Avis Joseph Hernandez

Avis Joseph Hernandez, age 86 of Gretna, LA, passed away on Thursday, May 28, 2026. Avis, known to all his friends as "AJ", was born in Lafayette, LA on July 26, 1939, to the late Albert Hernandez and Catherine Boulanger Hernandez.

AJ was the father of Jeffrey Scott Hernandez. He was the proud and devoted grandfather of Tyler Hernandez (Kelia) and Tanner Hernandez (Peyton). He also has two great-grandsons, Soren Dufrene-Guillory and Adrian Joseph (AJ) Hernandez. He is also survived by his beloved cat Sweetpea, ex-wife Phyllis Hernandez Bircher, and former daughter-in-law Beth Tranchina (Joe).

AJ had a long and successful career in the movie theatre business. He worked for various companies such as Showtown drive-ins, Gulf States Theatres, United Artist Theatres, MI (Movies Incorporated), the Palace Theatres and Southern Theatres. Whether it was his first job as a ticket taker (where he met Phyliis), running drive-in theatres like the New Moon in Lake Charles (where Jeffrey was born), managing modern cinemas like the Plaza, Village Aurora and Belle Promenade in New Orleans, or working as a film booker for the Palace Theatres and Canal Place, AJ truly found his calling and genuinely enjoyed the movie business.

After retirement, AJ enjoyed various summer trips with Tyler and Tanner. From multiple vacations to Disney World, Universal, Washington D.C. and even the Smokey Mountains, where the boys talked a then 70-year-old AJ into whitewater rafting, he was ready for an adventure. More than that, he was always ready to spoil his grandkids with memories for a lifetime, and they loved spending time with their "favorite old man".

AJ, although aggressive dementia robbed you of your memories and functionality, and your physical presence may have left this world, your love and memories will forever dwell in our hearts and your legacy will last forever.

The family would like to thank the loving and caring staff of Jo Ellen Smith Living Center for their care and compassion.

A memorial service will be held later. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Association in memory of AJ.