Dr. Fernando Molina

Dr. Fernando Molina, born on January 28, 1949, in Concepcion, Chile, exchanged this world for eternal peace on January 11, 2025, at the age of 75. He was the beloved son of the late Eugenio Molina Donoso and Aida Quintana Alvarez, and a devoted middle brother to Manuel and Rodrigo.
At the age of 20, Fernando moved to Rome, Georgia, with little more than a dream for a prosperous future. As a collegiate soccer standout at Berry College, he excelled at balancing school, sports, and work, embodying the principle that "hard work pays off." After earning his B.S. from Berry College, he graduated with his Doctorate of Medicine from Ross University in 1985. When asked what kind of medicine he practiced, he would say, "the best kind, family medicine." He cherished his private practice and his outstanding 28 years with Harbin Clinic and often struggled to retire, telling his family, "maybe next year."
Fernando dedicated his time and talent as the team physician for Darlington High School football team, the Rome Braves and even assisted the Atlanta Braves during a Spring Training season. He was always on the sidelines with a smile and a Dr. Pepper.
In 2021, Dr. Molina transitioned from wearing his white coat and stethoscope to donning golf cleats and flip flops. He spent countless hours on the golf course, swinging clubs and occasionally hitting balls, despite being the self-admitted least talented player on the course. Even with his competitive nature, Fernando was an exceptional and loyal friend. He looked forward every year to time away with Dr. Sid Bell, Tony Triplitt, Larry Smith and the late Kenneth Nance and Wayne Dempsey as they cheered their Dawgs to victory.
Did we mention he was competitive? Old Maid. Uno. Basketball. Soccer. Whether you were 5 years old or fifteen, he played to win or played until he did, "best 3 out of 5?".
If you knew Dr. Molina/Fernando/Dad/Poppy/Pickle, you likely have a smile and story to share about him, he left quite an impression. If you were not blessed to know him, here are a few of his favorite mottos:
1.) "Life is short"
2.) "GO DAWGS!"
3.) "Forgive them."
4.) "Lovin' You"
5.) "Incredible!"
Survivors include his three daughters Michelle Bivens (Gordon), Claudia Hamilton (TK) and Jacqueline Molina, partner Stephanie Hyson and her daughters (Keara and Keaton Guevara), his eight beloved grandchildren (Brayden, Grady, Mac, Davison, Lily, Ruby, Mabel and Logan and Elizabeth Molina, their loving grandmother). His brother Rodrigo Molina Quintana (Blanca Jofre Munoz) and their three daughters Maria Javiera, Josefa and Maria Ignacia.
We are grateful to his bestie squad and all the fun they shared through the years; Dr. Sid Bell, Tony Triplitt, Larry Smith, Dr. Bill Allen and Gordon Lee Hight.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, February 1st, 2025, at 2pm at West Rome Baptist Church.
Henderson & Sons Funeral Home, North Chapel, is honored to serve the family of Dr. Fernando Molina.