Richard Frederick Hood

Richard Frederick Hood, 76, of Starke, Florida, and formerly of Neenah/Green Bay, Wisconsin, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Gainesville, Florida on July 3, 2024. Rick is survived by his three children, Kimberly Hood of Centerville, Minnesota, Melissa (Scott) White of New Delhi, India, and Ryan (Krista) Hood of Madison, Wisconsin; four granddaughters, Emma White & Ellen White of Boston, Massachusetts, Elizabeth White of New Delhi, India, and Parker Hood of Madison, Wisconsin; and a niece Lauren Hood Neese of Florida and a nephew Will Hood of Colorado. Rick was predeceased by his father in 1978 and his mother in 1983. His brother William Wells Jr., and his nephew Stephen Hood also predeceased him. Rick was born on September 8, 1947, in Savannah, Georgia the son of Virginia Quaile Baggs and William Wells Hood Sr. He graduated from Bradford County High School in Starke, Florida in 1965. Rick began attending North Carolina State University before joining the Navy. Rick was stationed in both Norfolk, Virginia, and Charleston, South Carolina from 1967-1971. He worked aboard the fleet oiler USS Canisteo. He married Evelyn Clare McMahon on May 2, 1970, in Mecklenburg, North Carolina. Their marriage later ended in divorce. Upon his discharge, Rick returned to North Carolina State University where he graduated in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Pulp and Paper Technology. While at NC State, Rick was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. Rick spent his career in the paper industry. He began his career with Hammermill Paper in Erie, PA in 1973 before settling his family in Neenah, Wisconsin where he worked for the Menasha Corporation. After leaving Menasha Corp., Rick continued to work in sales until his retirement in 2005. Around 2015, Rick returned to Florida, where he was able to reconnect with his beloved friends and relive cherished memories. He loved Florida dearly, and this return to his happy place allowed Rick to embrace the warmth and familiarity of his past. Rick was also passionate about his family, friends, photography, painting and Green Bay Packer football. Services will be private with arrangements coordinated by the Williams-Thomas Funeral Home, Gainesville, Florida. Interment will be in Kingsley Lake Cemetery, Starke, Florida.

Richard Frederick Hood

September 8, 1947 - July 3, 2024