Thomas Dula
April 29, 1949 ~ October 17, 2004
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Thomas "Mike" Dula, 55, of Asheville, went to be with the Lord Sunday, October 17, 2004.
Mr. Dula was born in Wilkes County, NC, but spent most of his life in Buncombe County. He is a son of Tench (Tom) and Juanita Cody Dula.
Mr. Dula is also survived by his wife, Rhonda; a son, Thomas Michael Dula, Jr. and his wife, Amanda ; step-son, Jack Gosnell, II and his wife Angela ; two brothers, Jerry and his wife Teresa and Ron and his wife Beverly ; two nephews, Russell and Scott Dula and one step-grandson, Clinton Austin Gosnell.
Mr. Dula was a member of the VFW Post #891, the Marion Moose Lodge #1705, the Nichols West Asheville Masonic Lodge #650, the Moutaineer Bass Club and he served in the US Air Force as a Sgt. during the Vietnam War. He was employed at Otis Elevator Company.
A funeral service will be at 4:00 P.M. Wednesday in the Patton Avenue chapel of Groce Funeral Home with the Revs. Jim Whitted and T.A. Holder officiating. Cecil
Roberson, Frank “Tinker” Griffin, Richard Presnell, Preston White, Scott Dula and Russell Dula will serve as pallbearers. Burial will follow at Green Hills Cemetery. Enka ROTC will conduct military graveside rites.
His family will receive friends from 7:00-8:30 PM on Tuesday night at the funeral home.
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Rhonda, I’m so terribly sorry. You know I loved Mike like a brother. I just today heard the news. I’ll try to get by to see you next week. I love you. If there’s anything at all you need, I’m just a phone call away.
Joyce and Libby
To the Family, We are so sorry for your loss. Our love and prayers to all of you during this difficult time.
Rhonda, Michael, Uncle Tench, Aunt Juanita, Jerry, Ronnie and Family,
Words cannot express the loss I feel in my heart. Mike, just like Jerry and Ronnie have always felt more like brothers than cousins to me. I will always have fond memories of when Mike lived beside of us when I was younger and when he and Dad would go fishing and hunting all of the time. He was a loving person and could always make you laugh in any situation. I loved Mike and will always miss him! My prayer is that God will be with all of our family and he will strengthen us when we feel weak and remind us that we will see Mike again if we live our life for God. May God bless each one of you, I love you all!
Bruce, Rhonda ‘Cody’ & Tyla King
Rhonda and family:
I just now received word that Mike recently passed away. From what I was told, he went like Ernest did. I am so sorry I didn’t make it to the funeral home. I just wanted to let you know that I am thinking about you and the Lord knows what is best. I didn’t think that at first as it’s been one year and seven months since Ernest passed and I miss him terribly. You will have good days and bad days and if you need to talk, please call me or e-mail me at the above address. Once again, I am so sorry.
Patty
Rhonda,
I hope you remember me from school.Steve Summey told me of your lose.I am very sorry.
Rhonda,
I hope you remember me from school.Steve Summey told me of your lose.I am very sorry.
Rhonda,
I hope you remember me from school.Steve Summey told me of your lose.I am very sorry.
Rhonda,
I hope you remember me from school.Steve Summey told me of your lose.I am very sorry.
Rhonda,
I hope you remember me from school.Steve Summey told me of your lose.I am very sorry.
Rhonda,
I hope you remember me from school.Steve Summey told me of your lose.I am very sorry.
Rhonda,
I hope you remember me from school.Steve Summey told me of your lose.I am very sorry.
Rhonda,
I hope you remember me from school.Steve Summey told me of your lose.I am very sorry.
Rhonda,
I hope you remember me from school.Steve Summey told me of your lose.I am very sorry.
Rhonda,
I hope you remember me from school days many years ago.Steve Summey told me of you lost.I am so very sorry.May God bless you and your families.
Lane
Dear Dula Family,
I noticed Mike was a member of Nichols West Asheville Lodge. As a brother Mason, I wanted to express my condolences to you and at the your loss and of ours as a brother Mason. As Masons, we have but little of this world’s consolation to offer. We can only sincerely, deeply and most affectionatly sympathize with you in your bereavement and remind you that He who tempers the wind to the shorn lamb looks down with infinate compassion upon the bereaved in the hour of their desolation, and will fold the arms of His love and protection around those who put their trust in Him. May God Bless you and hear your sorrow.
Dean Blair, WM
Hominy Lodge # 491
Candler
I was one of Mike’s fishing buddys from Mountianeer Bass Club. Mike is realy going to be missed. One time we went fishing at Keowee he gave me a pack of kudzo worms he said that is what they was hitting & i won . The next time I gave him a pack back & he won. WE realy got a kick out of that&I will always remember that. I know when we start fishing again Mike will be there with us & I know we all will catch one for MIKE. I’ll miss you buddy!
Rhonda & Michael,
We are sorry to hear of your loss.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you..
Jean and I would like to express our most sincerest condolensces for your loss. May the Lord keep you and bless you and your family and bring you peace.
May God bless the family, you will be in our prayers. Knew Mike through Otis for the past 16 years, Super Guy, He will be missed.
Rhonda, We can not imagine what you are going through. Just want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and Michael. May God comfort and strengthen you at this time. I told the girls at Telco today and they were very upset and said Mike would be missed at the Drive-thru. Hard to imagine that we just saw you and him together last Saturday night at Toni’s family receiving of friends. He will be missed. If you need anything, please call.
In Christ’s Love,
Jim and Claudette
We are saddened to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers got out to the entire Dula family. God Bless.
I’m sure that Mike will keep that ‘Stairway To Heaven’ elevator running good, so that all his friends and family will also be able to take that ‘Last Ride’ to be with him and the Lord for eternity in Heaven.
Ronda, my heart goes out to you. Mike was one of the nicest people I ever was around. I’ll never forget his smile and outgoing ways. May God keep you and your family in his care.
Love,
Carolyn Parker
May the Dula family find stregnth and comfort in the Lord during this sad period of loss. Celebrate, for he is with our Lord and Savior Jesus Crist! Amen.
You’ll be missed. Thanks for the memories. God Bless! Your friend and elevator buddy.
Dear Rhonda and family,
I am so sorry about Mike. My heart just breaks for you. I will be thinking about you and praying for comfort for you and your family.
If I can do anything please let me know, Love Trudy
Rhonda & Family,There are no words to say how very much we will miss Mike and his friendly ways and thoughfulness as a neighbor.We are very blessed to have you both next door to us. It just seemed that Mike just couldnt do enough for those he cared about.I always found great comfort in knowing You and Mike were there so close beside me when Ken would be out of town on business.We will both surely miss him.If we can be of any help please call us anytime.and just remember that through God’s promise in his Holy word you will see Mike again someday.May you turn to God for stength and comfort.We love you very much.Kenneth & Lynda Hensley.
My deepest regrets.
Sincerely,
George Reed
Asheville Elevator
Dear Rhonda Sons, and Families,
I just wanted to let you know how badly I feel about your loss of Mike. I’m Ken and Lynda Hensley’s oldest daughter Kristi. My entire family has always enjoyed having you for their next door neighbors, and have enjoyed knowing you. My parents really thought a lot of you and Mike and talked about that very often!My Mom, Uncle Mike Austin, and Aunt Pam have known the entire Dula family for a really long time, and I know Russell. Please know that you are in my prayers. If you need me to help with anything at any time please let my mom or dad know and I’ll be there.
Sincerely,
Kristi Bartlett
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family – Scott and Dawn Parker
Rhonda and family members:On Sunday Morning it was no mistake that God looked down and decided that the race that Mike was running here on earth had come to the end. And He called him home to be with him.The toils and strife of this life he left behind. He left such a legacy behind, and he passed the torch on to each family member to continue on your race, but to live each day for God so that you too would be with him in Heaven…I trust that God’s grace and mercy will sustain you during this time of loss. We don’t understand why but we do know that God makes no mistakes and he has an ultimate plan. And cling to the truth that he is only gone from our sight to the beauties of Heaven but He is not gone from our hearts. If Steve and I can help any of you please do not hesitate to call on us. We love you and will be praying for you.
Mike and family,
I was so thrown back when Troy called and gave me the news Sunday. My heart cries for you. If there is ever anything you need, you know all you have to do is ask.
One team….
Mandie
I’ve worked at at the Asheville Citizen – Times for 17 years, & Mike has been ‘our elevator man’ for nearly so long as I’ve been there. His big smile, sense of humor, & consistently pleasant nature were a bright addition to any day… even when the elevator was out of order, & my knees were screaming in protest at three flights of stairs!
He was also a welcome addition to lunch at Margie’s… kidding with the waitresses, the older residents, & regular customers. He left happiness wherever he was.
Mike will be missed; he was a truly special person.
Please accept my sympathy. I pray that God will comfort all of his family & friends with the knowledge that he is well-loved, both here on earth, & in Heaven, where he most certainly is now dwelling.
We are sorry about Mike,he worked on our elavtors in Asheville city hall.He was a wonderful person to work with.We will all miss him.
Rhonda, I am very saddened to her of Mike’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Linda Wood
Dear Rhonda, Daddy Tench, Momma Juanita, My brothers Ronnie, Jerry, Scott, Russell, I always felt that Mike and I were brothers, We had so many wonderful times together. I will always remember him as a brother and each of you as my family. This was a shock to me as I know it was to each of you. But If I know Mike Dula (Moffit) and I do, He’s looking down right now saying don’t worry about me, just come see me when it’s time. Love and prayers.Cecil, JoAnn & Carmen
Dear Rhonda, you do not know us but this is to let you know that our prayers are with you ! We are neighbors and friends of Mike’s parents …….. God Bless and may you feel the wonder of His love at this time !
Jim and Wanda Meadows
Cowan Cove Road
Asheville NC
Prayer is sent to you Rhonda from the bottom of our hearts.
Hugs to you at this time.
Rhonda: I was shocked when I received the news that Mike had left us for a better place. We at Otis Elevator will miss Mike very much – not just for the work he did, but for the comradery he brought to the Asheville team. Our prayers are with you and your family.
MIKE, I HEAR YOU ARE FISHING WITH THE LORD NOW……CATCH A BIG ONE!!!
TONI
Sorry for your loss and I am sorry I could not make the service.I will miss Mike and have fond memories of the times we worked together.God Bless all of you.Ken
Ronda and Family, What a tragic loss to each and every one of us and especially you all. But our loss is heavens gain. It has been our pleasure to be your next door neighbor for over 20 years or so and as we have often told others we were so blessed to have you all next door.I could always feel more secure just knowing that Mike was there at night when Ken would have to go out of town of business. He would always laugh and say ‘Lynda,I am right here and if you hear anything just call and I’ll be right there with guns ablazing.’ and I knew he would. we will surely miss him. And may you find comfort in knowing he is in a better place and that through God’s promise you will see him again someday soon. love and prayers to each of you. Just call if you need either of us. Kenneth and Lynda Hensley.
I’m very sorry to hear of your loss of a loved one, my condolences to the family.
Rhanda and Michael, We are very sorry for the loss of Mike. Each of you have been a big part of our life and our prayers will be with you. We love you and want to be there for the both of you.
Love, Teresa, Phillip and Brent Jarvis
I worked with Mike for the last 3 years at Otis Elevator and was deeply saddened to hear of his passing. He will be remembered in my prayers.
Mel Tripp
To Ronda,Michael and Family: Although you have heavy hearts right now we know that you have many good memories of times spent with Mike.He was a one of a kindperson. A wonderful neighbor to my parents and all of us children when we still lived at home. Mike was the same each and every time I saw him. He would always yell at me when he would see me at my parents house.He never missed an opportunity to speak to us. we will surely miss him and his warm ways. I know your loss is great but heaven has to be a brighter place today because of his presence.please call if we can do anything to help.and please extend our thoughts to Jack also.Kevin & Tracy Hensley.and children (Lauren,Ale’,and Dylan.)
To the family of Mike, My heart breaks for each of you in the loss of Mike. Mike was blessed with the most dynamic personality and could always cheer a person up. In the mornings, we seemed to get stopped at the redlight at Patton Avenue on our way to work. We would roll the window down and talk and it was always a pleasure to see him laughing. He was, indeed, a joy to meet at that red light. Tom and Juanita are my wonderful friends and neighbors and I always cherished their friendship as well as the friendship of their sons. Rhonda, my heart bleeds for you and your sons. My deepest sympathy to all who knew and loved Mike.
Joyce E. Dover
Rhonda & family,When I think of Mike the first thing that comes to mind is that he sure was not scared of any thing he was always there to help out & protect his neighbors.He didnt care if it was dark and could not see any thing he would come out with his gun & be ready to fight any one that might could harm his family & neighbors.He will be missed& thought of.Please let us know if we can help w/ anything,its our turn to do what Mike always done for us & thats look out for your neighbor. love & prayers.Julie 686-9828
Dear Dula Family:
We are so saddened by the loss of your loved one. Although your hearts are breaking now, we know you have many happy memories. Mike was a friend to everyone. Our prayers are with each of you.
Sincerely,
Robert & Leta Dover
Ronnie, Bev and family, we want you know that we are thinking about you at this terrible time. We all had our good times with Mike and we have those memories to cherish. Our prayers are with you. Deb and Dennis
sorry to hear about mike. my wife and i worked at the exxon on merrimon ave. mike sure did like his coffee. he will be missed. best wishes joey & kathy allen
Dear Rhonda,
Blue Ridge Broadcasting and WFGW-AM would like to extend their deepest condolances during your time of loss. We pray that God wraps His loving comfort around you. You’re a part of the 1010 family, and our hearts are with you.
In His service,
Blue Ridge Broadcasting
Black Mountain, NC
Rhonda,
I am so sorry to hear about Mike. It is so hard to believe. I will always remember the great smile he had. He was always polite and had a great personality. I know he will be missed by all that knew him. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. I pray that God will give you the strength and peace that you need during this time. May His love and mercy surround you.
Love,
Becky Ballard
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Dula family.
Rhonda, and the entire Dula family,
May our loving Father be very close to you all, and help to ease your loneliness, and bring you comfort too.
In Deepest Sympathy for Your Sorrow,
Love,
Lawrence and Trudy
Let not your heart be troubled…
I go to prepare a place for you…
that where I am, there ye may be also.
John 14: 1-3
Our thoughts and prayers are definitely with you at this time of your loss; We are here for you please know we care and we love you; If there is anything we can do please don’t hesitate to ask!
Tom,Jaunita,Ron & Jerry: My heart goes out to you. I know how it is to lose a family member. From the bottom of my heart. J.R.
Dearest Rhonda and Michael,
I know there are no words to explain the loss you are feeling at this time. Our loving Lord will give you the strength and grace to get through each day.
The memories of your wonderful husband and father will remain with you forever more. What a wonderful man Mike is, full of life and energy, and love for his dear family. He was always smiling and never met a stranger.
Always, Toni
God Bless
Mike was one of a kind! You could always count on him to bring life to any situation. He always helped make things better by his quick wit and smile. No on could ever replace him.
Miss you Brother
Mike Norton
Asheville Elevator
Dear Little Honey, Michael Jr., and
Dula family,
There’s no word to express how we felt about Michael and how much he touched everyone’s heart he came in contact with. He never met a stranger. When you were around Michael, it was hard to get a word in edgewise, cause he was always in control!!!!.
We were so looking forward to having you guys down around Thanksgiving or shortly thereafter.
I know with your faith, He will ease your pain. Michael is now with the Master and loving every minute of it, and can’t wait until we meet up with him again.
Our Blessings are with the Family,
Debra & Larry Burleson
Dear Ronnie and Beverly and entire Dula Family I was so sorry to hear of your loss. I did not know Mike but if he is anything like you are Ronnie he was a great guy. Always remember that you will always have his love in your heart and a lot of
wonderful memories. May God keep you in the hollow of His hand and may you always feel his love and grace in your lives. God Bless each one of you.
Love and prayers.
Rhonda, I am so sorry to hear of Mikes passing. I didn’t really know him except thru his friends,who have always said wonderful things about him.I know that he was loved and that he will be missed by everyone that knew him.You and your family are in my prayers.
Dear Tench and Juanita, On behalf of my mom and brothers,please accept our sincerest sympathy on Mike’s passing. Please know that you are in our hearts and prayers through this very difficult time. Best Wishes, Alva June Morse, Ray Morse, Ron Morse and Judy Morse Gaskill.
Our thoughts and prayers will be with you. Mike and Judy Ledford
God Bless You and Comfort you at this time of loss. Our hearts go out to you.
Our hearts go out to you during your time of sorrow.
Ronda,
I know this must a great loss when someone looses their mate, but God in his wisdom looked down on his flower garden, and picked the rose. I first met Mike when he was working on the elevators at 29 North Market St. We became friends and that was a great friendship that lasted for years. Hiawatha and I felt this friendship each time you two came to Erwin Hills. We pray God will confort you and the children.
Dearest Dulas,
I am just finding out about this tonite and I wanted you to know that we would all–including Mom and Dad–be there with you now if we could be. Dad’s at Deerfield now and some of his fondest memories were spent with you and your family. Mom’s still at home and she sends her prayers and the hope that His love will surround you. Please know that you are in our hearts and thoughts.
I treasure the memory of you all together with our family many years ago. I always wished that I could ride so easy like you…one with the horse…Mike, Jerry and Ronnie…and you, too, Dula. I appreciate the fact that you tried to teach me how. Each of you–warm and thoughtful, strong and caring. Thank you for making such wonderful memories.
I’m sending prayers up for each of you and one especially for Mike’s own family.
Rhonda,Michael,Tom and Juanita, Jerry and Ronnie and Family,
While vacationing in FL I was so saddened to learn of Mike’s passing. I can only imagine the pain of your loss.
A few months ago I had the pleasure of speaking to Mike at my office at Charter. A few weeks later I had the opportunity to meet and tease the handsome son he so proudly spoke of. It had been years since these two school chums had seen each other as we shared a few minutes of laughter and family updates.
My heart grieves for you during this time. May God’s peace and comfort sustain you tomorrow and the coming days ahead. Although I will be unable to attend the funeral,you will be in my thoughts and prayers. Mike will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him and having the opportunity to witness his wonderful sense of humor,enormous smile and giving heart.
All my love to the Dula Family,
Pat Grooms Forbes
Dear Rhonda,
We are so sorry to hear about Mike. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time.May God comfort you during your time of grief and give you strength in the days ahead.
Love,
Gary & Martha Maney
Tom and Juanita, I was so sorry to hear about Mike. I don’t know what we’ll do at City Hall without our elevator man. Since Mom and Dad can’t get out much anymore, they asked that I send their condolences also. Mike will be missed by many. Your friends, Frank and June Fisher in Cowan Cove and daughter Joie.
Rhonda,
I was so sorry to hear about Mike. I know you loved him dearly. You will be in my prayers and thoughts.
Christy
To The Family of Mike Dula:
I am so sorry for your loss. I knew Mike & Rhonda and haven’t seen them in many years. Back when I used to go out I made their acquaintances by other friends like Joyce Morgan, Bruce Chandley, T.J. who worked at the Sheriff Department, J.B. Brigham, Tim Ledford, Peggy English, Pete Cole who is also deceased, etc. We all used to go to the lake to Fish Frys at Lake James with T.J. whom I haven’t seen in years either and we also went to the Nashville Club where lots of us hung out. It’s been a long time since I seen several of these and some aren’t here anymore. I always liked Mike. He, Ron, & Jerry also grew up beside my grandparents home on Cowan Cove Road (Vernie & Sam Riddle). Mike was a very likeable person and he won’t be forgotten. For those that stay behind, you are in my prayers and thoughts. His loss will be hard especially for Rhonda and that son. I lost my father when he was the age of 53 and it has been 18 years and it still seems like yesterday. If you are not in church or have not accepted the Lord as your Saviour, oh please let Him come into your heart. I’m sure Mike would tell you to. He will walk you through this until you and Mike meet again. I changed my life 4 years ago and I don’t regret a minute of it. There is such a peace in your heart and you will still have problems,trials and troubles but as long as you walk on God’s highway, you can deal with things such as loss of a loved one so much more smoothly and peacefully. God loves you and wants to be your best friend. He does care. I did not learn of Mike’s death until this morning and I heard his name on WKJV Christian Radio and then I looked it up on the computer Citizen Times Listings. Therefore, I missed the family and friends visitation and how I regret that. I am at work and not dressed to come to the funeral today. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers and I will ask prayer for you with my church (Edgewood Baptist Church) tonight at prayer meeting. If you would like to visit a church and people who care about you and love Jesus, please join us at 100 Moody Avenue in Enka-Candler up on the hill across the Enka Plant, behind the Fastop. Again, I am sorry and I am glad I was fortunate to have known Mike. Rhonda, please call me when you can to talk at 667-1136 (home), 654-9966 (work)or 712-0548 (cell) and maybe I can help you remember who I am and maybe I could be of some comfort in just talking or just listening or a shoulder to cry on. May God bless you in the days ahead and remember God loves you and He is your best friend if you’ll let Him be. Love, Teressa Tipton Warren
DEAR MIKE DULA FAMILY,
WE WERE SADDENED TO HEAR ABOUT THE PASSING OF MIKE. IF THERE IS ANYTHING THAT I CAN DO FOR YOU, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CALL ON ME.
WITH SINCERE REGRETS OF YOUR LOSS,
OTTO W. DEBRUHL
Dear Family of Mike Dula,
I am Margaret Nailling, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Richard Nailling, and the news of Mike’s death was surely a shock to our entire family. Mike was so young. I remember playing with all of ‘the boys’ from time to time when I was little. It’s hard to imagine that it’s been about 45 years ago since then.
I hope you all are comforted by the love and the support of family and friends; your entire family will surely be in our family’s thoughts and prayers.
We all send our condolences to the whole family, but include special hugs for Tench and Juanita,
Love,
Margaret and Tom Chmielewski and daughters
My condolences to you and your family members at this time of loss. My sister, Catherine Nailling Parrish, sent me the tribute about Thomas. May your memories of the wonderful times together carry you through this time.
Peace and Prayers,
Joan Nailling Harpold (3rd daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Richard Nailling
Rhonda and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Mike was so very kind and when I would see him at the Health Center working on our elevator, he was always in such a happy mood and always made me laugh. If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to let us know.
Terry and Debbie Smith
Cedar Hill FWB Church
REST IN PEACE MIKE. I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER THE GOOD OLD DAYS.YOU WILL FOREVER BE IN MY HEART!