Dr. Arnulfo Abat Agbunag's Obituary
Dr. Arnulfo “Archie” Abat Agbunag, age 79, passed away on July 25, 2021, at St. Thomas Midtown in Nashville, Tennessee.
Archie was born on September 21, 1941, in San Juan La Union Province, Philippines. He graduated medical school from University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Philippines and soon migrated to the United States in 1964.
Archie was a dedicated, beloved, and compassionate surgeon who touched many lives in the Nashville area. His professional achievements include Chief Resident at Baptist Hospital, Chief of Medical Staff at Skyline Hospital and Memorial Hospital, and a local pioneer of laparoscopic and bariatric surgery in the Nashville area.
Archie was a man of strong faith who valued family and the importance of education. He was an avid tennis player, historian, and inspired his family to stay curious and be a forever student.
Archie was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Rodrigo Sr. Agbunag and Leovigilda Abat, his first wife, Merle Pangan Agbunag, sister, Evanswinda “Wynda” A. Cruz, brother Joselito Agbunag, and twin sisters Thelma & Gilda Agbunag. Archie is survived by his loving wife of thirty-six years, Debra Kay (Steele) Agbunag of Goodlettsville, Tennessee. He is survived by his six devoted children: Arnold (Nicole) Agbunag, Arnulf Agbunag, Arlene (Javier) Medina, Ashlea (Clint) Stephens, Allyson (Ben) Lorance, Alexis (Frederick) Jones. He is survived by his sister Noreen (Terry) Agbunag Martin and brother Rodrigo Jr. “Jun” (Melody) Agbunag. He is survived by his 12 grandchildren: Hannah, Andrew and Maria Agbunag, Willow, Stone and Sparrow Stephens, Olivia and Nicolas Medina, Christopher and Maia Jones, and Liam and Henry Lorance. Archie also has 8 nieces and nephews from the Agbunag family, four nieces and nephews from the Steele family, and 3 nieces and nephews from the Pangan family.
Spring Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery has been entrusted with the final care of Dr. Agbunag. The family has started a Novena (9 days of prayer) for the repose of his soul. They invite you to pray privately for Archie, considering COVID-19 risk.
A Celebration of Life and interment is being planned for a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that the donations in Dr. Agbunag’s name be made to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. To donate please click HERE.
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