Bill Hernandez.
DUNNELLON, Fla.—Bill Hernandez, founder of Practical Systems, Inc. (PSI) passed away Aug. 22, 2016 at age 87. He was fondly known by many in the industry and was inducted into the Optical Industry Hall of Fame in 2012.

Hernandez, his wife June and three sons started PSI in 1971. The company was founded with the premise of developing practical systems for optical labs to process the then new CR-39 monomer from PPG Industries.

Hernandez’s optical career spanned many years after leaving PSI, and included work for Micro Abrasives, Shuron Continental, Norton Abrasives and Cercoa. Hernandez was instrumental in bringing Gerber Scientific and Gerber Optical into the optical industry.

He is survived by his wife Donna, three sons; Bill Jr., Patrick and Matt, their three wives, eight grandchildren and one great grandchild. Hernandez was an Air Force veteran and will be laid to rest at the Florida National Cemetery in Webster, Fla.