Birmingham Batman lives on through a new mural on Southside [PHOTOS]

Willie J. Perry — the Birmingham Batman —has been immortalized with a mural of him and his “rescue ship” at the newly redeveloped Magnolia Point development on Southside Birmingham.

“I was commissioned by Mike Moroun to paint a mural on the side of Magnolia Point, for a new restaurant opening in May

I heard of the Birmingham Batman 5 years ago and had a mural design that I always wanted to paint. His story captivated me and I knew his legacy was something Birmingham needed to remember.” 

—  Marcus Fetch, a prominent local muralist in The Magic City

Willie J. Perry’s remarkable life

Perry, who passed away in 1985, was known for cruising around Birmingham helping stranded motorists and giving free rides in his customized 1971 Ford Thunderbird. His car was called the “Batmobile Rescue Ship”

From Bhamwiki:

“Perry lived by the motto “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” After he heard about a woman whose car had broken down being raped by a group of men who had seemingly stopped to help her, he decided to take to the streets in a way that he could be recognized as a helper that could be trusted.

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. He visited home-bound neighbors and assisted with guiding traffic around road hazards. On at least one occasion Perry foiled an attempted robbery at a pharmacy. He always refused any offer of payment for his services.”

The famous Rescue Ship now resides at United Car Care Center in Cahaba Heights (3266 Cahaba Heights Rd, 35243).

Bham Now photographer Jacob Blankenship took photos of the 53-year-old car this week.

Honor to shine a light on Willie’s legacy

“I’m so honored to finally have the opportunity to bring light to Willie’s Legacy and I hope it leaves a lasting impression on the new community that will develop around Magnolia Point, ” added Fetch, who was assisted on the mural by Dewan Moton.

”We will have a video featuring Willie’s legacy and the story behind the mural coming soon!”