Arthur Hernandez

Arthur Hernandez, 77, of Orange Park, FL. passed away March 2, 2023. He was born December 18, 1945, in Ontario, CA. to the late Phillip and Mary (Basua) Hernandez. Arthur joined the Navy out of high school. He spent 20 years in the navy where he learned his profession in computers through both experience and education. He rose to the rank of an E9 Master Chief. It was in the Navy while stationed at NAS Albany, GA. that Arthur met his soulmate, Naomi Ann Carter. He was introduced to Naomi by his colleague, friend, and soon to be brother-in-law, Ronald Carter. Arthur and Naomi would spend the next 49 years together ending only after Naomi’s untimely passing in November of 2022. It was during these 49 years that Arthur and Naomi raised their two children, Ronald L. E. and Michael Carlos. They would go on to help raise their grandchildren and even see the birth of their greatgrandchild. After Arthur’s Navy career, he went back to school to get his Master’s degree. He used his education and experience to start another career from the customer service side of software engineering. Although he spent decades in this field, the true mark Arthur left on this world was through his outgoing personality and his generous nature. It was often said that Arthur knew no strangers. He had a warm greeting to everybody he met. He dedicated his time to many functions. He and Naomi would dress as Mr. and Mrs. Claus for Christmas celebrations. He hosted a Cinco de Mayo celebration and chili cookoff every year at work. He never missed an opportunity to help a friend. He once drove to South Florida to get gas to a sick friend who needed it for his generator after a hurricane. Family was always important to Arthur. He attended and helped financially with family reunions even though they were on the other side of the country. He was there for his children for small things like a tank of gas. He helped them through larger problems like moving them back home after a failed career change. He was always there with a roof over their heads to make sure they could live the best life they possibly could. As time progressed, he took care of Naomi when she could no longer take care of herself. Arthur was into fitness and weightlifting throughout his life. His brother said that Arthur would often encourage his siblings to do pushups before bed. He continued this in high school where he ran track and tried other sports. His strength and high level of fitness came in handy in the military. He was given the nickname Herk as it was short for Hercules. He maintained his strength well into retirement as he was bench-pressing over 300lbs. well into his sixties. Arthur is preceded in death by his beloved, Naomi Ann Hernandez; his parents; three siblings, Roy Venegas, Phillip Hernandez, and Molly Ramirez Arthur is survived by his sons, Ronald L.E. Smith and Michael Carlos Hernandez; grandchildren, Alyssa M. Smith, Peyton Payne, Cadence Payne, and Ian Smith; great granddaughter, SwaeLynn; siblings, Gonzalo Venegas, Carol Serna, Vincent Venegas, Esperanza Venegas, Mary Duarte; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. The family will celebrate the lives of Arthur and Ann Hernandez from 3:00pm to 5:00pm on Friday, March 24, 2023 in the Broadus-Raines Chapel.