For Captains Cecil and Elizabeth Johnson, Tybee Island became more than a destination—it became home. In this episode, they share stories of growing up around Tybee, building a life on the water, launching a charter fishing business, and the lasting influence of legendary captain Charlie Walsh. From shrimp boats and offshore adventures to the origins of the Tour de Lights and unforgettable moments on the water, this conversation captures the people, traditions, and maritime heritage that helped shape modern Tybee.

This is Tybee Remembers When ...

Cecil Johnson grew up coming to Tybee. Elizabeth Lynch grew up in Iowa…pretty far from the island where she makes a living and a life on the water alongside her husband Cecil. Learning from local legends like Captain Charlie Walsh, the couple founded Tybee Island Charters in 1985. They continue to boat, fish, and live life on the water. Tybee Island Charters website: https://www.fishtybee.com/

Resources to learn more about boating safety: Boat-ED Georgia DNR

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Theme Music: "Tybee Where the Georgia Peaches Go"

This rendition of the 1926 song by Samuel B. Miller, originally sung by Dewey Holm and His Savannahians on Tybrisa Pavilion, was rerecorded by Turner Horton, TV and Film Composer for the “Tybee Remembers When” podcast in 2024.

Tap HERE for images of the original sheet music from the archives

All recordings in this podcast are the thoughts and opinions of the speakers and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the Tybee Island Historical Society. Oral histories are, by nature, subjective accounts and should not be taken as unbiased fact without further verification.