Florencio Fernandez, Jr.

Florencio Fernandez Jr. (Junior) passed away on the afternoon of May 8, 2025, after being critically injured in a car accident that morning. He was born in Naguabo, Puerto Rico on August 11, 1928, to Florencio Fernandez and Juana Colon.

Junior met the love of his life, Norma E. Brandies, while visiting his sister in Callahan, Florida. Over the course of their marriage, they had 5 children.

Junior’s military career included multiple tours to Germany; Korea; Fort Benning, Georgia; Fort Gordon, Georgia; Vietnam; Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri; Fort Bragg, North Carolina; and Fort Meade, Maryland. Junior served as a Combat Engineer in several divisions including the famous 82nd Airborne Division. He served a total of 23 years in the military, with his highest medal of service being a Bronze Star for his service in Vietnam. In addition, he received the Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster designating that the medal had been awarded for multiple periods of service in the U.S. Army.

Following retirement from the Army, Junior taught Army ROTC in high schools while living in Tallahassee, Plant City, St. Augustine, and Orlando.

Junior’s love of the Army was only surpassed by his love of his family, his Country and the Island on which he was born and raised - Puerto Rico. Junior’s family includes his relatives throughout the continental United States plus his family in Puerto Rico and the United Arab Emirates, as well as friends in Germany.

His love for his family was his life. His ability to relate and communicate with his grandchildren and great grandchildren were entertaining to say the least. To this day, each one can tell stories of times that they sat with Papa and laughed and talked.

Junior also enjoyed camping and boating with his extended family and friends. He always loved Spanish music and dancing throughout his life. While living in Orlando, he was active as both a Mason and Shriner.

Junior regularly attended Hibernia Baptist Church with his son and daughter-in-law.

Junior, also called “Papa”, was a special guest who attracted the attention of so many friends with hugs and kisses. He was special and everyone treated him as such. He was later baptized at Hibernia as the first act of obedience after salvation.

He is survived by his son Fred Fernandez and daughter-in-law Denise, daughter Gracie Fernandez Copeland and son-in-law Tom Copeland, 7 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

Junior is preceded in death by his parents; son, John Earl Fernandez, daughters Sylvia Lynn Fernandez and Grace Estelle Fernandez; his brothers, Geraldo Fernandez, Victor Fernandez, Joe Fernandez, Firpo Fernandez, Charlie Fernandez and sisters, Norma Cravey, Iris Soto, Lydia Sandoval.

Junior’s life on earth may have ended, however because of his love for Jesus Christ, his eternal life in the presence of his Lord and Savior began!

Funeral service will be held on Monday, May 19, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Hibernia Baptist Church, 7100 US 17, Fleming Island. Interment will be on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville.