John Thomas O'Quinn

John Thomas O’Quinn, 83, of DeLand, Florida, passed away on May 26, 2026, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by love.

Tom was born on January 19, 1943, in DeLand, Florida, to Thomas Leslie O’Quinn and Eva Evans O’Quinn. Though his given name was John Thomas O’Quinn, everyone knew and loved him simply as “Tom” or “Tommy.” A lifelong Volusia County resident, Tom graduated from DeLand High School in 1961 and went on to graduate from Florida State University in 1966. He also served as a member of the DeLand National Guard.

On July 3, 1966, Tom married the love of his life, Linda Day O’Quinn, in Kingsland, Georgia. Together, they built a beautiful life rooted in family, hard work, tradition, and community.

Tom was known by many names throughout his life — “the insurance guy,” “the orange man,” “the hotdog man,” and affectionately, “Donkey,” a nickname earned through his grit, determination, tireless work ethic, and ability to push through adversity. But of all the names he carried, his family believes his favorite was “Deda,” the name lovingly given to him by his grandchildren.

Tom had a long and successful 35 year career with Allstate Insurance, where he became one of the most respected agents in the company. He was an Honor Ring winner 33 times, was named Florida Agent of the Year six times, and was a recipient of the prestigious Titan Award for the top agent in the company.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Tom was deeply involved in his community. He served as past president of the Sunrise Kiwanis Club in DeLand and was actively involved with the local chambers of commerce. He and his agency were recognized with Small Business of the Year honors by both the Daytona Beach and Ormond Beach Chambers of Commerce. He was also recognized as a lifetime member and Affiliate of the Year by the Daytona Beach Area Association of Realtors. Tom built lasting relationships everywhere he went and had a larger-than-life personality that left an impression on everyone who knew him.

Tom had many passions and hobbies, including hunting, fishing, lobstering, diving, farming, and tending to his orange grove. Some of his family’s most cherished memories were made during special hunting trips with his grandchildren and annual lobstering trips in the Florida Keys with the entire family. He will be remembered for his incredible hugs, his wonderful personality, his strength, his stories, his loyalty, and the way he loved and led his family.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Linda Day O’Quinn; his children, Scott O’Quinn, Kristy Harwood, and Brent O’Quinn and his wife, Erin O’Quinn; his grandchildren, Austin Harwood, Morgan Harwood, Juliana O’Quinn Harrison and her husband, Seth Harrison, Brendan O’Quinn, Kelcy O’Quinn, and Maggie O’Quinn; and his siblings, Leslie Norman, Sue Jackson, and Eddie O’Quinn.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the home of Tom and Linda O’Quinn, 755 Mercers Fernery Road, DeLand, Florida.

Tom lived an amazing life, loved his family fiercely, worked harder than most, and impacted countless people along the way. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, clients, and community, but his legacy will live on through the many lives he touched.