Fernando attended St. Philip's of Jesus Catholic School, Central Catholic High School, and then went on to St. Mary's University, where he obtained his Bachelor of Science. He majored in Pre-Med with a minor in Military Science, while participating in ROTC. From there, he attended Southwestern Medical School, obtaining his doctorate of medicine. He then attended Texas Tech University School of Medicine at El Paso for his internship and residency in Anesthesia and became a Board-Certified Anesthesiologist and Pain Management Specialist.
In addition to his scholastic achievements, Fernando also served as an Officer in the United States Army, retiring in 1989 as a Major. He completed his fellowship in Anesthesia and obtained his Silver Wings by completing The Army Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia.
Among his career accomplishments in the medical field, Fernando founded the first anesthesia call group, Anesthesia Service Associates, implemented at Christus Santa Rosa hospital. He then opened the Pain Management Centers of South Texas, which was the first clinic to have an in-house physical therapy department and heated in-ground pool for aquatic therapy. At one point, he had multiple locations, including three in the Texas valley area.
Fernando was an avid Sci-Fi reader, loved Star Trek, and classic rock music. As a child, he collected superhero comics and played Pop Warner and Central Catholic High School football. During his later years, Fernando never missed sharing a good meme.
Fernando was preceded in death by his loving parents, Victoria and Fernando Avila. He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Beverly Evans Avila; his children, Victoria Catheryn Morgan and spouse Christopher Shaun Morgan, Fernando Antonio Avila IV and spouse Jeanette Avila, and Jennifer Frances Avila; grandchildren, Shawn Catheryn Morgan, Christopher Shaun Morgan Jr., Ari Ishmael Avila, and Charlotte Ariel Avila; siblings, Gerald Avila with spouse Grace Avila, William Avila, Elizabeth Hernandez with spouse Joaquin Hernandez, Cynthia McEwen with spouse Gregory McEwen, and Joseph Avila with spouse Marie Avila; many other nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, September 8, 2025, with a Rosary to follow at 7:00 p.m., at Porter Loring Mortuary North, 2102 N. Loop 1604 E.
A Funeral Mass will take place on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., at Saint Philip of Jesus Catholic Church, 142 E. Lambert St.
Father Sean Stilson will officiate. Interment with Military Honors will follow in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Myositis Association; www.myositis.org.
