The family of Raul Hernandez Jr. is saddened to announce his peaceful passing in Arlington, Texas on August 26, 2026 at the age of 74.

Raul was born on August 21, 1952, to Raul Velez Hernandez and Maria Guadalupe (Gonzalez) Hernandez. He grew up in Saginaw, Michigan, where he developed a lifelong love of baseball at Hoyt Park. He graduated from Saginaw High in 1970 and began his career at General Motors Saginaw Malleable Iron. He lived many years in Hemlock before moving to Texas where he retired from the GM Arlington Assembly Plant in 2019.

After retirement, Raul embraced his love of travel. He split his time between Delaware and Texas, with stops along the way to visit family, friends, and Planet Fitness. A devoted Dallas Cowboys fan, Raul proudly held season tickets and enjoyed attending games. He was also a passionate Detroit Tigers and Texas Rangers fan and loved baseball so much that he made it a goal to visit many Major League Baseball stadiums throughout the years. In the spring of 2026, he spent time in Arizona attending spring training before continuing his travels with a 3 month trip to Vietnam.

Raul's faith in God was deeply important to him. He attended Gateway Church in Southlake, TX. No matter where he was — at home or out at a restaurant — he gave thanks before every meal. He read his Bible and prayed daily.

Raul took great pride in staying active and healthy. He completed many marathons and was also an avid swimmer and loved going to the gym every day. His dedication to fitness reflected his energetic spirit and his desire to make the most of each day. Raul loved having a big salad and a smoothie every day. He would wrap anything in a tortilla and usually had a jalapeno on the side.

Surviving are his children and grandchildren, Holly (Aaron) Schurg, Aidan and Abigail; Andrew (Lindsey) Hernandez, Mordecai, Kateri, Isadore, and Hildegard; Gabriel Hernandez, Kimmy and Madalena; Denee (Gino) Hernandez, Cosmo and Chloe; and Dylan Hernandez. Also, his sisters, Norma Johnson, Noreene Romo, and Alma Velasquez, as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends. Raul was preceded in death by his wife, Sandra Hernandez, and parents, Raul Velez Hernandez and Maria Guadalupe Hernandez.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, September 11, 2026, at W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 5700 Dixie Highway, Saginaw, MI 48601. Pastor Scott Cowling will officiate with entombment to follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Friends are welcome to visit with the family Friday morning from 10:00 am until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Friends of Hoyt Park, Saginaw.