Ruben Fernandez Jr. MD

Ruben Fernandez, Jr., the love of my life and beloved husband of 45 years, passed away peacefully early Saturday morning on May 30, 2026. Together for 50 years, Ruben was my everything. He loved me unconditionally and so generously that every need of my heart was met before I even knew to ask. I am now bereft of his loving presence.

Ruben never met a stranger, was good and kind to everyone he met, and lived his life with boundless enthusiasm and joy. He was a kind, empathetic soul who wanted everyone to be healthy and succeed, and he prayed for that constantly.

Born in New York City on Friday, March 30, 1945, he was the son of Hormida Fernandez de Candelaria and Ruben Fernandez, Sr. Because his father moved the family frequently, Ruben attended six different high schools across New York, New Mexico, Colorado, and California before heading to college.

When college funds ran low, Ruben worked in a steel mill to save money, which is where he was drafted into the United States Army and sent to Vietnam. While there, he experienced the Tet Offensive and spent most of his time in the field. Although Vietnam was harsh, he deeply enjoyed his time there and the camaraderie with his fellow soldiers. As Ruben often said, "You had each other's back. Your very life depended on it."

After a year of constant vigilance, it took some adjustment to return to civilian life following his honorable discharge. Ruben courageously overcame his struggle with PTSD and used the GI Bill to continue his education, graduating from Southern University with a BS in Nursing.

Ruben loved his work and dedicated his life to healing others. He completed extensive training at the Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia to become a CRNA, working at St. Thomas Hospital for many years. Driven to pursue medicine further, he received his MD from New York Medical College, followed by a transitional residency at the University of California San Francisco and his Anesthesiology residency at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Ruben specialized in Cardiac Anesthesiology, serving the St. Thomas Hospital Heart Program and later Jackson Madison County General Hospital until his retirement.

While Ruben loved his medical career, he also thoroughly loved being retired. He was an avid reader who enjoyed history and nature programs. He was fascinated by the cosmos, loving the idea of friendly aliens out there wanting to help mankind, and of a higher Earth to which humanity could aspire.

Ruben is preceded in death by his mother and father, and his dear brother, Ralph.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Melinda Moore Fernandez. In each other, they truly found whom their soul loved. He is also survived by his precious son, Derick Omar Fernandez (Barbara); his grandson, Jeffrey Cole Fernandez (Kelsey); his sister, Esther Fernandez Mancinas; and countless much-loved family members and friends.

A graveside service will be held 11:00 Saturday, June 6, 2026 in the Garden of the Last Supper at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens; 1150 S. Dickerson in Goodlettsville, TN 37072.