Augustine "Augie" Hernandez, Sr.

It is with great sadness the Hernandez family shares the passing of Augustine "Augie" Hernandez, Sr. of Bay City, formerly of Caro, 75 years of age. He passed away peacefully on February 4, 2022. Born to George and Monica (Vasquez) Hernandez in Boerne, TX, October 14, 1946, Augie graduated from Akron-Fairgrove High School in 1966 and earned his Associate's Degree from Mott Community College. He was a well accomplished athlete with honors and awards in high school football, basketball, and track. In 1966, Augie began his service with the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. On the USS Hornet CVS 12, the ship became Hornet+3 when charged with the historic task of recovering both Apollo 11 & 12. After his active-duty service ended in 1970, he transitioned to the Naval Reserves until 1972. When he returned from service, he married Dora Facundo Cortez on November 27, 1971. Augie obtained his elevator journeyman's license and retired from General Motors-Buick, Oldsmobile, Cadillac in Flint as an electrician in 1996. A man of many interests, Augie enjoyed many hobbies from collecting unmatching things to tinkering with and admiring vintage cars. He was an officer and longtime member of Mt. Moriah Lodge #226 in Caro, a Pumpkin Festival volunteer, a VFW member, and a former Caro freshman football coach. His endless charm and smart-alec comments never missed their marks in making someone laugh. Constantly cheering on his children and grandchildren with his unconditional love and support, his mischief, laughter, and bright smile will leave a void in the hearts of many. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Dora Hernandez of Bay City; children, Ray Cortez (Lori Calery) of Caro, Monica Hernandez-Alaniz of Essexville, Augustine "Cricket" Hernandez, Jr. (Holly Wooldridge) of Jackson, WY, and Marie Hernandez of Bay City; grandchildren, Brandon (Marlana) Cortez of Cass City, Senior Airman Alex Cortez of Halloman, NM, and Racquel and Bryan Hernandez-Alaniz of Essexville; and great-grandchildren, Carson and Amelia Cortez. Augie was preceded in death by his parents, George & Monica Hernandez; in-laws, Evaristo & Luisa Facundo; infant granddaughters, Samantha and Nicole Cortez; brothers, George Hernandez, Jr., Marshall Hernandez, Frank Hernandez, and Racy Hernandez. Augies family would like to extend a special thank you to the team of medical professionals who provided outstanding care to him over the years. In keeping with Augie's wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, February 16, 2022 at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a time of remembrance beginning at 7:00 p.m. A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 17, 2022 at St. Christopher Parish, Sacred Heart Church with Rev. Christopher Coman officiating. The family will be present to receive friends at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Service Information Date: Thursday, February 17, 2022 Time: 11:00 am St. Christopher Parish, Sacred Heart Church site Address: 140 Atwood St. Caro, MI 48723 A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 17, 2022 at St. Christopher Parish, Sacred Heart Church with Rev. Christopher Coman officiating.