Fernando N. Madison

Retired Senior Chief Petty Officer Fernando Nicholas Madison, Jr. was born on February 11, 1941, in Baltimore, MD, the son of the late Fernando and Ellen Madison. Fernando graduated Valedictorian from Frederick Douglas High School, for highest academic rank achieved, and outstanding attendance in the graduating class of 1958. Soon after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy in 1959. Fernando was later stationed in Charleston, S.C. where he met and married his wife, the former Patricia A. Dixon, in 1968, in a union that extended for 47 years, until Patricia's passing in 2003. Fernando was highly recognized for his expertise as a Molder (ML) in the U.S. Navy. Throughout the course of his military career, he served on board the USS Cadmus (AR-14), USS Holland (AS-32), USS Piedmont (AS-17) and the USS Frank Cable (AS-40). He was known by many of his shipmates as "Mad Dog". In 1972, Fernando accepted shore duty assignment as a Naval Recruiter in Baltimore, MD. His superb record and outstanding display of initiative and professional ability, earned hi statewide recognition as "Recruiter of the Year". Fernando Madison's military career extended 30 years, and he was "Honorably" discharged/retired in June 1989, from his last duty station, Naval Station Mayport, in Jacksonville, FL. His military awards include the National Defense Service Medal, Navy Achievement Medal (2), Meritorious Unit Commendation (2), Seventh Good Conduct Award, Battle "E" Ribbon (3), Sea Service Deployment Ribbon and Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist. Once retired, Fernando was able to partake in his favorite pastime, fishing from the rocky shorelines near the ocean in Atlantic Beach, FL. He enjoyed watching Western movies, and spending time as a Boiler Tender with a Government Contractor at Naval Station Mayport, FL. He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia, and brothers, Charles, Wilton, Ralph and Leslie. Fernando is survived by three wonderful children, Terry Ann (Perry), Fernando Nicholas III, (Natalie), and Hondre Jose (Scarlet). He also leaves four sisters, Lorraine, Ellen, Sharon and Mildred, on brother Joseph and one sister-in-law, Virginia Madison. Grandchildren, Ramona, Tasha, Najee, Nikko, Ada Jean, Markie and Younger, 4 great-grandchildren. He also leaves a host of special nieces and nephews and one great-great nephew.

Tributes

Fernando N. Madison

February 11, 1941 - October 19, 2015