Willie Perry

Batman was the superhero alter-ego of Birmingham mechanic Willie J. Perry (born 1941). Perry worked as a manager at window distributor J. F. Day and spent his free time customizing his Batmobile Rescue Ship and driving around the city helping stranded motorists and giving free rides to people who had too much to drink. He also 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 1980s episode of the television show Real People.

Perry died of carbon monoxide poisoning when he garage door closed unnoticed while he was working on the Batmobile in 1985.

Batmobile Rescue Ship

Perry's Batmobile Rescue Ship was a 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 picked up along the way).

After Perry's death the car was displayed for a while at the Southern Museum of Flight. It is currently displayed in a glass case at Fair Park Arena.

References

• Reynolds, Ed (June 30, 2005) "Runaway bridegroom." Black & White.