Ruel Liston Shows

Ruel Liston Shows was born July 15,1952 and died February 3, 2026 at the age of 73. He was the second child born to James E. Liston Shows and Annie Sue Holifield Shows. He is survived by his two children, Sally Suzanne Shows and Joseph Ruel Shows. He is also survived by his two brothers, James Aubrey “Jim” Shows (Rosemary) of Picayune, MS, and Todd Murray Shows of Soso, MS. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Glenda Ann Guthrie Shows and his parents. In his earlier years, he attended Laurel City Schools, where his mother taught until 1965. Ruel then attended West Jones High School where he graduated in the class of 1970. He was very active in high school, leading the quiz-bowl team on WDAM, being in many clubs and elected to the West Jones Hall of Fame his senior year. He furthered his education at Jones County Junior College while also driving the famous Soso JCJC bus each day. He made an impact at JC using his talents and writing skills; his freshman year, serving on the college newspaper staff, the Radionian and the college yearbook staff, the Lair, as the sports editor of each. His sophomore year at JC he continued his involvement by becoming the co-editor of the Radionian and sports editor of the Lair. Using his leadership skills, he became president of the Student Government, member of Phi Theta Kappa, JC Hall of Fame and member of the elite Rotoract Club. From 1972 until 2009, Ruel worked with several oilfield companies in and around Jones County. It was said that Ruel was one of the most intelligent oilfield problem-solvers that most of the oilfield companies had ever seen. He was requested by name often to come out and work on problems that many others could not solve. He also could invent or modify tools to solve work problems. In 2008 he began working for himself as PBS Service and Supply until his health began to decline in 2025. Ruel loved working in his garden and collecting antique glassware and furniture. Visitation is Sunday, February 8, 2026 from 1:00 to 2:00 pm and memorial service beginning at 2:00 at Memory Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel. The service will be conducted by Rev. Johnny Bryant, a former West Jones beloved teacher. His pallbearers include Willie Shows, Will Shows, Greg Shows, Lennox Beech, Jay Beech, Jeff Stringer, and Ron Gavin. The family would like to thank Cedar Place Personal Care Home in Laurel with Tanya Nichols and staff who took special care of him during his last days. To view or sign the guest book, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.

Ruel Liston Shows

July 15, 1952 - February 3, 2026