Denis Richard Hood

Denis Richard Hood, 77, a lifelong resident of Avon Park, Florida, passed away on Monday, January 26, 2026. Denis was born on May 17, 1948, in Avon Park, Florida, the son of the late William Richard Hood and Janet Barker Hood. Denis graduated from Avon Park High School in 1966. He then moved to Gainesville, Florida, where he met Olivia Diaz. They were married in 1971 and moved to Avon Park. Denis began working for his family-owned business, Will-Rand Motors, before accepting a position in Natural Resources at the Avon Park Air Force Range. After thirty-one years, Denis retired and became the owner and operator of Denis Hood Trucking until his final retirement. Denis enjoyed fishing, but he was best known for his passion for building and driving sprint race cars. His greatest joy in life was his love and devotion to his family. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Charles Hood. Denis is survived by his wife of 54 years, Olivia; his sons, Justin Hood (Jennifer) of Labelle and Darin Hood (Sally) of Avon Park; his daughter, Christin Hood of Gainesville; and seven grandchildren: Kayla (Trey), Hailey, Dalton, Jagger, Ashlyn, Layna and Havanna. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Union Congregational Church. Memorial contributions may be made to Compassionate Care Hospice in Sebring, Florida.

Cremation arrangements entrusted to:
Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home
Avon Park, Florida
Online condolences may be left at
www.stephensonnelsonfh.com