Our Team
Capt. Billy Davis, President
Meet the Founder and President, Capt. Billy Davis. With more than 45 years in the commercial fishing industry, William Theron “Capt. Billy” Davis, Jr. is a proud fifth-generation Sneads Ferry fisherman whose life has been shaped by the tides, traditions, and tight-knit community of coastal North Carolina.Owner and captain of the Capt. Davis, Billy has devoted his life to the waters that have sustained his family for generations. Fishing has never been just a livelihood for him, it is a heritage rooted in faith, grit, and service. Like many fishermen, he has weathered seasons of hardship, including serious health challenges that once left him in need of help. In those moments, he experienced firsthand the power of community stepping in when it mattered most.Those who have witnessed this community rally together know there is something truly special about the people and the place we are blessed to call home.Grateful for the support he received, Capt. Billy made a commitment to pay it forward. That promise became the foundation of the Fisherman’s Blessing Fund.More than 26 years ago, he also founded the Sneads Ferry Blessing of the Fleet, a beloved annual tradition that brings the community together to pray over the boats, crews, and families who depend on the sea for their livelihood.As Founder and President of the Fisherman’s Blessing Fund, his mission is simple but powerful: to ensure that commercial fishermen and their families never face life’s storms alone. Through financial assistance, resource connections, and prayerful support, Capt. Billy is dedicated to honoring the men and women who work the waters and preserving a way of life that defines Sneads Ferry.His leadership is guided by compassion, humility, and a deep belief that every blessing is meant to be shared.
Capt. Randy Batts
Meet Board Member, Capt. Randy Batts!
Randy Batts is the son of Katie and Sonny Batts, originally from Sneads Ferry, who later settled in Surf City. Randy spent much of his early life in Surf City and Wilmington before returning home to Sneads Ferry in 2006.
Capt. Batts has been a fisherman for over 45 years. His spearfishing journey began at just 15 years old, using a two-band Boyt speargun to shoot sheepshead off the end of Barnacle Bill’s Pier. Throughout his life, oystering, clamming, gill netting, shrimp trawling, channel netting, and spearfishing all supplemented his income and deepened his connection to the sea.
After retiring in 2011, Randy fully embraced his lifelong passions: the ocean and spearfishing, becoming a full-time commercial fisherman. His love for adventure and the water continues to define his life and work.
Capt. Randy is also the co-founder of Spearit, an organization dedicated to mentoring and supporting veterans and their families through inshore and offshore fishing and diving excursions. Known for his kind words, steady leadership, and servant’s heart, Randy has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to helping others and strengthening his community.
The Fisherman’s Blessing Foundation is proud to welcome Capt. Randy Batts to the Board of Directors. Randy brings with him decades of hands-on commercial fishing experience, a profound respect for the sea, and a proven dedication to service and mentorship. His knowledge of coastal life, passion for supporting fishermen and veterans, and genuine love for the Sneads Ferry community make him a valuable voice and trusted leader as the Foundation continues its mission of honoring, supporting, and uplifting those who make their living on the water.
Capt. Joel Norris
Joel Norris is a lifelong commercial fisherman and dedicated advocate for the fishing community of Sneads Ferry. Raised on the water, Joel grew up immersed in the rhythms, challenges, and traditions of commercial fishing—a way of life shaped by hard work, resilience, and deep respect for the sea.
He is the son of the late Alton James Norris, Jr., affectionately known as “Junior,” a respected captain and pillar of the Sneads Ferry fishing community. Junior captained the Debbie Jean and was honored as Sneads Ferry’s Fisherman of the Year in 2016. Known for his humility and generosity, he believed the river was his “heart” and devoted his life to mentoring others and strengthening the community.
Growing up alongside his brothers, Jason and Jarrod, Joel gained firsthand experience in the demanding world of commercial fishing. From long days on the water to navigating unpredictable weather and economic uncertainty, he developed a deep understanding of the risks and sacrifices fishermen and their families face. These experiences shaped his commitment to safety, stewardship, and mutual support within the industry.
Today, Joel continues his family’s legacy as a working fisherman and as a member of the Fisherman’s Blessing Fund Board of Directors. He brings practical knowledge, compassion, and a strong sense of responsibility to his role, advocating for the well-being of fishermen and their families. Through his service, Joel honors his father’s legacy while helping to build a stronger, more connected fishing community for future generations.