Charles Shows

Charles Ray Shows, age 90 of Perkinston, passed away on Wednesday, July 7, 2021, in Biloxi.

He was born in Sanford, MS, and was a native of Perkinston and Biloxi. He served in the U.S. Air Force and earned a Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, and a Doctorate (ABD). He was employed as a professor at MGCCC (Harrison County) from 1965 until 1992, and USM (Long Beach-Gulf Park Campus) from 1990 until his retirement in 2000. He received Instructor of the Year in 1986 from MGCCC, and was a member of the Alumni Association at MGCCC and USM.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Curtis and Desree Shows; his wife of 45 years, Charlene Valentour Shows; his brother, Robert E. Shows; and his niece, Anne Adair Shows.

He is survived by loving family members, including his wife of 14 years, Diana Nelson Shows; his daughter, Debbie Shows Kelner (Kirt); his nieces, Cathy Shows Myers, Grayson Adair Myers, Phoebe Ellen Myers, Dr. Sandy Reed (Dr. Kevin), Anne Adair Reed, and Frances Elizabeth Reed; and nephew, Carter Joseph Reed; his loving dog, Daisy; and his grand-dog, Tank.

Charles generously gave to many causes that he believed in, including Human Rights, Animal Rights and Welfare, environmental causes, such as Audubon Society, Arbor Day Society, Worldwide Wildlife, Humane Society of the United States, Humane Society of South Mississippi, Greenpeace, Conservancy of Nature, Peace Valley Donkey Rescue, Southern Poverty Law Center, Smithsonian, Sierra Club, Doctors Without Borders, and more.

He enjoyed reading, most science, history, and philosophy. He loved gardening and grew some of the best tomatoes throughout his life until 2020 at the age of 89. He was a runner before it was cool. He participated in many runs with his daughter, Debbie and ran the Azalea Trail 10K in Mobile, Alabama at least 20 times. He loved traveling to Europe and to Key West, Florida. He also went on many Caribbean cruises and several Alaskan cruises.

Mr. Charles Shows and his family would like to thank all who provide medical care and hospice care throughout his last five months. While we may not mention all by name, we would like to specifically like to thank Dr. Bethala; Hospice nurses, Monique and Gloria; Therapists, Kyle, Owen, Brandon, and Kristen; nurses aide-Devonna; everyone from Saad Home Healthcare; Care4All Caregivers, and caregivers, Tia and Marie. Finally, we want to thank his barber, Joe, who came to the house to give him haircuts and hot shaves.

My father loved this quote and often said it to us: "I have loved, I have been loved, the sun has caressed my face. Life you owe me nothing. I am at peace." By a Chilean Poet.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Humane Society of South MS, 2615 25th Avenue, Gulfport, MS 39501, phone # 228-863-3354.

The funeral will be held AT 12:00 PM, on Wednesday, July 14, 2021, at RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, Biloxi, with a visitation from 11:00 AM until the service. Interment will follow at Southern Memorial Park.