Thomas Hammond Wood

1954–2026

Residential Builder/Developer

Winter Haven, FL – Thomas Hammond Wood, 71, passed away peacefully at home on March 31, 2026, surrounded by his family. A Winter Haven, Florida native, Tom attended Santa Fe High School in Lakeland, Florida, graduating in 1972. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Citrus and Horticultural Science from Florida Southern College.

From his earliest days, Tom learned the residential building and development trade at his father’s side. He spent his life working alongside his family at John G. Wood & Associates, Inc., a family business built on hard work and dedication to the community. He also managed the citrus and cattle operations of the family business. Those who knew Tom well saw in his work the same qualities he brought to every area of life - integrity, dedication, and a quiet pride in building something that would last.

Tom’s love for the outdoors was instilled early. He earned Scouting’s highest rank as an Eagle Scout in Troop 123 in Winter Haven and was elected by his peers to the Order of the Arrow, the program’s national honor society. Tom carried that adventurous spirit with him throughout his life as an avid hunter, fisherman, and pilot. Tom’s passion for flying was born out of a shared love with his father, a bond that connected them deeply throughout their lives. As a licensed commercial pilot, Tom held multiple ratings and had a particular passion for antique aircraft. He was a lifetime member and Trustee Emeritus of the Beechcraft Heritage Museum, a member of the American Waco Club and the Florida Antique Biplane Association.

Tom was a faithful Christian and follower of Jesus Christ, and his faith was the compass by which he lived, shaping his character, his generosity, and the grace he extended to everyone around him. He was a member of Heartland Church.

Nothing brought Tom greater joy than his family. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who poured himself into the lives of those he loved most. His children and grandchildren were his proudest achievement and his greatest delight.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife of 32 years, Anne; son Thomas (Corissa) of Atlanta, Georgia; daughters Elizabeth Voss (Jeremy), Shannon Gosnell (Robbie), and Samantha Roy (Mark), all of Winter Haven; grandchildren Ella Gosnell, Thomas Wood III, Anderson Voss, Jack Gosnell, Christopher Voss, Alanna Wood, Sawyer Voss, Sean Gosnell, and William Roy; brothers Craig (Traci) of Mancos, Colorado, John, Jr. (Lea Ann Thomas) and Paul (Betty Finzel) of Winter Haven; mother-in-law, Carole Vincent of Laurel, Delaware;

brothers-in-law Clayton Vincent (Cherie) and Raymond Vincent (Teresa) of Laurel Delaware; and many loving cousins, nieces and nephews.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, John and Ella, and father-in-law, R. Thomas Vincent.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. at Heartland Church, 225 Ave B NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his memory to LifeChoice Pregnancy Center by mail to LifeChoice Pregnancy Center, P.O. Box 2336, Winter Haven, FL 33883, or online at HelpHerChoice.com/give.

Service arrangements are in the care of Ott-Laughlin Funeral Home, Winter Haven, FL.