Richard Cleveland “RC” Hernandez, 83, of Gwynn’s Island, Virginia, passed away on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at McGuire VA Hospital in Richmond, Virginia. He was born on January 29, 1942 to Richard O. and Elsie Hernandez. He was the oldest of four children and was raised in Onemo in Mathews County. He married Joyce Ann Clements on December 23, 1961. RC spent his entire life in service to others. He served in the U.S. Navy for four years, and afterwards, he was the owner of Gwynn’s Island Esso/Exxon for many years. He was the Transportation Director at Mathews County Schools for several years. If it broke, he could fix it. He was a driver, caretaker, caregiver, mechanic, carpenter, electrician, plumber, painter, animal lover (in later years), a father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, cousin, husband, and friend. He taught me to ride a bike, drive a car, and to “use your head for something besides a hat rack.” He hated it when I played the piano or popped popcorn. On August 25, 1992, RC received a very successful heart transplant. He took very good care of his new heart and used it well for over 32 years. There was a celebration in 2022 where all his friends and family came to honor him.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce C. Hernandez; parents, Richard and Elsie Hernandez; brothers, Donnie and David Hernandez; sisters-in-law, Louise Ashburn, Peggy Hernandez; niece, Deby Spaetzel, and special friends, Jeff and Roz White and Lynda Price.
He is survived by his loving daughter, Susan Hernandez; his beloved sister, Aileen Hernandez; his devoted and loving granddaughter, Julie H. Hallberg (Andy); sisters-in-law, Linda Hernandez and Betty Jean Brown, and brother-in-law, Harold Ashburn. Also missing him will be his three wonderful great-grandchildren, Nathan (Ellie), Nicholas (Sofia), and Christopher (Lil); nieces, Debbie, Angela (Larry), Amber, and Tori Faith; nephews, Blake and Carson; special friends, Steve and Tenna Safrit and Jimmy Maggard (Virginia). Not to be forgotten, he leaves behind his faithful companions, Fireball, Baby, and his favorite dog, Anna. He will be greatly missed and remembered forever by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Gwynn’s Island Baptist Church, followed by a reception in the church social hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Mathews Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 1130, Mathews, Va. 23109, or to the Mathews Volunteer Rescue Squad, 94 Cricket Hill Road, Hudgins, Va. 23076.
Faulkner Funeral Homes, Foster-Faulkner Chapel, Mathews, is assisting the family.