Remembering Alfred C. Hernandez

American GI Forum of Texas, Inc. Report: AUSTIN, Texas – This a sad message on the passing of a dear friend and long-time American GI Forum (AGIF) member. Alfred C. Hernandez was born on August 21, 1933 in Poteet, Texas to Hipolito and Francisca Corella Hernandez. He served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He lived in Union City, Fremont and Modesto, California for 60 years, where he was a realtor, before moving to Richmond, Texas in August of 2018. On June 1, 1968, he married Diana Avila in Fremont, California.

Alfred C. Hernandez passed away on Sunday, November 10, 2019, at his home in Richmond, Texas at the age of 86. Al first joined the Union City Chapter as a charter member in Union City California. He later served as a member of the Fremont Chapter and Later as a member of the Modesto Chapter. During his time in California he never forgot his beloved hometown of Poteet, Texas.

The American GI Forum has lost a dedicated and loyal member and Lupe and I lost a personal friend. We spent a lot of time with Al and his family. He was the son-in-law of great personal friends Mr. Leo Avila and his wife Anita from Fremont, Californila. We all remember Leo and Anita Avila as faithful and staunch AGIF members of many years. It was part of a family tradition.

Al spent his free time watching football, boxing, and Fox News, as well as enjoying a Whataburger and Dr. Pepper. He served as AGIF State Chairman of California for the American G. I. Forum and was a member for 55 years. He is survived by his sons, Brian J. Hernandez and his wife Maria of Santa Paula, California, and Alfred C. Hernandez, Jr. and his wife Estella of Richmond; grandchildren, Ray Eli Sanchez and his wife Laurie, Sarina Sanchez, Paco Willard, Romero Garza, and Randale Hernandez; and great grandchildren, Weylyn J. Willard. He was preceded in death by his parents; six brothers; three sisters; and his wife, Diana Hernandez, who passed away on July 17, 2009.

The American GI Forum extends condolences to Alfred Jr., his wife Estella and the rest of the Hernandez family. And from Lupe and I Freddy, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Thank you and your wife for taking care of Al during his last few years. You are indeed a good man and virtuous son. Our condolences also to the California AGIF on the loss of a great patriot.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, December 6, 2019 at the San Joaquin National Cemetery in Santa Nella, California.

Submitted by Gil Rodriguez, AGIF-TX.