served on the Borrower in person by a person duly authorized to
serve such process; and (g) AGREES THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION, EVEN IF
FOUND NOT TO BE STRICTLY ENFORCEABLE BY ANY COURT, SHALL CONSTITUTE "FAIR
WARNING" TO THE BORROWER THAT THE EXECUTION OF THIS NOTE MAY SUBJECT THE
BORROWER TO THE JURISDICTION OF EACH STATE OR FEDERAL COURT SITTING IN JEFFERSON
COUNTY, ALABAMA WITH RESPECT TO ANY AGREEMENT ACTIONS, AND THAT IT IS
FORESEEABLE BY THE BORROWER THAT THE BORROWER MAY BE SUBJECTED TO THE
JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURTS AND MAY BE SUED IN THE STATE OF ALABAMA IN ANY
AGREEMENT ACTIONS. Nothing in this Section 20 shall limit or restrict the
Lender's right to serve process or bring Agreement Actions in manners and in
courts otherwise than as herein provided.

       SECTION 18 Usury Laws. Any provision of this Note or any of the other
                  ----------
Credit Documents to the contrary notwithstanding, the Borrower and the Lender
agree that they do not intend for the interest or other consideration provided
for in this Note and the other Credit Documents to be greater than the maximum
amount permitted by applicable law. Regardless of any provision in this Note or
any of the other Credit Documents, the Lender shall not be entitled to receive,
collect or apply, as interest on the Obligations, any amount in excess of the
maximum rate of interest permitted to be charged under applicable law until such
time, if any, as that interest, together with all other interest then
payable, falls within the then applicable maximum lawful rate of interest. If
the Lender shall receive, collect or apply any amount in excess of the then
maximum rate of interest, the amount that would be excessive interest shall be
applied first to the reduction of the principal amount of the Obligations then
outstanding in the inverse order of maturity, and second, if such principal
amount is paid in full, any excess shall forthwith be returned to the Borrower.
In determining whether the interest paid or payable under any specific
contingency exceeds the highest lawful rate, the Borrower and the Lender shall,
to the maximum extent permitted under applicable law, (a) characterize any
nonprincipal payment as an expense, fee or premium rather than as interest, (b)
exclude voluntary prepayments and the effects thereof, (c) consider all the
Obligations as one general obligation of the Borrower, and (d) "spread" the
total amount of the interest throughout the entire term of this Note so that the
interest rate is uniform throughout the entire term of this Note.

       SECTION 19 Arbitration; Dispute Resolution; Preservation of Foreclosure
                  ------------------------------------------------------------
Remedies.
- --------

       (a)    The Borrower represents to the Lender that its business and
affairs constitute substantial interstate commerce and that it contemplates
using the proceeds of this Note in substantial interstate commerce. Except as
otherwise specifically set forth below, any action, dispute, claim, counterclaim
or controversy ("Dispute" or "Disputes"), between or among the Lender, the
Borrower or any other Obligor, including any claim based on or arising from an
alleged tort, shall be resolved by arbitration as set forth below. As used
herein, Disputes shall include all actions, disputes, claims, counterclaims or
controversies arising in connection with this Note, any extension of or
commitment to extend credit by the Lender, any collection of any indebtedness
owed to the Lender, any security or collateral given to the Lender, any action
taken (or any omission to take any action) in connection with any of the
foregoing, any past, 
                                      -4-
<PAGE>
present and future agreement between or among the Lender, the Borrower or any
other Obligor (including this Note and any Credit Document), and any past,
present or future transactions between or among the Lender, the Borrower or any
other Obligor. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Disputes shall
include actions commonly referred to as lender liability actions.

       (b)    All Disputes shall be resolved by binding arbitration in
accordance with Title 9 of the U.S. Code and the Commercial Arbitration Rules of
the American Arbitration Association (the "AAA"). Defenses based on statutes of
limitation, estoppel, waiver, laches and similar doctrines, that would otherwise
be applicable to an action brought by a party, shall be applicable in any such
arbitration proceeding, and the commencement of an arbitration proceeding with
respect to this Note shall be deemed the commencement of an action for such
purposes.

       (c)    Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower and each other Obligor
agrees that the Lender shall have the option, but not the obligation, to submit
to and pursue in a court of law any claim against the Borrower or any other
Obligor for a debt due. The Borrower and each other Obligor agrees that, if the
Lender pursues such a claim in a court of law, (1) failure of the Lender to
assert any additional claim in such proceeding shall not be deemed a waiver of,
or estoppel to pursue, such claim as a claim or counterclaim in arbitration as
set forth above, and (2) the institution or maintenance of a judicial action
hereunder shall not constitute a waiver of the right of any party to submit any
other action, dispute, claim or controversy as described above, even though
arising out of the same transaction or occurrence, to binding arbitration as set
forth herein. If the Borrower asserts a claim against the Lender in arbitration
or otherwise during the pendency of a claim brought by the Lender in a court of
law, the court action shall be stayed and the parties shall submit to
arbitration all claims.

       (d)    No provision of, nor the exercise of any rights under this
Section, shall limit the right of any party (1) to foreclose against any real or
personal property collateral by exercise of a power of sale under any Credit
Document, or by exercise of any rights of foreclosure or of sale under
applicable law, (2) to exercise self-help remedies such as set-off, or (3) to
obtain provisional or ancillary remedies such as injunctive relief, attachment
or the appointment of a receiver from a court having jurisdiction before, during
or after the pendency of any arbitration or referral. The institution and
maintenance of an action for judicial relief or pursuit of provisional or
ancillary remedies or exercise of self-help remedies shall not constitute a
waiver of the right of any party, including the plaintiff in such an action, to
submit the Dispute to arbitration or, in the case of actions on a debt, to
judicial resolution.

       (e)    Whenever an arbitration is required hereunder, the arbitrator
shall be selected in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the
AAA. The AAA shall designate a panel of 10 potential arbitrators knowledgeable
in the subject matter of the Dispute. Each of the Lender and the Obligor shall
designate, within 30 days of the receipt of the list of potential arbitrators,
one of the potential arbitrators to serve, and the two arbitrators so designated
shall select a third arbitrator from the eight remaining potential arbitrators.
The panel of three arbitrators shall determine the resolution of the Dispute.]

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
       IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed and delivered this Note
dated the date first written above.




                           /s/ WILLIAM G. SANDERS, JR.
                           ------------------------------------
                           Signature of Borrower

                           WILLIAM G. SANDERS, JR.
                           ------------------------------------
                           Please Print Name

                           Send Correspondence and Billings to:

                                 William G. Sanders, Jr.
                                 ------------------------------

                                 8 Clarendon Road
                                 ------------------------------
 
                                 Birmingham, Alabama 35213
                                 ------------------------------
 

                                      -6-

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.18

                                PLEDGE AGREEMENT
                                ----------------

       THIS PLEDGE AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") dated April 15, 1999 is between
WILLIAM G. SANDERS, JR., as pledgor and debtor (the "Borrower"), and ALABAMA
NATIONAL BANCORPORATION, a Delaware corporation, as pledgee and secured party
(the "Lender").

                                    Recitals
                                    --------

       The Borrower is the holder, beneficially and of record, of certain shares
of the outstanding capital stock of the Lender, more particularly described on
Exhibit A attached hereto and made a part hereof (the "Stock").

       Capitalized terms used in these Recitals have the meanings defined for
them above or in Section 1.2. The Borrower has requested that the Lender extend
Credit to the Borrower under the Credit Documents. To secure the Obligations,
and to induce the Lender to extend Credit to the Borrower under the Credit
Documents, the Borrower has agreed to execute and deliver this Agreement to the
Lender.

                                    Agreement
                                    ---------

       NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing Recitals, and to induce
the Lender to extend Credit to the Borrower under the Credit Documents, the
Borrower agrees with the Lender as follows:

                                    ARTICLE 1

                      Rules of Construction and Definitions
                      -------------------------------------

       SECTION 1.1 Rules of Construction. For the purposes of this Agreement,
                   ---------------------
except as otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires:

       (a)    Words of masculine, feminine or neuter gender include the
correlative words of other genders. Singular terms include the plural as well as
the singular, and vice versa.

       (b)    All references herein to designated "Articles," "Sections" and
other subdivisions or to lettered Exhibits are to the designated Articles,
Sections and subdivisions hereof and the Exhibits annexed hereto unless
expressly otherwise designated in context. All Article, Section, other
subdivision and Exhibit captions herein are used for reference only and do not
limit or describe the scope or intent of, or in any way affect, this Agreement.

       (c)    The terms "include," "including," and similar terms shall be
construed as if followed by the phrase "without being limited to."

       (d)    The terms "herein," "hereof" and "hereunder" and other words of
similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular
Article, Section, other subdivision or Exhibit.

       (e)    All Recitals set forth in, and all Exhibits to, this Agreement are
hereby incorporated in this Agreement by reference.

       (f)    No inference in favor of or against any party shall be drawn from
the fact that such party or such party's counsel has drafted any portion hereof.

       (g)    All references in this Agreement to a separate instrument are to
such separate instrument as the same may be amended or supplemented from time to
time pursuant to the applicable provisions thereof.

       SECTION 1.2 Definitions. As used in this Agreement, the following terms
                   -----------
are defined as follows:

       (a)    Unless otherwise defined herein, terms used in this Agreement that
are defined in Article 9 of the Alabama Uniform Commercial Code have the
meanings defined for them therein.
<PAGE>
 
       (b)    Additional Stock is defined in Section 2.2.
              ----------------

       (c)    Business Day means any day, excluding Saturday and Sunday, on
              ------------
which the Lender's main office in Birmingham, Alabama, is open to the public for
carrying on substantially all of its banking business.

       (d)    Credit means, individually and collectively, all loans,
              ------
forbearances, renewals, extensions, advances, disbursements and other extensions
of credit now or hereafter made by the Lender to or for the account of the
Borrower under the Credit Documents.

       (e)    Credit Documents means the documents described in Exhibit B and
              ----------------
all other documents now or hereafter executed or delivered in connection with
the transactions contemplated thereby.

       (f)    Debt of any person means (1) all indebtedness, whether or not
              ----
represented by bonds, debentures, notes or other securities, for the
repayment of borrowed money, (2) all deferred indebtedness for the payment of
the purchase price of property or assets purchased, (3) all capitalized lease
obligations, (4) all indebtedness secured by any Lien on any property of such
person, whether or not indebtedness secured thereby has been assumed, (5) all
obligations with respect to any conditional sale contract or title retention
agreement, (6) all indebtedness and obligations arising under acceptance
facilities or in connection with surety or similar bonds, and the outstanding
amount of all letters of credit issued for the account of such person, and (7)
all obligations with respect to interest rate swap agreements.

       (g)    Default Rate means a rate of interest equal to four percentage
              ------------
points (400 basis points) in excess of the highest interest rate that would
otherwise be payable on the principal amount of the Credit under the Credit
Documents from time to time in the absence of the existence of a default, or the
maximum rate permitted by law, whichever is less.

       (h)    Event of Default is defined in Section 4.1. An Event of Default
              ----------------
"exists" if the same has occurred and is continuing.

       (i)    Governmental Authority means any national, state, county,
              ----------------------
municipal or other government, domestic or foreign, and any agency, authority,
department, commission, bureau, board, court or other instrumentality thereof.

       (j)    Lien means any mortgage, pledge, assignment, charge, encumbrance,
              ----
lien, security title, security interest or other preferential arrangement.

       (k)    Obligations means (1) the payment of all amounts now or hereafter
              -----------
becoming due and payable under the Credit Documents, including the principal
amount of the Credit, all interest thereon (including interest that, but for the
filing of a petition in bankruptcy, would accrue on any such principal) and all
other fees, charges and costs (including attorneys' fees and disbursements)
payable in connection therewith; (2) the observance and performance the Borrower
of all of the provisions of the Credit Documents; (3) the payment of all sums
advanced or paid by the Lender in exercising any of its rights, powers or
remedies under the Credit Documents, and all interest (including post-bankruptcy
petition interest, as aforesaid) on such sums provided for herein or therein;
and (4) all renewals, extensions, modifications and amendments of any of the
foregoing, whether or not any renewal, extension, modification or amendment
agreement is executed in connection therewith.

       (l)    Obligors means the Borrower each other person, if any, executing
              --------
any Security Document as a grantor, (if the Borrower is a partnership)
any general partner thereof, and any other maker, endorser, surety, guarantor or
other person now or hereafter liable for the payment or performance, in whole or
in part, of any of the Obligations.

       (m)    Permitted Encumbrances means the Liens granted to the Lender under
              ----------------------
this Agreement and any other Liens of the Lender.

       (n)    Person (whether or not capitalized) includes natural persons, sole
              ------
proprietorships, corporations, trusts, unincorporated organizations,
associations, companies, institutions, entities, joint ventures, partnerships,
limited liability companies and Governmental Authorities.

       (o)    Pledged Stock is defined in Section 2.2.
              -------------
 
       (p)    Property is defined in Section 2.2.
              --------

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
       (q)    Security Documents means all Credit Documents that now or
              ------------------
hereafter grant or purport to grant to the Lender any guaranty, collateral or
other security for any of the Obligations.

                                    ARTICLE 2

                               Security Agreement
                               ------------------

       SECTION 2.1 Pledge of Stock. As security for the Obligations, the
                   ---------------
Borrower hereby grants to the Lender security title to and a continuing security
interest in, and assigns, transfers, conveys, pledges and hypothecates to the
Lender, all of the Borrower's right, title and interest in and to the Stock and
all proceeds thereof, and the Borrower hereby delivers to the Lender the stock
certificates evidencing the Stock, as described in Exhibit A, together with
separate assignments thereof, to be held by the Lender upon the terms and
conditions set forth in this Agreement.


       SECTION 2.2 Pledge of Additional Stock. If the Borrower shall acquire by
                   --------------------------
exchange or replacement any additional shares of the capital stock of the
Company, of whatever class or description ("Additional Stock") at any time after
the date hereof, the Borrower hereby grants to the Lender a security interest
in, and assigns, transfers, conveys, pledges and hypothecates to the Lender, all
of the Borrower's right, title and interest in and to the Additional Stock and
such certificates, and immediately upon receipt thereof the Borrower shall
pledge and deposit the Additional Stock with the Lender and shall deliver to the
Lender certificates therefor registered in the name of the Borrower, together
with executed separate assignments thereof, to be held by the Lender under this
Agreement. The Stock, the Additional Stock, and any stock or other securities
issued in exchange therefor or replacement thereof, are hereinafter together
called the "Pledged Stock," and the Pledged Stock and all proceeds thereof and
all other securities and moneys received and at the time held by the Lender
hereunder are hereinafter together called the "Property," all of which shall be
subject to the Liens granted to the Lender under this Agreement.

       SECTION 2.3 Dividends and Other Distributions. Unless an Event of Default
                   ---------------------------------
exists, all cash dividends paid on the Pledged Stock shall be paid to the
Borrower, except that all cash dividends payable on the Pledged Stock that are
determined by the Lender in its sole discretion to represent in whole or in part
an extraordinary, liquidating or other distribution in return of capital shall
be paid to the Lender and retained by it as Property. The Lender shall also be
entitled to receive directly and to retain as Property:

       (a)    all stock and other securities or property (other than cash) paid
or distributed with respect to the Pledged Stock by way of dividend;

       (b)    all stock and other securities or property (including cash) paid
or distributed with respect to the Pledged Stock by way of stock-split,
spin-off, split-up, reclassification, combination of shares or similar or other
corporate rearrangement; and

       (c)    all stock and other securities or property (including cash) that
may be paid or distributed with respect to the Pledged Stock by reason of any
consolidation, merger, exchange of stock, conveyance of assets, liquidation or
similar corporate reorganization.

       SECTION 2.4 Voting While No Event of Default. Unless an Event of Default
                   --------------------------------
exists, the Borrower shall have the right to vote any and all shares of the
Pledged Stock and to give consents, waivers and ratifications with respect to
the Property and otherwise act with respect thereto. All such rights of the
Borrower to vote and to give consents, waivers and ratifications shall cease if
an Event of Default exists.

                                    ARTICLE 3

                    Representations, Warranties and Covenants
                    -----------------------------------------

       SECTION 3.1 Representations and Warranties. The Borrower represents and
                   -------------------------------
warrants to the Lender that (a) subject to Permitted Encumbrances, the Borrower
is the holder of record and sole beneficial owner of the Stock (which is fully
issued and non-assessable), free of Liens and adverse claims of any kind, except
Permitted Encumbrances; (b) the Borrower has a good right to grant to the Lender
the Liens in the Stock purported to be granted under this Agreement; (c) there
are no outstanding subscriptions, options, rights, warrants, calls, commitments
or agreements of any kind to acquire or transfer any of the Stock; and (d) to
the best of the Borrower's knowledge, no consent, authorization or other action
by, and no notice to or filing with, any other person (including any
stockholder, partner or creditor of the Borrower and any Governmental Authority)
is required for (1) the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the
Borrower, (2) the granting to the Lender of the Liens on the Property under this
Agreement, or (3) the exercise by the Lender of the rights, powers and remedies
granted to it under

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
this Agreement, except as may be required in connection with any disposition by
the Lender of the Property under laws affecting the offering and sale of
securities generally.

       SECTION 3.2 Encumbrances and Dispositions. The Borrower shall not (a)
                   -----------------------------
encumber any of the Property, or permit any of the Property to be encumbered,
with any kind of Lien, other than Permitted Encumbrances, or (b) sell, transfer
or otherwise dispose of, or grant any option or warrant with respect to, any of
the Property.

       SECTION 3.3 Taxes and Assessments. The Borrower shall pay when due all
                   ---------------------
taxes, assessments and other charges levied or assessed against any of the
Property, and all other claims that are or may become Liens against any of the
Property, except any that are Permitted Encumbrances; and should default be made
in the payment of same, the Lender, at its option, may pay them.

       SECTION 3.4 Filing Fees and Taxes. The Borrower agrees, to the extent
                   ---------------------
permitted by law, to pay all recording and filing fees, revenue stamps, taxes
and other expenses and charges payable in connection with the execution and
delivery of the Credit Documents, and the recording, filing, satisfaction,
continuation and release thereof.

       SECTION 3.5 Further Assurances. At the Borrower's cost and expense, upon
                   ------------------
request of the Lender, the Borrower shall duly execute and deliver, or cause to
be duly executed and delivered, to the Lender such further instruments and do
and cause to be done such further acts as may be reasonably necessary or proper
in the opinion of the Lender or its counsel to perfect, preserve and protect the
validity of the Liens of the Lender in the Property and to carry out more
effectively the provisions and purposes of this Agreement.

       SECTION 3.6 Attorney-in-Fact. The Borrower hereby constitutes and
                   ----------------
appoints the Lender, or any other person whom the Lender may designate, as the
Borrower's attorney-in-fact, at the Borrower's sole cost and expense, effective
upon the existence of any Event of Default, with full authority in the place and
stead of the Borrower and in the name of the Borrower or otherwise, from time to
time in the Lender's discretion to take any action (a) that the Borrower has
agreed, but has failed, to take under this Agreement, (b) that the Lender in its
sole discretion deems necessary or advisable to maintain, preserve or protect
the security intended to be afforded by this Agreement, or (c) that the Lender
may deem necessary or advisable to accomplish the purposes of this Agreement and
the other Credit Documents.

                                    ARTICLE 4

                                Events of Default
                                -----------------

       SECTION 4.1 Events of Default. The occurrence of any of the following
                   -----------------
events shall constitute an event of default (an "Event of Default") under this
Agreement (whatever the reason for such event and whether or not it shall be
voluntary or involuntary or be effected by operation of law or pursuant to any
Governmental Requirement):

       (a)    any representation or warranty made in this Agreement or in any of
the other Credit Documents shall prove to be false or misleading in any material
respect as of the time made; or

       (b)    any report, certificate, financial statement or other instrument
furnished in connection with the Credit, this Agreement or any of the other
Credit Documents, shall prove to be false or misleading in any material respect
as of the time furnished; or

       (c)    default shall be made in the payment when due of any of the
Obligations; or

       (d)    default shall be made in the due observance or performance of any
covenant, condition or agreement on the part of the Borrower to be observed or
performed pursuant to the terms of this Agreement (other than any covenant,
condition or agreement, default in the observance or performance of which is
elsewhere in this Section 4.1 specifically dealt with) and such default shall
continue unremedied for a period of thirty (30) days; or

       (e)    any default or event of default, as therein defined, shall occur
under any of the other Credit Documents (after giving effect to any applicable
notice, grace or cure period specified therein); or

       (f)    (1) default shall be made with respect to any Debt (other than the
Obligations) of any Obligor, if the effect of such default is to accelerate the
maturity of such Debt or to permit the holder thereof to cause such Debt to
become due prior

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
to its stated maturity, or (2) any such Debt shall not be paid when due (after
giving effect to any applicable notice, grace or cure periods); or

       (g)    any Obligor shall (1) apply for or consent to the appointment of a
receiver, trustee, liquidator or other custodian of such Obligor or any of such
Obligor's properties or assets (including the Property), (2) fail or admit in
writing such Obligor's inability to pay such Obligor's debts generally as they
become due, (3) make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors, (4)
suffer or permit an order for relief to be entered against such Obligor in any
proceeding under the federal Bankruptcy Code, or (5) file a voluntary petition
in bankruptcy, or a petition or an answer seeking an arrangement with creditors
or to take advantage of any bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency, readjustment
of debt, dissolution or liquidation law or statute, or an answer admitting the
material allegations of a petition filed against such Obligor in any proceeding
under any such law or statute, or if corporate action shall be taken by any
Obligor for the purpose of effecting any of the foregoing; or

       (h)    a petition shall be filed, without the application, approval or
consent of any Obligor in any court of competent jurisdiction, seeking
bankruptcy, reorganization, rearrangement, dissolution or liquidation of such
Obligor or of all or a substantial part of the properties or assets of such
Obligor, or seeking any other relief under any law or statute of the type
referred to in Section 4.1(l)(5) against such Obligor, or the appointment of a
receiver, trustee, liquidator or other custodian of such Obligor or of all or a
substantial part of the properties or assets of such Obligor, and such petition
shall not have been stayed or dismissed within 30 days after the filing thereof;
or

       (i)    any writ of execution, attachment or garnishment shall be issued
against the assets of any Obligor and such writ of execution, attachment or
garnishment shall not be dismissed, discharged or quashed within 30 days of
issuance; or

       (j)    any final judgment for the payment of money shall be rendered
against any Obligor and the same shall remain undischarged for a period of 30
days during which execution shall not be effectively stayed; or

       (k)    any guarantor of any of the Obligations shall default in the due
observance or performance of any covenant, condition or agreement on such
guarantor's part to be observed or performed under such guarantor's guaranty
agreement (after giving effect to any applicable notice, grace or cure period
specified therein) or shall terminate or attempt to terminate such guarantor's
guaranty agreement.

                                    ARTICLE 5

                                    Remedies
                                    --------

       SECTION 5.1 Acceleration of Obligations. If an Event of Default exists
                   ---------------------------
under Section 4.1(l), 4.1(m) or 4.1(l), all of the Obligations shall
automatically become immediately due and payable. If any other Event of Default
exists that does not already result in the automatic acceleration of the
Obligations under another Credit Document, the Lender shall have the right
without further notice to the Borrower (except any such notice as may be
specifically required under the other Credit Documents) to declare all of the
Obligations immediately due and payable.

       SECTION 5.2 Remedies. If an Event of Default exists, the Lender shall be
                   --------
entitled to exercise all of the rights, powers and remedies vested in it by this
Agreement and applicable law (including all rights of a secured party under
Article 9 of the Alabama Uniform Commercial Code) for the protection and
enforcement of its rights with respect to the Property, including the rights:

       (a)    to receive all amounts payable with respect to the Property
otherwise payable to the Borrower under Section 2.3;

       (b)    to transfer all or any part of the Pledged Stock into the Lender's
name or the name of its nominee and to cause new certificates to be issued in
the name of such transferee;

       (c)    to vote all or any part of the Pledged Stock, whether or not
transferred into the name of the Lender or its nominee, and to give all
consents, waivers and ratifications with respect to the Property and otherwise
act with respect thereto as though the Lender were the outright owner thereof
(the Borrower hereby irrevocably constituting and appointing the Lender the
proxy and attorney-in-fact of the Borrower, with full power of substitution, to
do so);

       (d)    to settle, adjust, compromise and arrange all accounts,
controversies, claims and demands in relation to any Property;

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
       (e)    to execute all contracts, agreements, documents and instruments,
to bring, defend and abandon all actions and proceedings, and to take all other
actions, in relation to any Property as the Lender in its sole discretion may
determine; and

       (f)    at any time or from time to time to sell, assign and deliver, or
grant options to purchase, all or any part of the Property, or any interest
therein, at any public or private sale, at any exchange, broker's board or at
any of the Lender's offices, in one or more parcels, without demand of
performance, advertisement or notice of intention to sell or of the time or
place of sale or adjournment thereof or otherwise (all of which are hereby
waived by the Borrower), for cash, on credit, or for other property, for
immediate or future delivery without any assumption of credit risk, and for such
prices and on such terms as the Lender in its sole discretion may deem to be
commercially reasonable. The Lender shall not be obligated to make any sale of
Property regardless of notice having been given. The Lender may adjourn any sale
from time to time by announcement at the time and place fixed therefor, and any
such sale may, without further notice, be made at the time and place to which it
was adjourned. The Lender shall not be liable for any failure to collect or
realize upon any Property or for any delay in so doing, or shall it be obligated
to take any action whatsoever with respect thereto.

       SECTION 5.3 Non-Public Sale. If at any time when the Lender shall
                   ---------------
determine to exercise its right to sell all or any of the Pledged Stock and
other securities pursuant to Section 5.2, such Pledged Stock and other
securities or the part thereof to be sold shall not for any reason be
effectively registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as then in effect, the
Lender may, in its sole discretion, sell such Pledged Stock and other securities
or part thereof by private sale in such manner and under such circumstances as
the Lender may deem necessary or advisable in order that such sale may legally
be effected without such registration. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, in any such event the Lender, in its sole discretion (a) may proceed
to make such private sale notwithstanding that a registration statement
registering any such Pledged Stock shall have been filed under such Securities
Act, (b) may approach and negotiate with as few as one possible purchaser to
effect such sale, and (c) may restrict such sale to a purchaser who will
represent and agree that such purchaser is purchasing for its own account, for
investment, and not with a view to the distribution or sale of any such Pledged
Stock and who will satisfy such other conditions as at such time may be required
for lawful non-public sale. In the event of any such sale, the Lender shall
incur no responsibility or liability for selling all or any part of the Pledged
Stock at a price which the Lender, in its sole discretion, may deem reasonable
under the circumstances, notwithstanding the possibility that a substantially
higher price might be realized if the sale were deferred until after
registration.

       SECTION 5.4 Reasonable Care. The Lender shall be deemed to have exercised
                   ---------------
reasonable care in the custody and preservation of any Property in its
possession if it takes such reasonable actions for that purpose as the Borrower
shall request in writing, but the Lender shall have sole power to determine
whether such actions are reasonable. Any omission to do any act not requested by
the Borrower shall not be deemed a failure to exercise reasonable care.

       SECTION 5.5 Waiver of Redemption, Marshalling, etc. The Borrower hereby
                   --------------------------------------
waives and releases to the fullest extent permitted by law any right or equity
of redemption with respect to the Property, whether before or after sale
hereunder, and all rights, if any, of marshalling the Property and any other
security for the Obligations or otherwise. At any such sale, unless prohibited
by applicable law, the Lender may bid for and purchase all or any part of the
Property so sold free from any such right or equity of redemption.

       SECTION 5.6 Application of Proceeds. The net cash proceeds resulting from
                   -----------------------
the exercise of any of the rights and remedies of the Lender under this
Agreement, after deducting all charges, expenses, costs and attorneys' fees
relating thereto, including any and all costs and expenses referred to in
Section 6.2, shall be applied by the Lender to the payment of the Obligations,
whether due or to become due, in such order and in such proportions as the
Lender may elect; and the Borrower shall remain liable to the Lender for any
deficiency.

       SECTION 5.7 Additional Security, etc. Without notice to or consent of the
                   ------------------------
Borrower, and without impairment of the Liens and rights created by this
Agreement, the Lender may accept from the Borrower, any other Obligor or any
other person, additional security for the Obligations. Neither the giving of
this Agreement nor the acceptance of any such additional security shall prevent
the Lender from resorting first to any such additional security, or first to the
Liens created by this Agreement, without affecting the Liens and rights of the
Lender under this Agreement.

       SECTION 5.8 Default Rate. If an Event of Default exists, the Obligations
                   ------------
shall bear interest at the Default Rate, until the earlier of (a) such time as
all of the Obligations are paid in full or (b) no such Event of Default exists.

       SECTION 5.9 Remedies Cumulative. The rights and remedies of the Lender
                   -------------------
under this Agreement are cumulative and not exclusive of any other rights or
remedies now or hereafter existing at law or in equity.

                                      -6-
<PAGE>
 
                                    ARTICLE 6

                                  Miscellaneous
                                  -------------

SECTION 6.1 Notices.
            -------

       (a)    Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent,
waiver or other document provided or permitted by this Agreement to be made
upon, given or furnished to, or filed with, the Borrower or the Lender must
(except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement) be in writing and be
delivered by one of the following methods: (1) by personal delivery at the hand
delivery address specified below, (2) by first-class, registered or certified
mail, postage prepaid, addressed as specified below, or (3) if facsimile
transmission facilities for such party are identified below or pursuant to a
separate written notice from such party, sent by facsimile transmission to the
number specified below or in such notice.

       (b)    The hand delivery address, mailing address and (if applicable)
facsimile transmission number for receipt of notice or other documents by such
parties are as follows:

       (1)    Borrower:
              --------

              By hand
              or mail:          William G. Sanders, Jr.
                                8 Clarendon Road
                                Birmingham, Alabama 35213

       (2)    Lender
              ------

              By hand
              or mail:          Alabama National Bancorporation
                                1927 First Avenue North
                                Birmingham, Alabama 35203
                                Attention: Chief Executive Officer

              By facsimile:     (205) 583-3275

Any of such parties may change the address or number for receiving any such
notice or other document by giving notice of the change to the other parties
named in this Section 6.1.

       (c)    Any such notice or other document shall be deemed delivered when
actually received by the party to whom directed (or, if such party is not an
individual, to an officer, director, partner or other legal representative of
the party) at the address or number specified pursuant to this Section 6.1, or,
if sent by mail, three Business Days after such notice or document is deposited
in the United States mail, addressed as provided above.

       (d)    Five Business Days' written notice to the Borrower as provided
above shall constitute reasonable notification to the Borrower when notification
is required by law; provided, however, that nothing contained in the foregoing
shall be construed as requiring five Business Days' notice if, under applicable
law and the circumstances then existing, a shorter period of time would
constitute reasonable notice.

       SECTION 6.2 Expenses. The Borrower shall promptly on demand pay all costs
                   --------
and expenses, including the fees and disbursements of counsel to the Lender,
incurred by the Lender in connection with (a) the negotiation, preparation and
review of this Agreement (whether or not the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement shall be consummated), (b) the enforcement of this Agreement, (c) the
custody and preservation of the Property, (d) the protection or perfection of
the Lender's rights and interests under this Agreement in the Property, (e) the
exercise by or on behalf of the Lender of any of its rights, powers or remedies
under this Agreement and (f) the prosecution or defense of any action or
proceeding by or against the Lender, the Borrower, any other Obligor, or any one
or more of them, concerning any matter related to this Agreement, any of the
Property or any of the Obligations. All such amounts shall bear interest from
the date demand is made at the Default Rate and shall be included in the
Obligations secured hereby. The Borrower's obligations under this Section 6.2
shall survive the payment in full of the Obligations and the termination of this
Agreement.

                                      -7-
<PAGE>
 
       SECTION 6.3 Heirs, Successors and Assigns. Whenever in this Agreement any
                   -----------------------------
party hereto is referred to, such reference shall be deemed to include the
heirs, successors and assigns of such party, except that the Borrower may not
assign or transfer this Agreement without the prior written consent of the
Lender; and all covenants and agreements of the Borrower contained in this
Agreement shall bind the Borrower's heirs, successors and assigns and shall
inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Lender.

       SECTION 6.4 Joint and Several Liability. If the Borrower is comprised of
                   ---------------------------
more than one person, all of the Borrower's representations, warranties,
covenants and agreements under this Agreement shall be joint and several and
shall be binding on and enforceable against either, any or all of the persons
comprising the Borrower. If any one or more of the persons comprising the
Borrower is in default, the Lender my exercise its remedies on default against
all of the person comprising the Borrower.

       SECTION 6.5 Independent Obligations. The Borrower agrees that each of the
                   -----------------------
obligations of the Borrower to the Lender under this Agreement may be enforced
against the Borrower without the necessity of joining any other Obligor, any
other holders of Liens in any Property or any other person, as a party.

       SECTION 6.6 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be construed in
                   -------------
accordance with and governed by Title 9 of the U.S. Code and the internal laws
of the State of Alabama (without regard to conflict of law principles) except as
required by mandatory provisions of law and except to the extent that the
validity and perfection of the Liens on the Property are governed by the laws of
any jurisdiction other than the State of Alabama.

       SECTION 6.7 Date of Agreement. The date of this Agreement is intended as
                   -----------------
a date for the convenient identification of this Agreement and is not intended
to indicate that this Agreement was executed and delivered on that date.

       SECTION 6.8 Separability Clause. If any provision of the Credit Documents
                   -------------------
shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and
enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or
impaired thereby.

       SECTION 6.9 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
                   ------------
counterparts, each of which so executed shall be deemed an original, but all
such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same agreement.

       SECTION 6.10 No Oral Agreements. This Agreement is the final expression
                    ------------------
of the agreement between the parties hereto, and this Agreement may not be
contradicted by evidence of any prior oral agreement between such parties. All
previous oral agreements between the parties hereto have been incorporated into
this Agreement and the other Credit Documents, and there is no unwritten oral
agreement between the parties hereto in existence.

       SECTION 6.11 Waiver and Election. The exercise by the Lender of any
                    -------------------
option given under this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver of the right to
exercise any other option. No failure or delay on the part of the Lender in
exercising any right, power or remedy under this Agreement shall operate as a
waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right,
power or remedy preclude any further exercise thereof or the exercise of any
other right, power or remedy. No modification, termination or waiver of any
provisions of the Credit Documents, nor consent to any departure by the Borrower
therefrom, shall be effective unless in writing and signed by an authorized
officer of the Lender, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only
in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given. No notice
to or demand on the Borrower in any case shall entitle the Borrower to any other
or further notice or demand in similar or other circumstances.

       SECTION 6.12 No Obligations of Lender; Indemnification. The Lender does
                    -----------------------------------------
not by virtue of this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated by the
Credit Documents assume any duties, liabilities or obligations with respect to
any of the Property unless expressly assumed by the Lender under a separate
agreement in writing, and this Agreement shall not be deemed to confer on the
Lender any duties or obligations that would make the Lender directly or
derivatively liable for any person's negligent, reckless or wilful conduct. The
Borrower agrees to indemnify and hold the Lender harmless against and with
respect to any damage, claim, action, loss, cost, expense, liability, penalty or
interest (including attorney's fees) and all costs and expenses of all actions,
suits, proceedings, demands, assessments, claims and judgments directly or
indirectly resulting from, occurring in connection with, or arising out of: (a)
any inaccurate representation made by the Borrower or any Obligor in this
Agreement or any other Credit Document; (b) any breach of any of the warranties
or obligations of the Borrower or any Obligor under this Agreement or any other
Credit Document; and (c) the Property, or the Liens of the Lender thereon. The
provisions of this Section 6.12 shall survive the payment of the Obligations in
full and the termination, satisfaction, release (in whole or in part) and
foreclosure of this Agreement.

                                      -8-
<PAGE>
 
       SECTION 6.13 Advances by the Lender. If the Borrower shall fail to comply
                    ----------------------
with any of the provisions of this Agreement, the Lender may (but shall not be
required to) make advances to perform the same, and where necessary enter any
premises where any Property is located for the purpose of performing the
Borrower's obligations under any such provision. The Borrower agrees to repay
all such sums advanced upon demand, with interest from the date such advances
are made at the Default Rate, and all sums so advanced with interest shall be a
part of the Obligations. The making of any such advances shall not be construed
as a waiver by the Lender of any Event of Default resulting from the Borrower's
failure to pay such amounts.

       SECTION 6.14 Rights, Liens and Obligations Absolute. All rights of the
                    --------------------------------------
Lender hereunder, all Liens granted to the Lender hereunder, and all obligations
of the Borrower hereunder, shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be
affected by (a) any lack of validity or enforceability as to any other person of
any of the Credit Documents, (b) any change in the time, manner or place of
payment of, or any other term of the Obligations, (c) any amendment or waiver of
any of the provisions of the Credit Documents as to any other person, and (d)
any exchange, release or non-perfection of any other collateral or any release,
termination or waiver of any guaranty, for any of the Obligations.

       SECTION 6.15 Termination. This Agreement and the Lender's Liens in the
                    -----------
Property hereunder will not be terminated until one of the Lender's officers
signs a written termination agreement. Except as otherwise expressly provided
for in this Agreement, no termination of this Agreement shall in any way affect
or impair the representations, warranties, agreements or other obligations of
the Borrower or the rights, powers and remedies of the Lender under this
Agreement with respect to any transaction or event occurring prior to such
termination, all of which shall survive such termination.

       SECTION 6.16 Reinstatement. This Agreement, the obligations of the
                    -------------
Borrower hereunder, and the Liens, rights, powers and remedies of the Lender
hereunder, shall continue to be effective, or be automatically reinstated, as
the case may be, if at any time any amount applied to the payment of any of the
Obligations is rescinded or must otherwise be restored or returned to the
Borrower, any Obligor, or any other person (or paid to the creditors of any of
them, or to any custodian, receiver, trustee or other officer with similar
powers with respect to any of them, or with respect to any part of their
property) upon the insolvency, bankruptcy, dissolution, liquidation or
reorganization of the Borrower, any Obligor or any such person, or upon or as a
result of the appointment of a custodian, receiver, trustee or other officer
with respect to any of them, or with respect to any part of their property, or
otherwise, all as though such payment had not been made.

       SECTION 6.17 Submission to Jurisdiction. The Borrower irrevocably (a)
                    --------------------------
acknowledges that this Agreement will be accepted by the Lender and performed by
the Borrower in the State of Alabama; (b) submits to the jurisdiction of each
state or federal court sitting in Jefferson County, Alabama (collectively, the
"Courts") over any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this
Agreement (to enforce the arbitration provisions hereof or, if the arbitration
provisions are found to be unenforceable, to determine any issues arising out of
or relating to this Agreement) or any of the other Credit Documents
(individually, an "Agreement Action"); (c) waives, to the fullest extent
permitted by law, any objection or defense that the Borrower may now or
hereafter have based on improper venue, lack of personal jurisdiction,
inconvenience of forum or any similar matter in any Agreement Action brought in
any of the Courts; (d) agrees that final judgment in any Agreement Action
brought in any of the Courts shall be conclusive and binding upon the Borrower
and may be enforced in any other court to the jurisdiction of which the Borrower
is subject, by a suit upon such judgment; (e) consents to the service of process
on the Borrower in any Agreement Action by the mailing of a copy thereof by
registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, to the Borrower at the Borrower's
address designated in or pursuant to Section 6.1; (f) agrees that service in
accordance with Section 6.17(e) shall in every respect be effective and binding
on the Borrower to the same extent as though served on the Borrower in person by
a person duly authorized to serve such process; and (g) AGREES THAT THE
PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION, EVEN IF FOUND NOT TO BE STRICTLY ENFORCEABLE BY ANY
COURT, SHALL CONSTITUTE "FAIR WARNING" TO THE BORROWER THAT THE EXECUTION OF
THIS AGREEMENT MAY SUBJECT THE BORROWER TO THE JURISDICTION OF EACH STATE OR
FEDERAL COURT SITTING IN JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALABAMA WITH RESPECT TO ANY AGREEMENT
ACTIONS, AND THAT IT IS FORESEEABLE BY THE BORROWER THAT THE BORROWER MAY BE
SUBJECTED TO THE JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURTS AND MAY BE SUED IN THE STATE OF
ALABAMA IN ANY AGREEMENT ACTIONS. Nothing in this Section 6.17 shall limit or
restrict the Lender's right to serve process or bring Agreement Actions in
manners and in courts otherwise than as herein provided.

       SECTION 6.18 Arbitration; Dispute Resolution; Preservation of Foreclosure
                    ------------------------------------------------------------
Remedies
- --------

       (a)    The Borrower represents to the Lender that its business and
affairs constitute substantial interstate commerce and that it contemplates
using the proceeds of the Note in substantial interstate commerce. Except as
otherwise specifically set forth below, any action, dispute, claim, counterclaim
or controversy ("Dispute" or "Disputes"), between or among the Lender, the
Borrower or any other Obligor, including any claim based on or arising from an
alleged tort, shall be resolved by arbitration

                                      -9-
<PAGE>
 
as set forth below. As used herein, Disputes shall include all actions,
disputes, claims, counterclaims or controversies arising in connection with the
Note, any extension of or commitment to extend Credit by the Lender, any
collection of any indebtedness owed to the Lender, any security or collateral
given to the Lender, any action taken (or any omission to take any action) in
connection with any of the foregoing, any past, present and future agreement
between or among the Lender, the Borrower or any other Obligor (including the
Note and any Credit Document), and any past, present or future transactions
between or among the Lender, the Borrower or any other Obligor. Without limiting
the generality of the foregoing, Disputes shall include actions commonly
referred to as lender liability actions.

       (b)    All Disputes shall be resolved by binding arbitration in
accordance with Title 9 of the U.S. Code and the Commercial Arbitration Rules of
the American Arbitration Association (the "AAA"). Defenses based on statutes of
limitation, estoppel, waiver, laches and similar doctrines, that would otherwise
be applicable to an action brought by a party, shall be applicable in any such
arbitration proceeding, and the commencement of an arbitration proceeding with
respect to this Agreement shall be deemed the commencement of an action for such
purposes.

       (c)    Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower and each other Obligor
agrees that the Lender shall have the option, but not the obligation, to submit
to and pursue in a court of law any claim against the Borrower or any other
Obligor for a debt due. The Borrower and each other Obligor agrees that, if the
Lender pursues such a claim in a court of law, (1) failure of the Lender to
assert any additional claim in such proceeding shall not be deemed a waiver of,
or estoppel to pursue, such claim as a claim or counterclaim in arbitration as
set forth above, and (2) the institution or maintenance of a judicial action
hereunder shall not constitute a waiver of the right of any party to submit any
other action, dispute, claim or controversy as described above, even though
arising out of the same transaction or occurrence, to binding arbitration as set
forth herein. If the Borrower asserts a claim against the Lender in arbitration
or otherwise during the pendency of a claim brought by the Lender in a court of
law, the court action shall be stayed and the parties shall submit to
arbitration all claims.

       (d)    No provision of, nor the exercise of any rights under this
Section, shall limit the right of any party (1) to foreclose against any real or
personal property collateral by exercise of a power of sale under any Credit
Document, or by exercise of any rights of foreclosure or of sale under
applicable law, (2) to exercise self-help remedies such as set-off, or (3) to
obtain provisional or ancillary remedies such as injunctive relief, attachment
or the appointment of a receiver from a court having jurisdiction before, during
or after the pendency of any arbitration or referral. The institution and
maintenance of an action for judicial relief or pursuit of provisional or
ancillary remedies or exercise of self-help remedies shall not constitute a
waiver of the right of any party, including the plaintiff in such an action, to
submit the Dispute to arbitration or, in the case of actions on a debt, to
judicial resolution.

       (e)    Whenever an arbitration is required hereunder, the arbitrator
shall be selected in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the
AAA. The AAA shall designate a panel of 10 potential arbitrators knowledgeable
in the subject matter of the Dispute. Each of the Lender and the Obligor shall
designate, within 30 days of the receipt of the list of potential arbitrators,
one of the potential arbitrators to serve, and the two arbitrators so designated
shall select a third arbitrator from the eight remaining potential arbitrators.
The panel of three arbitrators shall determine the resolution of the Dispute.

       IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Agreement dated
April 15, 1999.

                           /s/ William G. Sanders, Jr.
                           ---------------------------
                           (Signature of the Borrower)


                           William G. Sanders, Jr.
                           ---------------------------
                           (Printed Name)

 

                                      -10-
<PAGE>
 
                                    EXHIBIT A

Certificate No.    No. of Shares      Issued To                  Date
- ---------------    -------------      ---------                  ----

ANB 2837           7,043              William G. Sanders, Jr.    January 2, 1996



                                      A-1
<PAGE>
 
                                    EXHIBIT B
                                    ---------

                               (Credit Documents)

       The "Credit Documents" referred to in this Agreement include the
following:

       (a)    Promissory Note dated of even date herewith in the principal
amount of $109,833.00 executed by the Borrower in favor of the Lender, which
evidences a loan made by the Lender to the Borrower.

       (b)    Promissory Note dated of even date herewith in the principal
amount of $16,000.00 executed by the Borrower in favor of the Lender, which
evidences a loan made available by the Lender to the Borrower and has a final
maturity date of April 15, 2000.


                                     B-1 

<PAGE>
 
                                                                      EXHIBIT 11


                       COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER SHARE


                                                                     Per Share
                                                  Income    Shares     Amount

THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1999
Basic EPS net income........................       $5,019    11,022    $0.46
                                                                       =====
Effect of dilutive securities options.......           -        166   
                                                   ------    ------   
Diluted EPS.................................       $5,019    11,188    $0.45
                                                   ======    ======    =====

THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1998
Basic EPS net income........................       $4,550    10,611    $0.43
                                                                       =====
Effect of dilutive securities options.......           -        469
                                                   ------    ------
Diluted EPS.................................       $4,550    11,080    $0.41
                                                   ======    ======    =====


<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 9
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1999
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1999
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-31-1999
<CASH>                                          62,298
<INT-BEARING-DEPOSITS>                           1,490
<FED-FUNDS-SOLD>                                68,109
<TRADING-ASSETS>                                14,863
<INVESTMENTS-HELD-FOR-SALE>                    285,023
<INVESTMENTS-CARRYING>                          29,708
<INVESTMENTS-MARKET>                            30,275
<LOANS>                                      1,129,946
<ALLOWANCE>                                     17,167
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               1,693,950
<DEPOSITS>                                   1,307,383
<SHORT-TERM>                                    31,700
<LIABILITIES-OTHER>                             47,853
<LONG-TERM>                                     32,313
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                        11,032
<OTHER-SE>                                     122,975
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES-AND-EQUITY>               1,693,950
<INTEREST-LOAN>                                 23,159
<INTEREST-INVEST>                                4,819
<INTEREST-OTHER>                                   833
<INTEREST-TOTAL>                                29,811
<INTEREST-DEPOSIT>                              10,787
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              13,435
<INTEREST-INCOME-NET>                           15,376
<LOAN-LOSSES>                                      562
<SECURITIES-GAINS>                                 166
<EXPENSE-OTHER>                                 15,383
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  7,338
<INCOME-PRE-EXTRAORDINARY>                       7,338
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     5,019
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .46
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .45
<YIELD-ACTUAL>                                    7.89
<LOANS-NON>                                      3,565
<LOANS-PAST>                                         0
<LOANS-TROUBLED>                                   492
<LOANS-PROBLEM>                                      0
<ALLOWANCE-OPEN>                                16,540
<CHARGE-OFFS>                                      213
<RECOVERIES>                                       278
<ALLOWANCE-CLOSE>                               17,167
<ALLOWANCE-DOMESTIC>                            17,167
<ALLOWANCE-FOREIGN>                                  0
<ALLOWANCE-UNALLOCATED>                         17,167
        

</TABLE>


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