With the pending acquisition of San Antonio-based Lone Star Capital Bank by McAllen-based Rio Bank, B.W. “Bill” McCandless has announced his retirement. He currently serves as chairman of the board and has been an integral part of Lone Star Capital Bank since 2003.

McCandless’ distinguished career in banking spans 57 years. He began his journey in 1968 after graduating from Texas A&I University, starting at Corpus Christi State National Bank—now part of Bank of America. He joined Mercantile Bank & Trust in San Antonio in 1974, and then his career took him to San Pedro Bank, Groos Bank, Norwest and Wells Fargo. In 2001, McCandless was named president of Clear Lake National Bank, which became Lone Star Capital Bank in 2003 after an acquisition.

Throughout his career, he has worked alongside notable leaders in the industry, including his longtime mentor, R. Tom Roddy. McCandless’ tenure at Lone Star Capital Bank was marked by leadership under the ownership of the Tom Benson family and, most recently, Renee Benson.

A dedicated advocate for community banking, McCandless has been a longtime supporter of the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT). He served two terms on the IBAT board and contributed his time to the Independent Community Bankers of America board for one year. Locally, he has served on the boards for the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, San Antonio Alamo Bowl Association and the Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio.