Bill Bobbs Named Grand Marshal of 2025 Mississippi State Hospital Christmas Parade

Mr. Bill Bobbs

Mississippi State Hospital (MSH) has named Mr. Bill Bobbs of Madison, Mississippi as Grand Marshal of the 2025 MSH Christmas Parade, to be held Friday, Dec. 5, at 10:00 a.m. The parade theme, “Santa’s Workshop,” will feature floats decorated with classic games and toys that capture the spirit of the season.

Mr. Bobbs was announced as the winner of the 2025 James C. Stubbs Volunteer Service Award at the MH/IDD Joint Conference held November 12-14 in Biloxi, Mississippi. This award honors individuals or groups demonstrating sustained volunteerism and advocacy on behalf of Mississippians with mental health needs and/or intellectual and developmental disabilities. The award commemorates Mr. James “Jimmy” Carlton Stubbs, whose service to the state’s mental health system began in 1950. Recipients are selected from nominations submitted by behavioral health professionals and community mental health programs statewide.

A graduate of Rolling Fork High School, Mr. Bobbs earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Mississippi and completed the requirements to become a Certified Public Manager Designation Graduate of the Stennis Institute of Government. He served 28 years as Director of Grants for the Mississippi Department of Mental Health, retiring in 2007. Earlier in his career, he worked as a Cost Analyst with Litton Industries and as a Budget Analyst for the Mississippi Commission of Budget and Accounting.

Mr. Bobbs’ volunteer leadership spans decades. In the early 2000s he chaired the James C. Stubbs Golf Tournament Committee, an event of the Mental Health Association of the Capitol Area, serving on the committee for several years. Since 2011, he has served on the Friends of Mississippi State Hospital, Inc. Board, including two terms as president, and has volunteered at countless Friends events. He has appeared as Santa for the hospital’s annual Santa Day and has served as a judge for the MSH Christmas Parade for many years.

An avid golfer, Mr. Bobbs has devoted innumerable years to the Farmer Jim Neal Golf Classic Committee. In addition to playing in the tournament, he is known for greeting every participant, expressing appreciation for their support, and championing the Friends organization’s mission. He frequently serves as a spokesperson to the media and is widely regarded as an exceptional ambassador for Friends of Mississippi State Hospital.

The 2025 Mississippi State Hospital Christmas Parade will step off at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 5 on the MSH campus.

MSH, a program of the Mississippi Department of Mental Health, was founded in 1855 and helps the individuals it serves achieve mental wellness by encouraging hope, promoting safety, and supporting recovery. The hospital is accredited by the Joint Commission.