Michael J. Bellamy, Presiding Judge for the 26th Judicial Circuit Court of Alabama serving Russell County, will deliver the keynote address to graduates during Troy University’s commencement ceremony at the Columbus Convention and Trade Center on Jan. 21.
Nearly 90 graduates are expected to take part in the ceremony, which is set for 7 p.m. EDT.
Bellamy was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2013 by then-Gov. Robert Bentley to replace retiring judge George R. Greene. Bellamy won election to a full six-year term in the general election in 2016.
Prior to his elevation to the Circuit Court, Bellamy was a Russell County District Court judge from 1998 to 2013, initially appointed to the position by then-Gov. Fob James.
Since 1977, Bellamy has practiced law in the following capacities: Assistant District Attorney, criminal prosecution in both Russell County and Macon County Alabama; Special Assistant Attorney General for the State of Alabama, Condemnation Proceedings; Municipal Court Judge for Phenix City and general law practice.
Bellamy is a member of numerous professional organizations, including the Alabama State Bar Association, Russell County Bar Association, American Bar Association, Alabama Lawyers Association and is a former member of the Alabama Municipal Judges Association and the Alabama Child Support Association.
He also is involved in various civic organizations within the community and surrounding area such as: member of Franchise Baptist Church, (Deacon Board, Trustee Board, Missionary Board and Jail Ministry); President of the Board of Phenix-Russell Boys & Girls Club (Phenix –Russell Youth Center); member of Columbus Urban League; former member of Board of Directors of Russell County Council for Abused and Neglected Children; former member of Board of Directors of Russell County Council for Battered Women; member of Columbus-Phenix City Tuskegee Alumni Club, Inc.; former member of the Board of United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley, Inc.; member of United to Save Ourselves (USO); member of Phenix City-Russell County Rotary Club; and, a member of the Columbus State University Foundation Board.
Raised in Phenix City, Bellamy is married to the former Florence Weeks, and has four children, Christy, Leslie, Michelle and Joseph. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Tuskegee University and his Juris Doctor degree from Southern University.
