By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
On Sunday, April 24, former Alabama Chief Justice Perry Hooper Sr. (R) died at his home in Montgomery.
Alabama Governor Robert Bentley (R) released a statement on the death of the former Alabama Chief Justice: “I am saddened to hear of the passing of former Chief Justice Perry Hooper Sr. today. Chief Justice Hooper was the first Republican Chief Justice to be elected since Reconstruction, and he served our citizens with honesty and integrity during his time on the Supreme Court. He was a role model for many Republicans and valued public service. He was a Marine veteran and a strong family man. I know Alabamians join me in praying for his family, especially his wife Marilyn and their children, during this time.”
State Auditor Jim Zeigler (R) said in a statement, “An Abundant Life: Judge Perry Hooper Sr. Saying goodbye to a chapter of Alabama historic, a Southern gentleman, a founder of the Alabama Republican Party, and an All-American family man. Court is adjourned, Chief Justice Perry Hooper Sr. at age 91.”
Former State Representative Perry Hooper, Jr. (R) told the Associated Press that his father has died at his home in Montgomery.
Hooper served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II. After the war he attended Birmingham Southern College and received a law degree from the University of Alabama School of Law. Hooper had a number of firsts for a Republican. He was elected Montgomery County Probate Judge in 1964. Hooper ran for the U.S. Senate in 1974, but was defeated by Lieutenant Governor James B. Allen (D). In 1974, he was elected Judge of Alabama’s 15th Judicial Circuit. In 1983, he returned to private practice. In 1994, Hooper was elected Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court in a bitterly contested election. Chief Justice Hooper retired from the court and was succeeded as Chief Justice by Roy Moore (R).
He and his wife Marilyn Yost had four children.
