Alfred Hernandez Diaz, Jr. passed peacefully Monday, August 10, 2020, at the age of 84. After several months of declining health, Fred died in the home with his beloved wife Gregoria (Georgia) and his children by his side.
Freddy, as he was known by his family, was the eldest of nine children born September 22, 1935 to Alfred G Diaz, Sr. and Rita Hernandez Diaz in Tahoka, Texas. He missed the opportunity for much formal education but his work ethic and desire to take care of his family led him to be the ultimate recycler; he had the knack for breathing new life into discarded objects. His hard work was appreciated and instilled into the lives of his children. He was ready with a helping hand and always with a story or joke to bring a laugh.
Fred retired from the City of Amarillo after 33 years of service where he was recognized with multiple awards for safety and a job well done as a heavy equipment operator. He loved his parish family at St. Laurence Catholic Church where he and Georgia worshipped and volunteered regularly. He was a long time member of Guadalupanos.
Fred is survived by Georgia, his loving wife of 32 years and will be dearly missed by his four children Julie and husband Chris Rhynehart, Vick and wife Kathy Diaz, Rocky and wife Lisa Diaz, and Deidra and husband Todd Slavik, as well as his grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Dustin and wife Leanna Diaz and children, Chelsea and husband Dustin O’Dell, Kalea and husband Tanner Irwin, Gunner Volmer and Savannah and husband Craig Villalpando. His step children George and Linda Cuellar, Maria and Bob Perkins, Joseph and Leticia Cuellar, Norma and Vince Pratt and Sylvia Arowsmith. His surviving siblings include brothers Johnny Diaz and Prazedez “Gabby” and wife Lupe Diaz, sisters Corina Schmidt, Victoria and husband Ronnie Barry, GeorgeAnna and husband Frank Foster, and JoAnna Worth and countless extended family. Fred was preceded in death by his parents and by his sisters Elida Benningfield and Cruz Martinez Mata, his stepson Sammy Cuellar and his grandson Joshua Diaz.
A rosary service will be held 6 PM, Wednesday, August 12, 2020 at Memorial Park Funeral Home. The Funeral Mass will be 10 AM, Thursday, August 13, 2020 at St. Laurence Catholic Church with burial to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.
