Jules Wilburn Bernard

Jules Wilburn Bernard went to be with his Lord in his sleep on Saturday, April 11, 2020, at the age of 98. Born on December 11, 1921, to Wallace and Estelle Roland Bernard in Thibodaux, Louisiana, the third of five brothers and one sister. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Lance H. Bernard and Jean S. Bernard, and grandson, Christopher E. Bernard. Mechanically inclined, he made many of his own toys during the Depression, as well as his family’s first radio. Jules joined the US Army Air Corp in 1940, prior to Pearl Harbor, and trained as an aircraft mechanic in New Orleans. Initially sent to England to support the Royal Air Force until US B-17 bombers arrived, his innovative repair skills led to his promotion from private to staff sergeant and crew chief in one step. In 1942, Jules went to North Africa with the 15th Air Force, later transitioning to the 12th Air Force servicing B-25 medium bombers. The end of 1943 led to Corsica, and later Italy, and rank of tech sergeant. During down time, Jules memorized many of Kipling’s poems, which he could still recite to the end. Returning home in 1945, he attended LSU, where he met and married his soul mate, Dorothy E. Pittman, of McComb, Mississippi. Their fondest memories were of their 17 trips to Yellowstone Park and their many activities with the Experimental Aircraft Association. They enjoyed a wonderful 66 years together, during which he brought her coffee in bed every morning, until Dorothy’s death in 2013 at 89. Graduating LSU in 1949 in Journalism, Jules spent the next 19 years as a professional photographer, winning many awards in professional photographic competitions. In 1968, Boeing in Huntsville, Alabama hired him to photograph the development of the Lunar Rover used by astronauts on the moon. Jules served as the Director of Public Relations and Manager of Short Courses for the University of Tennessee Space Institute in Tullahoma, Tennessee, 1971-1986. After retiring from UTSI, Jules reactivated his mechanics license, scoring 100 on all tests, and spent many years repairing and certifying small private aircraft. He was active until his last year in the Knoxville aviation community. There are no words for how much Jules meant to so many. Jules was a follower of Christ. He delighted in serving others with his skills and his cheerful disposition. He had a quick smile, and a quicker wit. He thought of others before himself and was generous in all ways. He had a gift for finding simple solutions to difficult problems, and always encouraged others. We will not see his like again. A Memorial Service will be announced at a later date. Condolences are welcome at www.weaverfuneralservices.com

Weaver Funeral Home

5815 Western Ave.

Knoxville, TN 37921