Jesse Hernandez

Felipe Jesus Hernandez, affectionally called “Jesse” and “Chuy” was reunited with his late wife, Elizabeth “Betty” Jean [Davis] Hernandez on August 2, 2022. Son of Mauricio Hernandez (of Monterrey, Mexico) and Maria Antonia [Lopez] Hernandez, Jesse had 2 brothers and  2 sisters – Emilio, Mauricio, Andrea Garza, and Celia Barrientos.

Born on February 5th, 1933 in Brownsville, TX, Jesse picked cotton and shined shoes at an early age to help earn money for his family. It was during this time he began to learn the value of hard work and strong negotiating. He was a devout member of the Catholic church. Jesse voluntarily enlisted with the US Air Force in 1952, where hand was raised as he took an oath to protect and defend the constitution. His hands held the hands and wiped the tears of a his East Tennessee bride as they wed on April 30th, 1955. They forged their own path across the lines of racism in the 1950’s. Prior to the 100 advisors being sent by President Kennedy, Jesse was on the first plane into Vietnam and watched the second plane crash from the airfield. While deployed In Vietnam, his hands built savehavens for troops that were to arrive after him. A “double dipper”, Jesse was proud of his service with the US Air Force and Civil Service, both of from which he retired in Anchorage, AK. After retiring, Jesse and Betty traveled nearly all the United States by RV, and chose to move to Tucson, AZ – later, settling down in McDonough, GA.

Jesse and Betty had 4 children: the late Felipe Hernandez Jr. (Alaska), Chiquita Hernandez (Alaska), Gwendolyn [Hernandez] Strutko (Georgia), and George Hernandez (Alaska). Jesse and Betty also had 14 grandchildren and at least 21 great-grandchildren – spanning the country from Alaska to Florida and “Lola” his beloved Shih-tzu. He was a hilarious prank-puller; a gifted craftsman and mechanic; a lover of classic cars, conchas y pan dulce, fideo, and slim fast; a speaker of 5 languages; a great cards player, and a beloved father and friend who after 15 years, is likely making his wife laugh again.

Visitation is Friday, August 12, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Services will be on Saturday, August 13, 2022 at 4:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with his son-in-law Mark Strutko officiating. Burial will follow at Welsh-Rogers Cemetery with full military honors by U.S. Air Force Honor Guard.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.williamsonandsons.com.Arrangements are by Williamson and Sons Funeral Home, 8852 Dayton Pike, Soddy Daisy, TN 37379.

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