On August 31, 2026, Joey passed away at his home from complications of diabetes. Joey was born on February 10, 1978, in Lewiston, New York, to Lynne Hickey. Rudolf "Rudy" Hernandez raised Joey and has always been his true Pops. 

After graduating from Miami High School, he went on to pursue trades in welding and construction. Joey was amazing with a bow! His took home many awards and trophies. His proudest achievement was bagging his trophy Coues deer. Hunting and fishing became his favorite hobbies early on. You could find him by the lake with his pole and tackle or in the hills, dressed in camo hiking scouting and collecting rocks. When he wasn't hunting or fishing, you'd find him working on his truck or 4 wheelers and motorcycles. Actually, anything with wheels! 

He is survived by his mom Lynne, "Pops" (Rudy), brother Shane (Stacy) Benton, sister Kelly (Shane) Smith and Ceasar the psyco cat. He's survived by many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews, Aunt Michele and many cousins from the U.S. to Canada. He is proceeded in death by his grandparents Bernard and Ruth. Aunt Cathy, Aunt Nay, Uncle Mark Aunt Pat, cousins John and Kaden. And we know he was greeted by his beloved black lab, Dan The Man.

There will be a memorial to celebrate his life on Tuesday, September 8th, at 2:00 p.m. It will be held at Upton's Event Center located on 247 S. Broad St. In Globe Arizona. Randy Bradford will officiate and there will be refreshments and a slide show after the services.

Joey had a kind heart and if he could help you, he would. From early on, he had a deep love for animals. ALL animals, including the snakes he would bring home to scare Mom. He could fix anything he touched. He loved to ride motorcycles and four wheelers. From the time the training wheels came off. HE WAS FEARLESS! He loved his family and cherished all the time he was able to spend with his nieces and nephews. He was a great storyteller and could make anybody laugh. 

Joey will be missed tremendously by his family and friends. His contagious laugh will live on in our hearts, and his big infectious smile will forever be etched in our minds.

Give heaven some hell!

Rest in paradise Joey