September 19, 1927 – July 6, 2023
WANCHESE –William Somers Baum, “Capt. Billy Baum”, of Wanchese, NC took his final voyage and crossed the bar on July 6, 2023 in Stuart, Florida.
Capt. Billy enjoyed over 50 years of sportfishing out of Oregon Inlet and Pompano Beach, FL. Using his wide knowledge of boat building, propeller measurements and the fishing industry, he built many of his own sport fishing boats – the Kay, Jo-Girl, Playmate and his final boat, the Dream Girl. Among his most memorable fishing trips were catching Giant Bluefin Tuna in Newfoundland, Canada, and numerous large Black Marlin off the Great Barrier Reef of Australia. However, his favorite fishing grounds were here, at home out of Oregon Inlet. He was awarded the 2016 IGFA Tommy Gifford Award for Legendary Captains & Crew acknowledging his remarkable achievements in sport fishing.
Billy was a native of Wanchese, NC and was born in his family home on Baumtown Road on September 19, 1927. He was predeceased by his parents, Capt. Wayland W. and Vivian M. Baum and his brother, Capt. Harry Baum.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Wilma, of 46 years. He is also survived by his children: Kay Daniels (David) of Kill Devil Hills, NC; Anna Mae Potter of Engelhard, NC; Judy Johnson (Dean) of Wanchese, NC; Tony Baum (Anne) of Hatteras, NC; Kelly Ford of Boca Raton, FL; Tom Ford of Port St. Lucie, FL; Kathy Ford of Happy Valley, OR; and Jordan Ford (Melissa) of Jensen Beach, FL.
Billy is survived by his grandchildren: Jonathan Daniels, Evie Regenstreif, Joel Daniels, Wanda White Outland, Brandy Mann, Bill Johnson, Kelly Shannon, Charlotte Hester, Jeremy Delong, Colin Waterhouse, Tiffany Ford, Bryce Ford, Mason Ford, Paloma Ford, and fifteen great-grandchildren.
He is also survived by his sister, Faye Baum White, of Baumtown Road in Wanchese, NC.
His memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 22, 2023, at 2:00 pm, at the Bethany Church, Wanchese, NC. A reception will follow the service in their Fellowship Hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Capt. Billy’s memory to Bethany Church, PO Box 239, Wanchese NC 27981.
Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com
