Jesse Lafayette Dula, Jr., 95, went to sleep in the Lord on June 30, 2025.   He was born on June 16, 1930, to Jesse Lafayette Dula, Sr., and Alma Baines in Asheville,  North Carolina.   After graduating from high school, Jesse worked as a machinist at Rock Bit Corporation until he enlisted in the Air Force in 1951.  Jesse was stationed at various Air Force Bases across the US, Japan, Korea, and Germany.

Jesse retired from the Air Force in 1971, as Senior Master Sergeant while stationed at  Nellis Air Force in Las Vegas.  At Nellis, he was Line Chief for the Thunderbirds, the U.S. Air Force's aerial demonstration squadron.  He always had a special place in his heart for the Thunderbirds and the members of the team.

After the Air Force, Jesse was in sales and during his time with Ryder Truck Rental, he received the Ryder Sales Achievement Award.  Jesse's passions were photography and family gatherings.   He turned his passion into a business and and it showed in the hundreds of weddings he photographed.   He always had a camera ready to capture the family's memories in pictures.

Jesse met the love of his life, Betty Buchanan, while stationed at Tyndall Air Force base when she asked him for a ride on his motorcycle.   Jesse and Betty shared 65 wonderful years traveling the world in the Air Force and raising their family.

He is survived by his children, Barbara Buchanan (David), Randy Dula (Susan), Brenda Mosak (Mark), and Tracy Dula (Jean); grandchildren, Heather Arnold, Jesse Arnold (Sunshine), John Peter Dula (Jenni), and Emily Dula; great-grandchildren, Charlotte Dula, Colton Jentink, Ava Jentink, Abigail Dula, Skyler Arnold, Felicity Dula, Parker Dula, and Hallie Dula.  A special thanks to his girl friend, Lucy Lewis, who made the last three years of his life a joy.

Jesse is preceded in death by his wife, Betty, his parents, brother, Tench Dula, and nephew, Mike Dula.

Jesse was a longtime member of Millville Advent Christian Church, where he served as Deacon and was known as the official greeter.  His ability to greet and make people feel welcomed was truly one of his spiritual gifts.

A Memorial Service will be held at 4:00 p.m., on Sunday, July 6, 2025, at Millville Advent Christian Church, 2220 E. 3rd Street, Panama City, FL.  Please join the family afterwards for dinner in the Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Millville Advent Christian Church.