COOSADA, Alabama — Emmett Blair Bishop, Jr. of Coosada, met his heavenly Father Sunday, July 21.
He was born April 17, 1933, in Ruleville to Emmett Blair Bishop, Sr. and Helen McPherson. Emmett was fondly known as “Gus” most of his life. He grew up in the Mississippi Delta, mostly around Greenville, and experienced a difficult childhood, where it became necessary for him to work at the young age of 12. He was mentored and fostered by a much older tow boat captain who had worked on the Mississippi River most of his life. Gus began working on the river as a deck hand when he was teenager and quickly expressed a desire to learn everything about the towing industry.
His goal was to become a tow boat captain and that is exactly what he did, but before his career began, he was drafted by the U.S. Army at the age of 18 and sent to Korea to fight in the war. He went straight to the front lines of battle. Gus never shared a lot about the war, but often expressed severe trauma over all he had experienced at a very young age. There were over 100 men in his company and only 14 of them returned home. He said it was only by the “Grace of God” that he returned alive. He was very patriotic and proud to serve his country.
After returning from the Korean war, Gus studied hard and worked his way through the ranks of the towing industry. He obtained all the necessary nautical licenses and by his mid-20’s he was piloting a tow boat. He spent over 60 years working on the Mississippi River as a tow boat captain, working for several large companies until he was in his 80’s. In his 60-year career, he never had an accident or lost a crew member under his authority. He became famously known as “Captain Gus” and everyone up and down the river, from Minnesota to Louisiana, knew Captain Gus. He had many stories about life on the Mississippi River, from stowaway passengers to “would- be” pirates that tried to take over his boat. He took the safety of his crew very seriously and always remained calm and in control.
In 1968 Gus met the love of his life and wife of 54 years, Lynda Lee Shaw. They made their home in Charleston, where they raised three children and had many wonderful friends. Gus and Lynda were devout Christians and spent their lives helping many in need. They attended the Charleston Church of God for many years until they retired and relocated to Mountain View, Ark. They enjoyed their years in Mountain View. They attended Foothills Baptist Church and were very active in the community. They loved the people and culture in Mountain View. When their health began to fail, they relocated to Coosada, Alabama, to be closer to family.
Gus was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and driving his tractor. He would spend most days outside just passing time in his workshop or doing yard work. He loved his family and was an excellent provider. His grandchildren brought him so much joy. He absolutely loved big family dinners when everyone would sit around the table and share memories. Gus was almost always in a jolly mood. His huge smile and laughter will be missed by family and friends.
Gus is preceded in death by his wife and parents; one son, Emmett Michael Bishop; and a sister, Maudie Turner, both formerly of Greenville.
He leaves behind two daughters, Lindy (Joe) Denman of Millbrook, Ala. and Stephanie (Mark) Bruno of Freeport, Fla.; two sisters, Ginger Moore of Oxford and Helen Misner of Bulverde, Texas; one brother, Jerry (Pat) Bishop of Oxford; 5 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.
Gus loved children, therefore the family requests that any memorial donations be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.
There will not be a public funeral service, but rather a private family service. Womble Funeral Home in Charleston will handle final arrangements.
Memorials and cards can be mailed to Lynda Denman, 55 Rodgers View Court, Millbook, AL 36054.
