Michael Gordon Fernandes, 77, of Zephyrhills, Florida left this world for eternal rest on Sunday, February 14, 2021.

Michael was born on October 12, 1943 in Georgetown, Guyana to Maurice V. Fernandes and Elaine (Cummings) Fernandes. He is the youngest of their three children. When Michael was a child, the family moved to New York. It was there that he grew up to become the charismatic man we all came to know and love.

In December 1963, Michael met Ines De los Santos at a birthday party for his niece. On June 25,1966, the two married and began their life together. The couple had eight children together and in their life journey they resided in New York, Florida, and Georgia.

Michael was a force of nature; known for his quick wit and infectious laugh. He loved his children and filled them with an abundance of life lessons, the greatest of these was to always put family first. His family meant more to him than anything else. Michaels nieces, nephews and cousins knew they could count on him to help in any way he could. He was an entertainer at family functions and always had a funny story to tell. His smile and laugh will surely be missed. "The Greatest" was the name he gave himself and in reflection, he was.

Michael is preceded in death by his father, Maurice Fernandes and brother, Jerome Fernandes. Michael is survived by his wife; Ines Fernandes, mother; Elaine Fernandes, sister; Laraine Johnson, children; Lisa Fernandes, Teresa Fernandes, Christine Fernandes, Maria Fernandes, Michael Fernandes II, Maurice Fernandes II, Diana Fernandes, and Victoria Ruban (Stephan), 15 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and a host of family and friends

A memorial of his life will be held at Hodges Funeral Home (36327 State Road 54, Zephyrhills, FL 33541) on Sunday, February 21, 2021 at 2:00 pm. The family will receive family / friends at 1:00 pm. Per family request: Masks are required. There will be a reception following the memorial at Quality Inn (6815 Gall Blvd, Zephyrhills, FL 33542) in the meeting room.

Notes and messages may be left at Hodgesfuneralhome.com

Hodges Family Funeral Home, Zephyrhills

Hodges Family Funeral Home, Zephyrhills