EXHIBIT 99.1

                    Certification of Chief Executive Officer
                         Pursuant to Section 906 of the
                           Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

In  connection  with  this  quarterly  report on Form  10-QSB  of First  Central
Bancshares,  Inc.  I, Ed F.  Bell,  Chief  Executive  Officer  of First  Central
Bancshares,  Inc., certify, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002, that:

     1.   The report fully  complies with the  requirements  of Section 13(a) or
          15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
     2.   The  information  contained  in this report  fairly  presents,  in all
          material respects,  the financial  condition and results of operations
          of First Central Bancshares, Inc.

                                              /s/ Ed F. Bell
Date: November 12, 2002                       ----------------------------------
                                              Ed F. Bell
                                              Chairman of the Board
                                              and Chief Executive Officer