Juan Manuel “Apple” Hernandez, 71, entered eternal rest on August 24, 2026, in Harlingen, Texas.

Juan Hernandez was born on August 22, 1955, in San Benito, Texas to the late Fermin and Petra Hernandez. Juan was a proud native of San Benito, Texas, lived a life defined by faith, service, leadership, and love for his community. His legacy will be remembered through the many lives he touched as a pastor, educator, mentor, Marine, father, grandfather, “papa” and friend. He was married to the love of his life, Sylvia for 42 years.

Juan proudly graduated from San Benito High School in 1974, where he made lasting memories and proudly represented his hometown as a San Benito Greyhound football and baseball player. He wore jersey number 33 and, during his senior year, was honored to be named Vanity Fair King. His love for the Greyhounds never faded, and throughout his life, he remained an avid fan, faithfully cheering on his hometown team. He was also a lifetime Dallas Cowboys fan and was a supporter of all sports and activities of his family and church members, often going to their games to cheer them on with his daughter, Monica, by his side.

After high school, Juan proudly served his country as a United States Marine, embodying the values of honor, courage, and commitment. During his military service, he was deployed to Okinawa, Japan, where he faithfully served his country with dedication and pride. After returning from the Marine Corp., he became a police officer with the city of Santa Rosa. Juan also dedicated his professional life to education and supporting young people. He worked for San Benito CISD in the FACE Department and previously served at Valley Baptist Academy in Harlingen, Texas, where he worked with migrant students. In that role, he was much more than an educator. He was a mentor, coach, and leader who invested in the lives of his students and made a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of those he served.

Juan's life was deeply rooted in his faith and his calling to serve others. For 33 years, he faithfully served as pastor of Iglesia Cristo es el Camino, ministering alongside his beloved wife, Pastor Sylvia Hernandez. Through his ministry, Juan offered guidance, encouragement, and compassion to countless individuals and families, leaving a lasting spiritual legacy in the community he loved.

Juan continued to support his hometown in every way he could. He was also a proud member of the Legend Greyhound Football and kept in touch with many classmates and friends. When he wasn't serving his church, running at the trail, praying for others, spending time with loved ones, or cheering on his teams, he could often be found doing what he enjoyed most—fishing. Fishing was his favorite hobby and a source of peace, joy, and cherished memories.

Juan will be remembered for his unwavering faith, strong leadership, dedication to helping others, love for his hometown, and commitment to serving others. His 33 years of ministry and service created a legacy that will continue through the many lives he touched and the lessons of faith, compassion, and perseverance he shared with others.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Fermin and Petra A. Hernandez and his siblings, Magdalena and Benita Hernandez.

Left to treasure his memory are his wife of 42 years, Sylvia Hernandez, his children, Eddie (Edna) Amaya, Jr., Monica Ann Hernandez, and Juan Manuel Hernandez, Jr.; his grandchildren, Eddie III, Cassandra, Jonathan, Leon, and Kobe; His sisters, San Juana Torres, Gloria Hernandez, Socorro “Sokie” Hernandez, his brothers, Guadalupe and Jose Hernandez. Also to treasure his memory are numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family members, church members, and dear friends. Each carries a part of Juan's legacy and the memories of a man who gave so much of himself to his family, his faith, his students, and his community.

Juan's life was one of purpose and service. From the football field as a proud Greyhound, to his service as a United States Marine, to the classroom, and his devoted service to his calling as a pastor of his church, and the fishing waters he loved, he lived with dedication and heart. His memory will forever remain in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.

The Hernandez family will receive friends and relatives on Thursday, September 3, and Friday, September 4, from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home. A prayer service will be held each evening at 7:00 p.m. A funeral service will take place on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in the funeral home chapel, with burial to follow at San Benito City Cemetery with full military honors.

Pall bearers: Juan Manuel Hernandez, Jr. (John), Leon Jordan Hernandez, Rolando (Roli) Betancourt, Aiden Betancourt, Roy Josiah (RJ) Garcia, Fermin Hernandez, Allen Bedolla, and Reynaldo Luiton. Honorary Pallbearers: Guadalupe (Lupe) Hernandez, Jose (Joe) Hernandez, Eddie Amaya, James Jacquez, and Abel Palacios.