William R. Hood

William Bill R. Hood, 85, life-long resident of Avon Park, passed away on Saturday, September 10, 2011, at Hope Hospice. Bill was born on September 10, 1926, in Avon Park, Florida, to the late John H. Hood and Lillian Dilley Hood. Bill served in the United States Navy during World War II. Upon return, he married Janet Barker Hood in 1946 and worked at Wells Motor Company. In 1960, he owned and operated Will-Rand Motors until 1973. Bill was instrumental in starting the Automotive Department at South Florida Community College where he taught until his retirement in 1987. Bill was an avid sportsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing, as well as, automobile racing. He will always be remembered for his devotion and love to his family. In addition to his parents, brother Harry, and sister Winifred, he is preceded in death by his son, Charles D. Hood. Bill is survived by his wife, Janet, his son and his wife, Denis R. and Olivia Hood of Avon Park; four grandchildren, Justin (Jenny) Hood, Darin (Sally) Hood, Christin (Wayne) Vinson, and Kacy (Jeff) Winkle; along with seven great-grandchildren, Kayla and Ashlyn, Hailey, Dalton, and Layna, Jagger and Havanna. A Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 14, 2011, at the Historic Union Congregational Church with Reverend T. Albert Lawrence officiating. The family will receive from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. (1 hour prior to service). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to Union Congregational Church Childrens Center Building Fund, 106 North Butler Avenue, Avon Park, Florida 33825 or the Avon Park Historical Society, designated to the William R. Hood Fund, 3 North Museum Avenue, Avon Park, Florida 33825. Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home Avon Park www.stephensonnelsonfh.com