Gilberto G. Hernandez passed away on June 27, 2019 at the age of 71 years; in the Woolridge Rehab Center, under the care of several caring nurses (Andy, Victoria, Jessica, and Patti) where he completed his radiation treatments for Multiple Myeloma.
He was born in Corpus Christi, Texas; The City By The Bay to parents Sabas Hernandez and Guadalupe Gonzalez and was one of nine children.
He is survived by his spouse; Sylvia Leal Hernandez married in December3, 1981. Children: Anna Marie, Charles, Rudy, Gilbert, and Murray. Grand-Children: Alexander, Sellecca Marie, Herschel, Rudy Jr., Roman, and Hailion. Great Grand-Children: Lilith De La Luz and Hailion Jr. Siblings: Clara, Arthur, Robert, Johnnie, Yolanda, and David; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends to mention. He is preceded in death by his parents Sabas and Guadalupe, siblings: Hector and Richard “Ricky”.
He began his career as a truck driver hauling meat for Sam Kane; locally in Corpus Christi as a young man and at times had two jobs. He was a dedicated employee and received many awards for being such. He ended his career hauling “LIQUID” and “HOT LOADS” as he transported hazardous chemicals out of the country many at times over. He traveled many roads; where he felt free as an Eagle. He was proud of his handle. “Breaker-Breaker what’s your handle; HALF-BREED!” He was proud of his heritage and many times stood up for “The Little Guy” and gave a voice to someone that may not be able to defend themselves. If someone looked at him for too long; he might say, “Do I owe you something?” Or, “Do we know each other and you have something to say?” And, yet he was the kindest person you could come across. All the people he encountered expressed “What a good man he was, such a sweet man, and having a big heart.” But, he could also set you in your place with a simple hard look that spoke volumes without saying one word.
He loved many things such as music of all genres from Country-Trucking, Tex-Mex, Opera, and Classical Instrumentals, with many artists such as Johnnie Paycheck, Charlie Pride, Hank Williams, Willie Nelson, Patsy Cline, Tammy Wynette, Vicente Fernandez, Pavarotti, Elvis and so many more. He would light up listening to his music. One favorite song is “Giddy Up Go” by Red Sovine; which he listened to many times in hospital and you could see him going back on the road away from the hospital bed.
He loved old black and white shows like Perry Mason, crime shows, and Tyler Perry Madea movies; which he didn’t get to see the last movie. But, years ago my father and I with my kids went to a theater to see Madea Goes To Jail; which he laughed so hard and spoke out loud to the screen; it was hilarious. He had many favorite actors and we watched Denzel Washington’s AFI award ceremony last Friday. He was able to recollect several of his movies with Glory being one of his favorites along with most recent; The Equalizer. He loved John Wayne and watched many Cowboy movies.
He loved many sweets of which you all will be enjoying as he wanted me to make sure he paid for with his monies. He was able to enjoy a banana split from Dairy Queen a few days prior to his passing. And, he was able to enjoy many Whataburger Jr.s with onion rings; as he would say; “Oh, lord have mercy!” to express how good his burger was with toasted buns. And, lets not forget Denny’s the breakfast meals. He had a passion for food; especially homemade foods like his Sister Clara’s meals; which he enjoyed many times. And, most of all he LOVED his Grand-Daughter Sellecca’s banana bread loaf. Which, he was able to enjoy prior to his passing.
Most of all he loved ALL of his family. He always wished he could have done more to help. He was proud of everyone’s accomplishments and advised on furthering education. He advised on higher education as he worked harder to keep up due to lack of graduation. He wanted family members to not waste their true potential. He had beautiful hand writing penmanship. He encouraged many people and helped several people in his company to better themselves; which more than likely saved lives on the road. And, one time he had to stop a young man in training as he was not motivated to learn and shipped him back the company. He refused to waste his time with someone not willing to learn. He always said; “Mind over matter; you can do anything you set your mind to doing.”
My father a strong man, a big heart for life and the people he cared for, a strong faith in God and believed in the power of prayer, and now he is blessing us all as he now has a direct line to God.
I believe for everyone that loved my father; you now have an “ANGEL” at your side. He told me he would be with us during his celebration tonight. I was blessed over twenty years ago to meet my father and establish a relationship with him and my step-mother. He was very happy that I was able to meet his family. I am just as glad.
My father is on the road again; “Giddy Up Go!”
My father thanks you as I do as well; his daughter, Anna Marie Hernandez-Hernandez
