U.S. Army Captain (Retired) Timothy Ruben Hernandez

U.S. Army Captain (Retired) Timothy “Tim” R. Hernandez, 47, of Lake City, passed away on Saturday, February 25, 2023. Tim was born on November 26, 1975 with his identical twin brother to his parents in upstate New York, where he spent his formative years. For the past five years, Tim has made Lake City his home, where he is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Cannon Creek Ward. Tim was a devoted father, loving husband and dedicated United States Army Veteran.  

Tim’s military service was extraordinarily wide-ranging and involved specialization in fields as diverse as Parachute Rigging, Civil Affairs, Recruiting, Public Affairs and Aviation (as a pilot of Apache helicopters). In addition to his broad background as a professional soldier, Tim was also an artist.  Recognizing his many talents, fellow soldiers nicknamed Tim, “Renaissance Man.”  Tim was most proud of his combat service in the 101st Airborne Division, for which he was awarded the Army Air Medal with “V” device (for valor). Among many other military decorations, Tim was also awarded the Combat Action Badge, Meritorious Service Medal (twice) and Army Commendation Medal (twice).  

Tim was actively involved in the Lake City community, serving as Senior Warden of the Lake City Masonic Lodge # 27, sitting secretary of Lake City Shrine Club and as a member of Lake City American Legion Post #57. Tim’s connection to the community also extended into his professional life, as he was the Senior Army Instructor in the Columbia High School JROTC program. 

Tim is preceded in death by his father, Ruben Hernandez; twin brother, Thomas “Tom” Hernandez; and stepfather,Allen Blades. He is survived by his loving wife of 13 years, Stacey Hernandez; loving daughters, Annalise & ArianaHernandez; his mother, Vivian Blades; sister, Beth Stern (Scott) and his brother, Drew Blades (Shondra).

A celebration of Tim’s life will be conducted on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 3:00 P.M. in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Stake Center (Old Country Club Road). The family will receive friends for a time of visitation beginning at 1:00 P.M. prior to the service at the church. Flowers are welcome, but if a donation is preferred, the family requests that donors consider the Masonic Home of Florida or the Shriner’s Children Hospital. 

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