Fishing icon Omie J. Tillett was interred in North Carolina on Tuesday, July 9, as family and friends gathered to honor the industry trailblazer.
Tillett, aged 90, passed away on July 4, leaving a significant legacy in North Carolina’s fishing sector. Together with his father and brother, he was instrumental in establishing the Outer Banks offshore charter fishing scene and played a vital role in the Carolina boat design.
A man of deep faith, Tillett was well regarded for his distinctive “woo” and his holy ghost embraces. He initiated a custom of blessing the fleet via VHF radio prior to setting out to fish—a practice that endures today among captains and during regional fishing tournaments.
Omie J. Tillett, 1929-2019 (Photo courtesy of Tillett family)
“There are many fishermen, but Omie truly cared about the people around him,” said charter boat fisherman Britton Shackelford to The Virginian-Pilot. Shackelford recalled how Tillett assisted him early in his career with issues ranging from boat maintenance to locating where the fish were biting.
Retired for over two decades, Tillett’s influence continues to resonate within the fishing community. In 2009, he received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, North Carolina’s highest civilian accolade. The following year, he was inducted into the International Game Fish Association’s Hall of Fame.
Tillett began working on boats at the age of 10 during the Great Depression with his father, Sam Tillett. By 20, he was operating his first boat. Adverse weather frequently kept boats docked, prompting fishermen like Tillett to seek innovative boat designs to maintain their fishing activities.
After visiting Rybovich Boatworks in Florida to explore various designs, Tillett initiated the construction of the renowned 53-foot Sportsman in 1960, launching it a year later. Marine historians credit the Sportsman as the origin of Carolina boat design, featuring sharp entries and flare in the bow, enabling it to navigate difficult seas while offering a smooth ride. Tillett subsequently founded Sportsman Boatworks in 1973.
Omie Tillett began working on boats at age 10 during the Great Depression. (Photo courtesy of Tillett family)
“Omie Tillett and Warren O’Neal designed an entirely new type of boat for the charter fishing market. They were true visionaries,” stated Randy Ramsey, Founder and President of Jarrett Bay, in an interview with Anglers Journal.
Omie is survived by his wife, Patsy Tillett; daughter, Gail Lane (Ricky) of Manns Harbor, NC; four grandchildren, Wendy Fearing of Indiantown, FL, Woody Fearing, Jason Midgett, and Lauren Gornell (Chris) all from Manteo, NC; and six great-grandchildren, including Taylor Midgett of Manteo, NC, Logan Midgett from Gastonia, NC, Mary Ann Fearing from Wilmington, NC, Omie Gornell of Manteo, NC, Brody Midgett of Gastonia, NC, and Evelynn Midgett from Gastonia, NC. He is also survived by his sister, Sarah Wynn Austin (Barry) of Hatteras; brother, Tony Tillett (Dianne) of Manteo, NC; along with several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Karen “Dolly” Tillett; grandson, Grant Buckner; sister, Polly Tillett; and brother-in-law, Jack Tillett.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Dare County Boat Builders Foundation – Omie Tillett Scholarship Fund (PO Box 1473, Manteo, NC 27954 or online at www.dcbbf.org) or The Gideons International (PO Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214 or online at www.gideons.org).