Tony Hernandez-Ero

Jose Antonio “Tony” Hernandez-Ero, of Apison, TN went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. He was 92 years old. He was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, and true friend to many. Tony, as he was affectionately known, was a godly, family-loving patriot. He made an impact on everyone he met. He was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico on April 24, 1933, and lived on the Island until he was a teenager. He was one of ten children. He was the second in his family to join the United States Army, serving as a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division, 3rd Special Forces, 5th Special Forces, 8th Special Forces, and 82nd Airborne Division. His twenty-three year service included two tours to Vietnam and he was awarded two Bronze Stars. Upon retirement from the United States Army he began a career with the Tennessee Department of Transportation.

Tony was known for his kind, caring personality and generous hospitality. Everyone was welcome at his table. He had a wonderful sense of humor and had a knack for playing practical jokes. He loved serving his church, Grace Baptist Church, especially on mission trips to Puerto Rico where he translated and helped with construction. He also loved working with the children and youth. For years, he cooked breakfast for the Grace Men's Prayer Breakfast. A highlight of Tony's life recently was the weekly men's Bible study groups he was blessed to be part of.

In recent days, Tony's body began to show signs of the long-term health struggles he had faced but he was ready and eager to meet his Savior, Jesus Christ. The very faith that had sustained him in life also sustained him in death.

Tony is survived by his wife, Mary Lee Hernandez; son, Tony D. Hernandez (Shannon); daughter, Donna Bean (Don); daughter, Johanna Hernandez; son, Jonathan Hernandez (Stephanie). Grandchildren: Jordon Bean, Ethan Hernandez, Toni Marie Hernandez, Georgia Pearl Hernandez, and Cruz Antonio Hernandez; Great-grandchildren: Charlea Bean, Siblings: Naldo Hernandez, Digna Hernandez, Hector Hernandez, Edgar Hernandez, Yadira McElyea, Sylvia Mitchell as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, June 29, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Chattanooga Funeral Home – East Brainerd Chapel.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, June 30, 2025 at 12:00 PM at Chattanooga First Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 7450 Standifer Gap Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37421 with Gary Googe officiating. Interment will follow at the Chattanooga National Cemetery with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Grace Missions Fund at: www.ourgrace.church/give and or Gideons International at: www.gideons.org

Please share your thoughts and memories at: www.ChattanoogaEastBrainerdChapel.com

Arrangements are by the East Brainerd Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, 8214 East Brainerd Rd., Chattanooga, TN 37421.