William "Bill" Hernandez

William “Bill” Hernandez was born in Tucson, AZ. He joined the military and served in the Army honorably for 16 years. During his military career, he served 3 tours in Germany and other tours stateside. The highlight of all his tours was the one he served in Ft. MacArthur, CA. There he was a chauffeur for the last 5 star general, Omar Bradley. He also chauffeured Don Knotts and other people related to the movie industry because the Army post had a special courtesy program to chauffeur celebrities. The movie “From Here to Eternity” was filmed at Ft. MacArthur where Bill got to play the role of an extra. During filming he was able to meet Natalie Wood, her husband Robert Wagoner, and actor William Devane. After leaving the military he drove a semi truck across all 48 mainland states. After ups and downs and many disappointments, Bill found himself in Clarksville where he met up with Cordula, an old friend, who would later become his wife. After working very hard and a few years down the road, Bill and his wife welcomed their daughter Tatiana into their lives. Bill was thrilled and beside himself with all of his newfound happiness. He would always tell others about how God had blessed him so much. At times he would reminisce in the past and cry happy tears because of how far he had come. He would say, “It was God that sent me two angels, my wife and daughter, to get me and keep me out of the mire.” Bill truly was a loving and devoted husband and father. He worked hard to provide a good life for his family. He was the greatest supporter of anything his daughter Tatiana wanted to do. He loved spending time with his family and enjoyed family vacations and outings. Including going on cruises and visiting various other destinations. He enjoyed playing golf and watching sports of all types. He shared his love of sports with his daughter, often watching football, hockey, and NASCAR together. He was a beautiful, kindhearted person with an infectious smile who loved people. Bill always had something nice or funny to say to bring smiles to people’s faces. While working for the US postal service, the customers loved and greatly appreciated the service he provided. The seniors on his route, especially those in the nursing home, enjoyed it when he came around. They especially enjoyed when he would sing karaoke for them on his lunch break. He would sing Elvis and other kinds of oldies but goodies.

They nicknamed him the singing mailman and the little old ladies adored him. He even made arrangements one Saturday to entertain them for an entire afternoon. Dressed up in an Elvis costume and wig, he put on a big show for them. Bill got a kick out of making them happy and seeing them smile. His late mother Lily Hernandez would have been so very proud of his success had she been around to witness it. Thank God for his late cousin Tina Sanchez who lived long enough to rejoice about his happiness and success. She was always full of praise and enjoyed all the family photos he sent her. My loving husband Bill, nicknamed Bear, and greatest dad will be loved forever and dearly missed by many. He will remain in our hearts for eternity. A great big thank you to all who have been there for us and now are supporting us during this difficult time. 

Sincerely, 

Cordula & Tatiana Hernandez