Billy Joe Hernandez

Billy Joe Hernandez, beloved son, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend was called home to be with the Lord on Saturday, November 12, 2022.  Billy, age 79, was a lifelong resident of Santa Fe.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Arturo and Adelina Hernandez, sisters: Diana Evangeline Hernandez and Mabel Maestas.  He is survived by his children: Helen Binford (Todd), Michael Hernandez (Cathy), BJ Hernandez, Chris Hernandez (Julia), and Camille Sandoval (Danny); longtime girlfriend: Patricia Ortiz; mother of his children: Elizabeth Lennon; grandchildren: Michael J, Vanessa (Tony), Anthony, Kayla, Shanice, Jasmin, Bianka, Nehemiah, Zoe, Noah, Emily and Josiah; one expected great-grandchild; siblings: Charlie (Shirley), Mary Frances, Ramona (George), Joe (Cathy), Harold (Elizabeth), Dennis (Mary), Reynold (Angela), Henry, Barbara (Gavin).

Billy Joe served in the US Navy during the Vietnam War and was a proud veteran.  Since early childhood, he was a hard worker.  He went on to run his own construction company and build many homes around the Santa Fe area, including his own, with the help of his sons, family, and friends.  The skills and hard work ethic he learned as a child, he then instilled in his own children, who then carried these invaluable skills and ethics down to the third generation.  He was a proud father, grandfather, and soon to be great-grandfather. 

Dad, Grandpa-

We will miss your smile and your laughter.  We will miss dancing, singing, and spending time with you.  Holidays, birthdays, and family gatherings will all look and sound different without you.  We will miss seeing you in your Dallas Cowboy jersey cheering on your team to victory.  We will miss tee time at the golf course, daily breakfasts together at your favorite local restaurants, weekly Wednesday gatherings for catching up and small talk, working together on projects, and enjoying pastries and coffee together.  You will always hold a special place in each of our hearts.  Thank you for your love, friendship, and generosity throughout the years.  We love you so much and miss you dearly.  We find comfort in God’s promises and know that we will see each other again. 

Visitation will be held on Monday, November 28 from 5-7pm at Rivera Family Funeral Home, Kiva Chapel of Light at 417 E Rodeo Rd.  The Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, November 29 at 10:30am at First Baptist Church of Santa Fe, burial at 12:30pm at Santa Fe National Cemetery, with a celebration of life to follow at the Elks Lodge.