Paul Terrell Henry, 41, was a caring father of two who loved to dance, play piano and sing, according to his friends and his boyfriend.
Francisco Hernandez, Henry's boyfriend, told the Orlando Sentinel the Chicago native's main priority was to make sure his kids were taken care of.
"Such a loving spirit. I'll always have him in my heart," said Hernandez, who added that he will most remember Henry for his smile.
Bettye Edwards, of Oviedo, told the newspaper that she and Henry started a church briefly and that Henry had a master's degree in business from Florida State University and a theological degree. Henry never took a lesson, Edwards said, but he was a talented musician who sang and played the organ and piano.
Danielle Biggers, of Orlando, said she worked with Henry as a sales representative at a resort company.
"He always would make sure he would say hello," she said. "He just was over the top and made everybody smile."