08/19/2026
The newest plaque in the Tribute Hall was unveiled last night. Judge Bob Perry was recognized for his 22 years as Southaven’s Municipal Court Judge. Stories were shared of his influence on those who worked in his courtroom noting that he was tough but fair and firm but kind.
Original Mayor’s Blog post:
https://southaven.org/Blog.aspx?IID=221
JUDGE BOB PERRY TRIBUTE HALL UNVEILING…
It was an outstanding gathering last night as we unveiled the plaque in the Tribute Hall with family and friends of Bob Perry. It was a pleasure meeting Judge Perry’s niece, Jackie Collinsworth, and hearing her say how much he would appreciate it. Friends and colleagues told life experiences of the professional, but also compassionate way he treated people in our municipal court for so many years. He lived in Southaven before there was a Southaven and touched the lives of so many in every facet of his life.
We thank you, Sir, and will never forget you!
ORIGINAL POST:
As we continue to celebrate the rich history of Southaven and the special people who’ve made our city special, let’s remember and honor Bob Perry.
Bob Perry served as Southaven’s primary Municipal Court Judge for 22 years from December 4, 1990 until July 2, 2013. After serving in the United States Air Force; graduating from Memphis State University and the University of Mississippi School of Law; he began practicing law in 1964 and moved his law firm to Southaven in 1967. He served DeSoto and Tate Counties as a State Senator from 1964 to 1976. During that time, he was honored by his fellow senators when they elected him as President Pro Tempore of the Senate which authorized him to serve a temporary stint as Acting Governor of Mississippi for a short time. He later served as Chief of Staff to Governor Cliff Finch from 1976 to 1980.
Judge Perry’s Southaven roots go back further than even the name, Southaven. His family owned a farm on the west side of Highway 51 near Rasco Road as far back as the 1940s. It was there where his father owned one of the very first telephones in DeSoto County so he could receive calls from his employer, the Illinois Central Railroad. This is the reason DeSoto County has a Memphis telephone exchange because the first telephones here were installed to accommodate railroad workers who worked in Memphis. During that time, the Perry family commonly allowed others to visit their home and use the telephone for important calls. It’s not a surprise that Judge Perry was known in his later years as a history buff and many loved to hear his stories.
Throughout many years as a member of the United Methodist Church, Judge Perry served as a lay speaker and organist. He was also quick to volunteer his time for his community, most notably serving as a judge in the Southaven Springfest BBQ cooking competition many times.
Professionally, Judge Perry is remembered as a very tough, but also a very fair, judge. Personally, he is remembered as a very compassionate and kind gentleman.
