The industry lost a good one today! Omie Tillett, a fishing and boat-building legend of the Outer Banks crossed the bar this morning.
Our team has had the privilege of working with the Dare County Boat Builders Tournament over the years. This is a great event (and organization) that takes place every June at Pirates Cove Marina in the Outer Banks. One of the highlights of this event is to spend the week with Dare County Boat Builders both young and old. This included getting to see Omie but more importantly listening to Omie.
Omie Tillett was an Outer Banks legend. A Captain, boat builder, and commercial fisherman. Above all, he was deeply passionate about Jesus. He would share stories about boat building and fishing but it did not take long to find out his mission was to spread the word of God.
I am positive that captains and mates found comfort in listening to Captain Omie Tillet.
Omie would take you by the hand as if you were the only one at the venue and say “Do you feel the spirit of Jesus?” and then give you a hug. This was no surprise because over the years he would share his daily morning prayers on the VHF radio as the fleet ran offshore.
He helped set the course for not only boat building but all of those who had the opportunity to spend time with him.
Fair Winds and Following Seas.
God speed, ‘Sportsman‘!
