RAYMOND HERNANDEZ AVILA

In Loving Memory of Raymond Hernandez Avila

The world became a little less bright on August 7, 2026, our Raymond Sr., a gentle soul, kind-hearted, loving husband, father, and grandfather passed away at the age of 89. Raymond was born  April 7, 1937 to Joe and Aurora Avila in Tulare.  He was the eldest child with two sisters and one brother, raised in the Tulare community he loved.  Raymond was a proud and hardworking man who loved being a truck driver for Nielsen Freight Lines, Kern Valley Trucking and retired with DiSalvo Trucking at the age of 62. He worked hard to provide for his family and took great pride in his work and participated in truck rodeos that he enjoyed. After retirement, Raymond worked part-time driving trucks for FoodLink of Tulare County which he was so proud  knowing he was helping the ones in need.

Nothing was more important to Raymond than his family celebrations, family holiday gatherings and the memorable family camping vacations to Morro Bay.  He loved being outdoors, surrounded by the people he loved, with good food and a cold beer. Raymond always believed that food tasted like more, and somehow, food and beer tasted even better while camping. Those vacation trips created countless memories filled with laughter, stories, and family time. Raymond was also a great bowler and truly enjoyed his time with the Tulare Twiliters Bowling League. Aside from camping and bowling, Raymond enjoyed his trips with Lydia to Laughlin, Nevada.  These trips gave them the opportunity to get away together, relax, have fun going to see one of his favorite musicians, Freddy Fender in concert and enjoy each other’s company. Memories that will forever be cherished. Even though Raymond loved going to Laughlin, he faithfully played the California Lottery on Wednesdays and Saturdays with the same six numbers in hopes of winning BIG some day.

Raymond had a gift for making friends wherever he went. He never needed much time to strike up a conversation, share a laugh, or make someone feel like an old friend. Blessed with a personality and sense of humor touched many people throughout his life.

Raymond passed away leaving behind a lifetime of love, laughter, hard work and this unforgettable moment with the family, when he would fall asleep in his reclining chair watching television and when someone changed the channel while he was sleeping, he would wake up, look at the television, and say,”Hey, I was watching that!” It was a classic Raymond moment that will forever live on in the hearts of his family.

Although our hearts are heavy with his passing, we find comfort knowing that Raymond and Lydia are together again.  Their love continues beyond this life, and the memories they created together will live on through their family for generations to come.

He is survived by his children Raymond Avila Jr.(Martha), Diana Ocampo, Art Avila(Lisa), Alfred Avila(Kathy), Joe Avila, Robert Avila, and Rosemary Holland(Mike) all of Tulare. He also leaves his brother John Avila(Jane) and Laura Ortega(Domingo) of Tulare. His treasured 14 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild, Malakai gave him such great joy. He is preceded in death by his wife, his parents, daughter, Elizabeth, son Freddy, sister Isabel Regalado and grandsons Zachary Avila and Angel Berumen.

The family is holding a private graveside service and appreciates your thoughts and prayers.