Hernan Estrada Fernandez, 74, of Columbia, passed away on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on June 29, 1949, he was a son of Virginia Estrada Fernandez and the late Jesus Fernandez.
Mr. Fernandez graduated from East New York High School in Brooklyn, New York and earned his bachelor's in business management from St. Thomas University. Mr. Fernandez was a proud veteran and served in the United States Navy as a postal clerk. Following his military career, he took on positions in banking and eventually became a revenue officer for the IRS. Mr. Fernandez moved his family to Florida, where he earned the title as manager of Horizon Credit Union and opened Innovative Property Management with his wife, Millie. Free time was spent reading, keeping up with politics, or watching sports. He was an avid fan of baseball, basketball, and football. Mr. Fernandez had a love for traveling and trying out new restaurants with his family. He is fondly remembered for his calm, easy-going demeanor and great sense of humor.
In addition to his mother, he is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Millie Gomez Fernandez; children, Melissa Galan (Jonathan) and Marcus Fernandez; grandchildren, Naiya Fernandez, Kyden Fernandez, Zuri Fernandez, and beloved grand-dog, Leland Galan; siblings, Gladys Colon and William Colon (Carmen). Along with his father, he is preceded in death by his beloved father who raised him, Julio Colon.
A Celebration of Life for Mr. Fernandez will be held at 2 o'clock on Monday, April 22nd, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia, SC. The family will receive friends immediately following the service until 8 o'clock.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road Suite 300 Jacksonville, FL 32256.