Sylvester "Sly" Shows, 64, passed from this life on July 19, 2026, in Lagos, Nigeria. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, mentor, and respected drilling professional whose influence reached far beyond the oilfield.

   For more than 40 years, Sylvester dedicated his life to the drilling industry, building a career defined by integrity, leadership, and technical excellence. Beginning as a floorhand on land rigs in the early 1980s, he worked his way through every level of the profession to become a Rig Manager, consultant, and trusted advisor. His career took him around the world, where he earned a reputation for professionalism, sound judgment, and leading with safety, integrity, and respect—whether on land rigs, jackups, semisubmersibles, or drillships. “Above all, Sylvester's greatest pride was his family.”

   Sylvester was preceded in death by his father, Herman L. Shows, and his mother, Carrie M. Sanderson Shows. He is survived by his brothers, Herman "Tadpole" Shows, William Shows, John Shows, and Manuel Shows; sister, Sherry Shows Wilson; wife, Miriam Shows Samaniego; sons, Johnathan Shows, Joah Shows Samaniego; daughter, Julia Shows Samaniego; daughter-in-law, Christi Shows; grandchildren, Aiden Morris and Kinsley Shows; former wife, Nina Shirley; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and lifelong friends.

   To those fortunate enough to work beside him, Sylvester was more than a supervisor, he was a teacher, mentor, and friend. He built an oilfield family that stretched across the globe, freely sharing his knowledge, developing young drillers, and leaving every rig, every crew, and every operation better than he found it. His legacy lives on in the people he mentored, the crews he inspired, and the standards of excellence he instilled.

   Though he has laid down his hard hat for the final time, the lessons he taught, the lives he changed, and the legacy he built will continue for generations.

   Fair winds and following seas, Sylvester. Your hitch is complete, your watch is over, and your legacy will forever remain in the hearts of your family and the countless members of your oilfield family around the world.

   A celebration of Sylvester's life will be held once he has been returned to his family in the United States. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial donations to his children's scholarship fund, continuing his lifelong commitment to supporting the next generation. Donations may be made at: https://backer.com/showscollegefund