Dwayne "Bula" Rutledge was born on January 16, 1959 in Detroit, Michigan to the late Elijah and Mary Ophelia Rutledge.  He attended Kettering High School and completed his equivalent studies in 1976.  Dwayne worked in many professional capacities including press operator, train manufacturing, logistic, factory production worker, and retail associate.

Dwayne took great pride in his work and excelled in his responsibilities.  His dedication to do his best at work yielded him recognition such as work achievement and perfect attendance awards.  Dwayne was a caring person who would help family and friends in any way within his means.

If you personally knew Dwayne, you knew that he had a love for basketball and high-top tennis shoes.  His favorite teams were the LA Lakers & the Golden State Warriors.  While his favorite teams didn't always win, we can remember the memories of Dwayne cheering them on every time they played.

Dwayne married his wife and life partner Jester Charleston on January 30, 2004, and the two would remain united until Dwayne's departure from us on May 4, 2018.  He will truly be missed by all, and we love him so very much.

Dwayne is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Jester Rutledge, and children, Erica Turner, Vanessa Pryor, Sabrina Bell, Lorenzo, Juwan, Kristole, Simeon, and Fallen Newton.  In addition, he leaves to mourn six grandchildren, one great-grandchild, as well as many cousins and friends.

Additionally, Dwayne leaves to cherish his memory his loving brothers and their wives: La Varne Rutledge and his wife, Jean; Eugene Rutledge and his wife, Virginia; and Jerome Rutledge; and "Whimpy" Rutledge, whom preceded Dwayne in death.