Outgoing Tallahatchie County District 1 Justice Court Judge Steve Ross was honored on Friday, Dec. 18, with a reception in a familiar venue: the courtroom of the Tallahatchie County Courthouse in Charleston.
It was in this same space where Ross has presided over hundreds of justice court sessions during his long judicial career, which began in 1972.
Family members, associates and friends packed the courtroom to commemorate Ross, who at 43 years in office is the longest-serving elected official in Tallahatchie County history.
Ross did not seek re-election this year, opting instead to retire.
After presenting a plaque to Ross for his "dedicated service," retiring longtime District 1 Constable Jimmy Manues made a few remarks.
"I worked with him for 20 years and he has been a great inspiration in my life. I've seen him do many things to help people in this community and in this county as a whole," noted Manues, who then directed his comments at Ross. "We're going to miss you and we appreciate you."
An emotional newly-elected Tallahatchie County Prosecuting Attorney Carol Turner told Ross, "I've known you for only a short period of time, but I feel like you're a second father. We hate to see you go, but we're excited for this new chapter in your life."
The crowd chuckled when Charleston attorney Bill Sanders recounted a case in which Ross found a man guilty of DUI while driving a four-wheeler, and the cause for stopping him had been that he did not have an inspection sticker or a car tag. "He's the only man I ever knew" to make such a ruling, Sanders said.
Sanders added, "In all the years, in all the cases that he's tried, when everything was through, both sides said his ruling was fair and reasonable. And at the end of the day, that's all you can expect of a judge. And I just want you to know it's certainly the passing of an era for a man like Steve Ross to not be on the bench, and we're all going to miss him very much."
In Defense of Animals official Doll Stanley told Ross, "Don't think now that you've retired that we're not still going to use your expertise."
His eyes tearing up, Ross spoke only briefly. "I appreciate everybody coming," he told the crowd, then pausing. "I can't say much."
"We understand," said a woman in the crowd.
IN THE PHOTO: Outgoing District 1 Justice Court Judge Steve Ross (center) receives a plaque from District 1 Constable Jimmy Manues while Ross' wife, Donna, looks on. (Photo by Clay McFerrin)
