Tributes

Jay Hernandez was born on June 3, 1969, in San Antonio, Texas to Hector Henry Hernandez and Maria Lopez. He passed away unexpectedly on June 1, 2025, just two days before his 56th birthday. A proud graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School, Jay built a successful career as a sales executive. He had a natural gift for connecting with people—kind, trustworthy, and genuine. He brought integrity to everything he did, and the people he worked with respected him deeply. But his life wasn’t just about work—it was about love, creativity, and showing up fully for the people he cared about. Jay was a true artist at heart. Whether he was sketching, painting, or building something with his hands, he saw the world through a creative lens. He had an eye for beauty and detail. His art reflected not just talent, but soul. There wasn’t anything the man couldn’t do—he was the one everyone called when they needed something fixed, designed, or figured out. He was sharp, resourceful, and endlessly gifted. And yet, for all his talents, his proudest role was being a father. Jay was an exceptional dad—present, loving, and devoted. He never missed a moment. He supported his children fully and bragged about them often. He taught by example, loved without limits, and made sure his kids knew how deeply proud he was of them. At the center of Jay’s life was his wife, Karen. After 26 years of marriage, they were still completely in love—like two people who never left the honeymoon phase. Jay adored her. He protected her, encouraged her, and made her feel treasured every single day. They were lovers, best friends, and soulmates. Anyone who saw them together knew theirs was a once-in-a-lifetime kind of love. Jay also had a deep love for the outdoors—fishing, yard work, or just being in nature brought him joy. He was a man of service, always looking for ways to help others. He lived with quiet strength and unwavering faith in God, always leading with kindness and compassion. He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife, Karen K. Hernandez; his daughter, Alexandra Klare Hernandez; his sons, Matthew Alexander Hernandez and Jacob Harrison Hernandez; his sisters, Velma Rendon (and her partner Ernest Gonzales), and Gina Swift (and husband Wade); his brother, Nick Hernandez (and wife Christine); and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews who adored their Uncle Jay. Jay was the kind of man who left an impression. He brought warmth to every room and love to every life he touched. His absence leaves an ache that words can’t fill, and he will be deeply, deeply missed. But his legacy—his art, his love, his laughter, and his unwavering devotion to his family—will live on forever. SERVICES The family will receive friends at 11:00 AM on Monday, June 16, 2025, at Mission Park Funeral Chapels – Dominion. A Celebration of His Life will follow at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his honor to: https://everloved.com/life-of/lionel-hernandez/

Tributes

Jay Hernandez

June 3, 1969 - June 1, 2025