Major Orlando "Al" Fernandez, USMC (Retired), 77, of Aiken, was called to rest on Wednesday, February, 26, 2014 at Aiken Regional Medical Centers. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM Saturday, March 1, 2014, in the chapel of GEORGE FUNERAL HOME. Burial, with full military honors will be held at a later date at Beaufort National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm Friday, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers Memorials may be made to Wounded Warrior Project. Born in Truchas, NM, he was a son of the late Monico & Erminia Leyba Fernandez. He was a resident of Aiken for the past 24 years. He was preceded in death by two sisters and one brother. Al began his military career in 1953 with the United States Marine Corps, beginning as a private, serving 2 tours in Vietnam, a tour in Okinawa and several tours in Puerto Rico. He co-authored the military heavy equipment schools at Fort Leonard Wood MO, and retired after 26 ½ years, after serving in all four active Marine Division, at the rank of Major. After retiring from the military, Al was employed as a training manager for Brown & Root, C E Lummus, Houston Lighting & Power & Bechtel, writing numerous Nuclear Plant Procedures. In 2002 he retired as Central Shops Manager from SRS. Al also operated a gift & alterations shop in downtown Aiken, O&R Enterprises with his wife Rita for 10 years. Being community minded, Al was a published author, started a Toys for Tots program at SRS and was a member of the VFW, American Legion, Marine Corps League, Society of Military Engineers, Marine Corps Engineers and the Military Officers Association of America. He supported various charities, including the SPCA, Salvation Army and the Veterans Administration. He leaves behind his loving wife of 57 years, Rita S. Fernandez of Aiken; a son, Orlando Fernandez, Jr. (Debbie) of Bristow, Virginia; daughters, Rita Frances Fernandez of Aiken and Adele Ginn (Alton) of Chappells; 5 grandchildren, Sgt. George Alton Ginn, II USMC (Retired), Robert Chapman, Jr., Anna Marie Arico, Adele Marie Hernandez and Kristina Stegall (Jeffrey); 12 great-grandchildren and he best buddy, TJ.