Exhibit 32(i)

                    CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
                         PURSUANT TO U.S.C. SECTION 1350

    In connection with the Form 10-K of National Bankshares, Inc. for the year
ended December 31, 2003, I, James G. Rakes, Chairman, President and Chief
Executive Officer of National Bankshares, Inc., hereby certify pursuant to 18
U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002, to the best of my knowledge and belief that:

(1)      such Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003, fully complies
         with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securties Act of
         1934; and

(2)      the information contained in such Form 10-K for the year ended December
         31, 2003, fairly presents in all material respects, the financial
         condition and results of operations of National Bankshares, Inc.


 /s/ JAMES G. RAKES
- -----------------------------
James G. Rakes
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)