Obituary for William Albert Thiroux
William Albert Thiroux (pronounced T-Roo), 85, known to everyone as Billy, Captain Billy, or just T-Roo, passed away on February 9, 2020.
He was a commercial fisherman for over 70 years in Biloxi and Ocean Springs. His life on the water began as a young boy working summers on a shrimp boat with his father. He later joined the Navy and served on an aircraft carrier in California. When he returned home, he bought a shrimp boat and called it the "Lady Jan" after the love of his life, Janet.
Billy's love of the coastal waters and fishing showed in everything he did. If he wasn't on the water, he was talking about it. He shared his love and knowledge of the water with anyone who would listen and often took family, friends, and curious visitors aboard to enjoy the experience first hand. His legacy will be his contributions to the history of the seafood industry along the Gulf Coast. He was often sought out for his knowledge of the industry and featured in news articles, videos, documentaries, and studies along the Mississippi Gulf Coast throughout his career. He and his boat were commissioned by the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, in partnership with USM, to study the crabbing and soft-shelling industry along the coast over the course of many years.
In 2014, Billy was inducted into the Inaugural Class of the Maritime & Seafood Industry's Museum Heritage Hall of Fame where his story is featured in an exhibit at the museum in Biloxi. Other stories featuring Billy can be found in the archives at the Gulflive newspaper, USM Center for Oral History and Cultural Heritage, and Mississippi Moments Podcast.
Billy was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Katherine Thiroux; a son, William Jr.; and his brothers, Bobby, Jerry, and Rodney.
He is survived by his wife, Janet (Ferrill) Thiroux; brother, Freddie Thiroux (Glenda); two granddaughters, Shawndee Busby (Brad), and Sharette Thiroux (Brian); three great grandchildren, Houston, Taylen, and Tatum; as well as many nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held for Billy on Friday, February 14, 2020 at Southern MS Funeral Services in Ocean Springs from 9:00 am - 11:00 am. Service will begin at 11:00am.
He was a commercial fisherman for over 70 years in Biloxi and Ocean Springs. His life on the water began as a young boy working summers on a shrimp boat with his father. He later joined the Navy and served on an aircraft carrier in California. When he returned home, he bought a shrimp boat and called it the "Lady Jan" after the love of his life, Janet.
Billy's love of the coastal waters and fishing showed in everything he did. If he wasn't on the water, he was talking about it. He shared his love and knowledge of the water with anyone who would listen and often took family, friends, and curious visitors aboard to enjoy the experience first hand. His legacy will be his contributions to the history of the seafood industry along the Gulf Coast. He was often sought out for his knowledge of the industry and featured in news articles, videos, documentaries, and studies along the Mississippi Gulf Coast throughout his career. He and his boat were commissioned by the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, in partnership with USM, to study the crabbing and soft-shelling industry along the coast over the course of many years.
In 2014, Billy was inducted into the Inaugural Class of the Maritime & Seafood Industry's Museum Heritage Hall of Fame where his story is featured in an exhibit at the museum in Biloxi. Other stories featuring Billy can be found in the archives at the Gulflive newspaper, USM Center for Oral History and Cultural Heritage, and Mississippi Moments Podcast.
Billy was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Katherine Thiroux; a son, William Jr.; and his brothers, Bobby, Jerry, and Rodney.
He is survived by his wife, Janet (Ferrill) Thiroux; brother, Freddie Thiroux (Glenda); two granddaughters, Shawndee Busby (Brad), and Sharette Thiroux (Brian); three great grandchildren, Houston, Taylen, and Tatum; as well as many nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held for Billy on Friday, February 14, 2020 at Southern MS Funeral Services in Ocean Springs from 9:00 am - 11:00 am. Service will begin at 11:00am.