David Wood

David Emory Wood, 61, passed away on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare. He was born on April 20, 1964, in Binghamton, New York, to David Wood and Lois Bair.

David spent most of his life in Florida, having resided in Tampa, Gainesville, Ocala, and Gulf Hammock. He was a 1982 graduate of Gainesville Eastside High School, where he was a member of the football team and wrestled for three years.

In 1984, David and Rhonda Rodgers welcomed their first daughter, Angela Marie, in Gainesville. The couple later married and moved to Tampa, where they welcomed their second daughter, Jessica Lynn Wood, in 1991.

During his time in Tampa, David worked for Brown's Fire Prevention Services as a specialist installing sprinkler systems in commercial and government buildings. He continued his career in fire prevention for more than 35 years, eventually serving as a superintendent with Cox Fire Prevention.

In 2009, David relocated to Gulf Hammock, where he shared his life with Leola Crews Smith. He endured the heartbreaking loss of his youngest daughter, Jessica, in 2016 following her courageous battle with cystic fibrosis.

David is survived by his beloved partner, Leola Crews Smith; his daughter, Angela Marie of Gainesville; his mother, Lois Wood of Perry, Florida; and his brothers, Shane Wood of Wichita Falls, Texas, and Charles Wood of Perry, Florida.

A memorial service for David will be held at 12:00 pm on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 6491 SE County Road 326 Gulf Hammock, Florida 32639.

Arrangements are under the care of Weems & Sons Funeral Home, 715 West Park Avenue, Chiefland, Florida 32626.