Thomas Gerald Woods Jr. (1958–2023): A Life Dedicated to Service, Helping Others, and the Great Outdoors
Thomas Gerald Woods Jr., a proud and devoted father, son, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 26, 2023, in Rockledge, Florida at the age of 65. Tom, as he was affectionately known by those close to him, left a lasting imprint on the lives of all he encountered through his kind heart, steadfast loyalty, and love of life’s simple pleasures.

Born on May 3, 1958, in West Palm Beach, Florida, to Thomas Gerald Woods Sr. and Dorothy Z. Woods, Tom was a lifelong Floridian who also spent portions of his life in Ohio, Michigan, and California. Growing up along Florida’s coast, he discovered his love for fishing and the water early on. In the 1970s and 1980s, Tom worked in his father’s bait production business, fishing for finger mullet and other types of fish bait—a trade he would later make his own.

Tom moved to Michigan in the 1990s, where he became a Kirby vacuum salesman and distributor. His innate ability to connect with people soon saw him receiving numerous awards and even trips to exotic destinations like Hawaii and Jamaica. Tom was always willing to lend a helping hand, a quality he held dear as a committed Christian.

By the late 1990s, he felt the call to return home and did so to open his own bait production business, Bait Master T, which he operated until his passing. Tom’s passion for the great outdoors was not just a business but also a lifelong commitment to fishing and hunting. Snook was his fish of choice, both for catching and cooking.

As much as he was an outdoorsman, Tom was also an outstanding cook, specializing in seafood. Family and friends frequently enjoyed his culinary masterpieces, often paired with stories of his latest adventures in the great outdoors or memories of old times.

Tom was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Gerald Woods Sr. He is survived by his loving daughter Ashley Timmins; his mother, Dorothy Woods; sister, Sharon Brasch; brother-in-law, Ernie Brasch; brother, Jeffery Woods; and an extended family of friends who will miss him dearly.

A memorial service celebrating Tom’s life will be held on Saturday September 16th at 10am at Kelly Park East on Merritt Island.