Senior Airman Melvin Louis Dallas, III, affectionately known as “Buddy” was born on Monday, January 11, 1993 at 0736, to Melvin and Karen Dallas in Jacksonville, Florida. On February 13, 2000, he was baptized at Northside Church of Christ. In May 2011, Buddy graduated from Jean Ribault Senior High School’s, Early College Program where he earned his Associates of Arts Degree.

On Sunday, February 22, 2015 Buddy was called home to be with the LORD. During his teens, he played baseball for many years with Normandy Athletic Association and football with Westside Athletic Association. Growing up Buddy matured into a dedicated team member. He was always there for his family and friends in his personal life. His core values that he developed at home, on the playground and on the field translated to a very successful military career.

On November 13, 2012, Buddy joined the United States Air Force and graduated from the Lackland Air Force Base on January 11, 2013 (his 19th birthday). Buddy was a Senior Airman in the 78th Security Forces Squadron, Robins AFB, Georgia, and was deployed to Ali Al Salem, Kuwait and served honorably until his death. He conducted physical security and law enforcement patrols protecting over 26K personnel and secured $15B in Air Force resources. Not only did he inspire others in his squadron, but he also volunteered outside of work, he volunteered at the Macon Rescue Mission Shelter and build homes for “Homes for Troops” and even the Kuwaiti Animal Shelter. Wherever he went, whether at work or doing work in the community, he was always known to have a smile and a kind word. He earned many awards among which included the Below the-Zone promotion, an honor bestowed on only the top 15% of enlisted force. One of his supervisors stated the following, “My first impression of Dallas was that he was a very humble and inspiring person.”

Buddy was preceded in death by his grandparents, Melvin and Mildred Dallas and Grady Sr. and Geraldine Sassnett.

Buddy is survived by his parents, Melvin Jr. and Karen; two brothers, Chris and Isaiah; aunts, Altamease Hines, Annette Dues ( Darnell Jr.), Sheree Faulk (Maurice), Cheryl Robinson, Tammy Sassnett, Michelle Gaston (Kenneth Sr.), Kim Hudson (Larry Sr.), and Thelmecia Cason; uncles, Leroy Brown, Michael Hines, Kenneth Hines (Seanda), Donnie Sassnett and Grady Sassnett Jr.; a special friend, Uniqua Shiquan Miles, and a godson, Karson Williams; five great uncles; four great aunts; many loving cousins, friends and his military family.

The funeral service for Buddy will be held 11AM, Friday at the Northside Church of Christ 4736 Avenue B.. The visitation will be 5 - 8PM, Thursday at the mortuary. Interment in Jacksonville National Cemetery. Please sign the family guest book and view the video tribute @ www.tswarden.com. Arrangements in care of Tyrone S. Warden, FDIC, 4315 N. Main Street, 765-1234

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