Henry Shows, Jr.

Henry Giles Shows Jr. of Algiers, Louisiana passed away peacefully after a long, courageous battle with heart conditions and paralysis. Surrounded by his loved ones in prayer and song, he slipped away peacefully at his home. After attending Behrman High School, Capt. Henry went on to work on pushboats on the river before becoming a River Boat Pilot in 1974.

Capt. Henry spent his life working with his hands and always looking to solve problems. A tinkerer by nature, if there was anything that needed a working touch, he would be there to handle it. This included his natural affinity and love for the water. He started from humble beginnings fishing at the local pond with the love of his life, Pamela, to later jumpstarting his career as a deckhand on pushboats. He worked his way up to captain, eventually being elected as a Riverboat Pilot. As a pilot, he spent his days guiding large cargo ships safely through the mighty Mississippi River. Commissioned into the New Orleans Baton Rouge Steamship Pilots (NOBRA) on July 1, 1974, he went on to serve 45 wonderful years before retiring on December 31, 2018. Even beyond his exemplary work as a pilot on the river, he also served as the President of NOBRA’s Board of Examiners from 2002 to 2009. Capt. Henry worked hard and was always known for the life he breathed into every day on the river. Known by many for his nickname “Grumpy” due to his raspy and deep voice, his true personality was quite the opposite. He would always carry a smile on his face and joke around, trying to brighten the day of whoever was around him on the water. This happiness extended beyond even his work life, where perhaps he was most known and adored. He loved life and enjoyed spreading that feeling to anyone around him. A natural born comedian, he could light up any room with laughter and joy. He shined brightly and always wanted high spirits for everyone. Even during his final battle with illness, he remained positive and continued bringing smiles to the people he loved most.

Capt. Henry is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Pamela, as well as his daughters Tonya (Gustavo) Caceres, Tammy Rooney, and Tiffany (Noel) Spicuzza; and his 6 grandchildren Justin (Rachel) Brady, Landon (Sarah) Caceres, Maicey Rooney, Noel Spicuzza IV, Bethany Rooney, and Brendan Spicuzza. Son of the late Marguerite Pitre Autin (late Larry) and the late Henry G. Shows, Sr. Brother of the late Ronnie Wilkerson. Brother-in-law of Willie Bradford Brown, Jr. (Karen) and Godfather of Willie Bradford Brown III (Nicole) and uncle of Jason Brown (Paige) and Briscoe Brown (Ann), and many other nieces and nephews.

Relatives and Friends of the Family are invited to attend the Funeral Mass at Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church, Algiers, LA on Monday, June 1, 2026 at 11 AM. Visitation will be held at church from 9 AM until mass time. Interment Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery, Gretna, LA. Mothe Funeral Homes entrusted with funeral arrangements. The family asks that you keep Capt. Henry’s memory alive by celebrating life the same way he always did—with laughter, love, and good company.