The Opp and Covington County Area Chamber of Commerce have named retried District Judge Frank “Trippy” McGuire One of Opp’s Own.

This is the first time in history that someone not reared in Opp has received the honor.

McGuire started visiting friends in Opp in 1973. While attending a wedding in 1977, he met Margaret Moore and they later married in Opp in 1979. Since marrying Margaret, Trippy has called Opp home. Trippy and Margaret have two daughters, Natalie Davis and Jan Miles.

Trippy graduated from W.A. Berry High School in Birmingham then enrolled at Auburn University and graduated in 1975. Thereafter, he attended Cumberland School of Law in Birmingham and graduated in 1978.

From 1979 to 1993, he had a private law office in Opp. During that time, he became the Assistant District Attorney until 1992. In 1986, he was appointed as the Opp Municipal Court Judge and served until 1993. After having a private law office and serving his community, Trippy was selected to serve as Covington  County District Judge in 1993. He continued to serve until his retirement in 2014.

McGuire has served on numerous associations throughout his career. He has been the past president for Alabama District Judges’ Association, Alabama Juvenile Judges’ Association, and Covington County Bar Association.

He has been in various civic organizations and activities for the better part of 36 years. He was an advisor for the Opp High School Interact Club from 1980-2008, sponsor for the Opp High School Prayer Group from 1992-2003, and he founded the Opp Middle School Prayer Group in 1993 then remained a sponsor until 2006. In 1996, Trippy co-founded IMPACT and is still currently serving as a board member. He has been on the Covington County Children’s Policy Council since 2001 and serves as chairman. He has been a board chair on Alabama Partnership for Children since 2007. Trippy proudly serves as a board member for Solon and Martha Dixon Foundation, Mizell Memorial Hospital, and Mizell Foundation. He is longtime member of the Opp Chamber of Commerce. Lastly, he is a member of the Opp Rotary Club and is a past president.

In 2003, he was the State Recipient of the Howell Heflin Appreciation Award that was presented by State of Alabama Court Referral Network. Trippy was the recipient of the 2003-2004 “Service Above Self” Award which was presented by District Governor of Rotary District 6880. He was inducted as a Paul Harris Fellow in Rotary International.

Above all, Trippy said he humbly serves his Lord and Savior as a Deacon at Opp Church of Christ. He also formally served at the Youth Director for Opp Church of Christ.

Frank “Trippy” McGuire has had a successful law career and has served his community well for many years. With his continuous involvement and support, Trippy has truly made his chosen home proud.