Willie Perry: Difference between revisions
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==Batmobile Rescue Ship== | ==Batmobile Rescue Ship== | ||
Perry's Batmobile Rescue Ship was an | Perry's Batmobile Rescue Ship was an maroon and white [[1971]] Ford Thunderbird, heavily customized with tailfins and lights, as well as an assortment of appliances (a toaster oven, soda fountain, phonograph, television, CB radio, and kitchen sink) and adornments (strobe lights, extra antennas, and a custom paint job including the names of women he met along the way). | ||
After Perry's death the car was bought from his widow by the city of [[Birmingham]] for $15,000. Until [[1992]] it was exhibited at the [[Southern Museum of Flight]]. It is currently displayed in a glass case at [[Fair Park Arena]] and given periodic washings and at least one new set of tires. There is, however, no explanation of the significance of the display. | After Perry's death the car was bought from his widow by the city of [[Birmingham]] for $15,000. Until [[1992]] it was exhibited at the [[Southern Museum of Flight]]. It is currently displayed in a glass case at [[Fair Park Arena]] and given periodic washings and at least one new set of tires. There is, however, no explanation of the significance of the display. | ||
In [[2009]] the city made plans to sell the car back to Perry's family for $10 and "consideration for his valuable and meaningful contributions." | In [[2009]] the city made plans to sell the car back to Perry's family for $10 and "consideration for his valuable and meaningful contributions." After a week's delay, the city agreed to keep the car and make plans for restoring it and putting it back on public display. | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 15:02, 31 March 2009
Willie James Perry, also known as Batman or the Birmingham Batman (born 1941 - died 1985) was well-known for cruising around Birmingham helping stranded motorists and giving free rides.
Perry worked as a manager at window distributor J. F. Day. He lived by the motto "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." In addition to carrying gas, jumper cables and tools to help people whose cars had broken down, Perry gave free rides to people who had too much to drink, took elderly people to doctor's appointments and drove kids around to McDonald's or as entertainment for birthday parties.
When making his rounds, Perry wore a white helmet with the bat logo and a white jumpsuit with brown trim. He was featured in a 1982 episode of the television show That's Incredible!.
Perry died of carbon monoxide poisoning when his garage door closed unnoticed while he was working on the Batmobile in 1985. He was survived by his wife, Dorothy, and daughter Renee Perry-Hill.
Batmobile Rescue Ship
Perry's Batmobile Rescue Ship was an maroon and white 1971 Ford Thunderbird, heavily customized with tailfins and lights, as well as an assortment of appliances (a toaster oven, soda fountain, phonograph, television, CB radio, and kitchen sink) and adornments (strobe lights, extra antennas, and a custom paint job including the names of women he met along the way).
After Perry's death the car was bought from his widow by the city of Birmingham for $15,000. Until 1992 it was exhibited at the Southern Museum of Flight. It is currently displayed in a glass case at Fair Park Arena and given periodic washings and at least one new set of tires. There is, however, no explanation of the significance of the display.
In 2009 the city made plans to sell the car back to Perry's family for $10 and "consideration for his valuable and meaningful contributions." After a week's delay, the city agreed to keep the car and make plans for restoring it and putting it back on public display.
References
- Reynolds, Ed (June 30, 2005) "Runaway bridegroom." Black & White
- Sanford, Peggy (December 20, 1994) "Sad days for 'Batmobile'." Birmingham News
- Abrams, Vivi (June 24, 2004) "Birmingham's Batman helped those in need; His 'Rescue Ship' still survives." Birmingham News
- Archibald, John (March 24, 2009) "Holy Bat-memories, Birmingham." Birmingham News