Lemuel Phillips Woods Jr.

Captain Lemuel “Phil” Woods, a lifelong sportsman, accomplished angler, avid golfer and devoted family man passed away peacefully on March 13th, 2025, in Boca Grande, FL.

A Tampa native, Phil was born October 8th, 1932 to Lemuel Phillips Woods, Sr. and Julia Banks Webb Woods. He spent his early years exploring the Davis Islands and Golf View area of South Tampa. His love for adventure and the outdoors was evident at an early age, working on hydroplane boats with his close friends Dan Bellinger, Frank Jackson and Russel Minardi and spending weekends and summers in Cashiers, North Carolina.

He began his education at Gorrie Elementary School, Wilson Middle School, and Jesuit High School before completing his final years at The Hill School, graduating in 1951. There, he shared a room with Lamar Hunt and Ed Garbisch, forging friendships that lasted a lifetime. He then attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he roomed with dear friends Dr. Sandy Dann, Dr. Peter Knight, Dr. Bill Curent, and Dr. John Archer.

In 1955, he discovered his passion for skeet shooting, quickly excelling in the sport. He won numerous competitions, including the 12-gauge Cigar City Skeet Championship and the North-South 20-gauge Skeet Championship. He also placed 3rd in the Class A 12-gauge and 4th in the 28-gauge World Skeet Shooting Championship. His skills led him to serve as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps’ five-man skeet shooting team, winning the team championship in 1957 before being honorably discharged later that year.

Following his time in the Marines, Phil married his first wife Dodie Mitchell Woods and soon had three daughters: Julie, Betsy and Pam. He went on to build a distinguished career in business in Tampa. He served as Vice President of Peninsula State Bank before pursuing his love for the outdoors by purchasing Al’s Tackle Shop on South Dale Mabry. He later built and operated Interbay Marina—at the time, the largest indoor boat storage facility on Florida’s west coast. A dedicated member of the fishing community, he co-founded the Golden Triangle Sport Fishing Club alongside Jack McGaughey, Al Cooper, and Billy Powell. He also served as President of the Tampa Tarpon Tournament for two years.

His passion for fishing extended beyond competition; he shared his expertise as a columnist for The Boca Beacon and Florida Sportsman and was a member of the Florida Outdoor Writers Association. He hosted a Tampa-based fishing show on WQYK radio, made frequent guest appearances on the Salty Sol Fleischman Show, and participated in Mako Marine-sponsored fishing trips to the Bahamas, Mexico, and Panama, where he landed a 417-pound Black Marlin off a 25-foot Mako.

After selling Interbay Marina, Phil retired to Boca Grande, FL and began his professional career as a captain. He married Jean Clark Woods in 1989, embarking on a life of adventure together. The couple spent their years traveling, fishing, and enjoying the waters of the Florida Keys, the Panhandle, the Bahamas, and Mexico. An avid golfer, he joined Lemon Bay Golf Club and wrote of his adventures in the Boca Beacon. They still hold the Captain’s Cup Tournament there in his honor each year. He achieved two holes-in-one—one at Riverwood Golf Club and another at Lemon Bay Golf Club.

Of all his accomplishments, he was most proud of instilling his love for fishing in his family. One of his greatest joys was seeing all three of his daughters catch tarpon over 100 pounds before the age of 12, ensuring that his passion for the sport would live on for generations.

He is survived by his wife Jean, his daughters Julie and her husband Jim, Betsy and her husband Arthur and Pam and her husband Bruce, his grandchildren Ashley, Travis and Phillip and his great grandchildren Everett, Charlotte and Penelope.

His Legacy of adventure, the outdoors and devotion to family (cats included) will be cherished forever.

Funeral services will be held at the Lighthouse United Methodist Church on March 28th at 11:00am. Memorial Donations can be made to the Suncoast Humane Society, Hope Hospice or a charity of your choice.