Emilio Hernandez Cruz, age 52 of Smithville, went home to be with the Lord, Wednesday night, June 26, 2019 at Methodist University Hospital in Memphis. 

He was born April 3, 1967 in Tuxtla, Mexico.  He worked in landscaping. 

He was preceded in death by one daughter, Eliud Hernandez Cruz.

Emilio had been ministering the gospel since the age of 16 and had ministered in Smithville for the last 17 years most recently pastoring at La Hermosa United Methodist Church.

He was preceded in death by one daughter, Eliud Hernandez Cruz

He is survived by his wife, Maria Hernandez of Smithville; five children, Esther, Claudet, Liliana, Ricardo and Antonio Hernandez; three grandchildren, Alejandro, Aaron and Angelique. 

Funeral service was held Sunday, June 30, 2019 at Smithville First Baptist Church, Life Enrichment Center with Pastor Felipe Barrios officiating and burial followed in DeKalb Cemetery.

 Family served as pallbearers.

DeKalb Funeral Chapel, Smithville, was in charge of the arrangements.