EXHIBIT 99.1

                                  CERTIFICATION
                       PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
                    AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE
                           SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

      In connection with the Quarterly Report of First Community Bancshares,
Inc. (the "Company") on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2003, as filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"),
the undersigned hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted
pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to the
undersigned's best knowledge and belief:

      (a) the Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or
15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

      (b) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all
material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the
Company.

Dated this 15th day of May, 2003.

                                          First Community Bancshares, Inc.
                                          ("Company")


                                          /s/ John M. Mendez
                                          -----------------------------------
                                          John M. Mendez
                                          Chief Executive Officer


                                          /s/ Robert L. Schumacher
                                          -----------------------------------
                                          Robert L. Schumacher
                                          Chief Financial Officer

      A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has
been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished
to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.


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