Ismael "Smiley" Hernandez Sanchez

Smiley graduated from Sul Ross State University with a Masters in Criminal Justice. He married Sylvia Rodriguez on February 14, 1989 and they grew their faith together as very involved members of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Smiley served as an usher at the church and was a proud 4th Degree Knight of Columbus. He truly lived his faith and loved to share it with others. He enjoyed the outdoors. He was also part of the Alpine Golden Gloves, served on the Governor’s Task Force of Texas, and worked as a Probation Officer for the state of Texas for many, many years. Smiley never met a stranger and touched the lives of so many people. He was the most respectful, loving father and family man, brother, uncle, cousin and friend to countless others. He had a passion for helping others and a heart bigger and stronger than we could ever know.

Smiley is survived by his wife of 35 years, Sylvia Rodriguez Sanchez; children, Samuel M. Sanchez and wife Dena, Justin Brent Sanchez, Sarah Gunn and husband Mark, Salina VanDeman and husband Lance, Erica Bratton and Brooke Sanchez; grandchildren, Riley, Kaitlin, Jaeger, JoBentley, Preston, Dawson, Tristen, Landen, Lexi and Bryso; brother, Carlos H. Sanchez and wife Maria; sisters, Maria “Nena” Carrillo and husband, Leo Sr. and Anabel Ramirez and husband Chomeno; and numerous nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts and cousins.

Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his siblings, Hector, Oscar, Carmen, Edward and Pilar Sanchez.

The family will receive friends for visitation on Tuesday, December 7, 2021 from 9 AM-9 PM at Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home with the Rosary at 7 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at 1 PM at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church with Fr. Bernardito Getigan officiating.

Smiley’s family would like to express their deepest gratitude for all of the love and support from the Knights of Columbus, the Daughters of Mary and St. Mary’s Parish family.