B.J. Shows Jr.: 1941-2025

VICKSBURG, Miss. — B.J. Shows Jr. was born February 9, 1941, in Simpson County. He passed away on August 8, 2025, in Vicksburg, Miss. He was the son of Baker and Eva Shows of Mendenhall, Miss., and was the sixth child of eight children. His siblings were Lavina, Vivian, Luther, Frank, Webbie, Sarah, and Townsend.

B.J. was married to Ruth Usrey Shows for twenty-three years. He is survived by his daughter, Rebecca Broom (Danny) of Madison, and two sons, Jay Shows (Bille) and David Shows (Katie), all of Vicksburg; five grandchildren, Carson Shows (Makayla), Barrett Shows, Bryce Shows, Brady Shows, and Brandy Anthony (Hayden); and four great-grandchildren, Paige Bussey, Jack Stewart, Luna Scott, and Juniper Shows.

B.J. was employed by Coca-Cola for thirteen years, was self-employed at B.J.’s Recreational Center, and was manager of Hilldale Water for twelve years. He worked in the construction industry until retirement.

He loved to hunt and fish with friends and family, particularly at Sand Bar Hunting Club with Dennis Taylor and Dave Moffett. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing with his buddies Captain David Schaeffer and crew from Texas. His other favorite hunting buddies were David “Whimpy” Harrell and Jimmy Renfroe. He loved watching SEC football — especially the Ole Miss Rebels — and cooking for family and friends, including the Men’s Breakfast and fish fries at Eagle Lake Baptist Church with Charles Watson and John Knight, where he served as deacon for eight years.

B.J. wanted to mention special thanks to Cynde and Mickey Mott, John Knight, Charles Watson, Eagle Lake Baptist Church, Dr. Johnston, Dr. Fagan, and Dr. Paul Pierce. He also wanted to express his love and thanks to the nurses, caretakers, and entire staff at the Vicksburg Convalescent Center. They were like family to him.

The family would like to thank St. Joseph Hospice for their love and care during B.J.’s last days.

Pallbearers will be B.J.’s four grandsons, Carson Shows, Barrett Shows, Brady Shows, and Bryce Shows, as well as longtime family friends Tommy Kelly and Chip Porter. Honorary pallbearers will be Kenny Warner, David Schaeffer, Glenn Dykes, Eagle Lake Baptist Church Senior Sunday School Class, Oakland Baptist Church, and Johnnie Rolland.

Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. on Tuesday, August 12, at Fisher-Riles Funeral Home, 5000 Indiana Avenue, with the funeral service at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Gardens Cemetery. B.J.’s special friend Tony Monk will officiate the service.

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