Roy Hernandez

Roy Hernandez passed away at the age of 85 on April 11, 2022. He was born in Dallas, Texas on October 27, 1936. He was the 11th child out of 12 born to Jesus and Maria Hernandez. Roy grew up in the neighborhood known to many as “Little Mexico”. He spent much of his youth helping out at his father’s barbershop “La Brocha de Oro”, which was located for many years on McKinney Avenue. He could often be found sweeping the floor or shining shoes.

After graduating from Crozier Tech High School in 1955, Roy enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he proudly served our country for 3 years. While in the service, he began cutting hair, and, after his Honorable Discharge in 1959, he became a licensed barber. Roy was a barber for over 55 years and owned and operated Henderson Ave. Barbershop in East Dallas for over 40 years.

Throughout all of those years, Roy became friends with several generations of the same families in the barbershop neighborhood and beyond. It was not uncommon for customers or neighbors to go to the shop just to hang out and listen and laugh at the stories and jokes Roy had to tell.

After retiring, Roy enjoyed spending every day with his wife, Connie, watching westerns on television, reading historical non-fiction, and watching the Texas Rangers play ball. He could often be found at the Choctaw Casino in Oklahoma reading the newspaper, drinking coffee, or saving the seat of Connie’s favorite slot machine. Whether at home, at the casino, or shopping with Connie at Macy’s or Dillard’s, what mattered was that they were together.

Amongst the many things he will be remembered for, the way he took care of his family, the barbershop, and being a baseball coach will all be at the top of the list. He loved his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandson very much. The barbershop was a successful business and as a coach, he positively influenced and hopefully inspired the lives of many young boys and later men. He was very proud of his family, the barbershop and the time he spent on the field. Coach Roy always had a good baseball story to tell.

Roy is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Connie, to whom he was happily married for over 58 years. He missed her very much, after her passing in 2020, and he was never the same. He is survived by his three children: Roy Hernandez Jr. and wife Carissa, Paul Hernandez and wife Marisela, and Marie Zarate and husband Frank. He is also survived by three sisters: Amelia, Anita, and Eva, nine grandchildren, and one great-grandson.

Roy and Connie are now back together forever.

Rest in Peace

A visitation for Roy will be held Monday, April 25, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Gonzalez Funeral Home and Crematory, 3050 N STEMMONS FWY, DALLAS, TX 75247. An interment will occur Tuesday, April 26, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at DFW National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75211. A celebration of life will occur Tuesday, April 26, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 3050 N STEMMONS FWY, DALLAS, TX 75247.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.gonzalezfuneralsdallas.com for the Hernandez family.