Deacon David Lee Dennis, Sr., affectionately known as “Chief,” was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, neighborhood dad, business entrepreneur, mentor, hero, man of God, pillar in the community and friend. Departed his earthly vessel on February 9, 2022 at age 77. He was born to Jack and Addie Bell Dennis on December 28, 1944, in Camden, AL. David was the fourth of twelve children: seven boys and five girls all instilled with a strong faith in God and work ethic.
David accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at St. Francis Baptist Church by Reverend Freeman. He completed his academic scholastics at Camden Academy High School where he was an anchor track star and running back on the football team. He later made the decision to join The United States Air Force in 1963. He completed his basic training in Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX and was later stationed at Rickenbacker Air Force Base in Columbus, OH. David attended a dance on base and met the love of his life Cynthia E. Pratt Dennis in 1964. He reached the notable rank of Staff Sergeant while serving and completed his Air force duty in 1967.
This Southern Gentleman swept the young city girl off her feet, and they wed on May 27, 1967, in Columbus, OH at Faith Tabernacle COGIC where they attended faithfully for more than 32 years. David was ordained as a Deacon in the Lord’s church and was elevated to head Deacon under the tutelage of Elder Charles H. Rogers, Sr. He was immersed in the ministry serving on the finance committee, Vacation Bible School bus driver, Captain of The Faith Tabernacle Drill Team and mentor to many young men in the ministry by employing them in his businesses. David and family later transitioned their membership to Meredith Temple COGIC under the Late Pastor Hezekiah Meredith, and then served under Pastor William A. Meredith, Sr. where he continued to serve the Lord for more than 23 years, serving on the Deacon Board and Finance committee.
David and Cynthia were blessed with a loving family of four children, Kimberly, Stacy, David and Angela. They were all raised in the fear and admiration of the Lord; to respect serve in humility and form their own relationship with the Lord. David desired to see all of his children pursue additional education by attending college. All four children graduated with honors from HBCU’s and pursued additional education at the graduate level.
David and Cynthia were proud owners of two pizza shops, Long Street Pizza and Main Street Pizza for more than eight years. They were the first pizza delivery service in the Columbus Metropolitan area. David was well known in the community for the delicious ribs, subs, and pizzas thus their home became the neighborhood hangout for many adults and children.
David and Cynthia’s home was burglarized, frustrated with this violation of their home decided to purchase a German Shepard puppy named Bronco. With this one dog he developed and operated the largest K-9 security company in Ohio with over 40 dogs known as Dennis K-9 Security. The business expansion included training dogs in obedience and attack training; some of these skills he obtained from The Columbus All Breed Training Club. There was never a dog that he could not handle no matter how fierce or mean, he handled them all, aka “The Dog Whisper”.
David decided to expand further by employing armed and unarmed security guards to work riots, parades, and many businesses throughout the Columbus area. He was an equal opportunity employer he hired men, women, the downtrodden, seniors and many that needed a second chance. Cynthia and children worked in many capacities, there were no limits to the roles in the family business everyone played a part. The visionary and entrepreneur he was, he continued to develop lines of service by adding the infamous “Dog Truck Route” which involved delivering dogs to major car dealerships, construction sites, and private homes throughout Columbus and surrounding areas. They also provided Guard and dog man teams at the Mt Vernon Plaza and various businesses in the community. Dennis K-9 Security was a unique well-known business in the city and throughout the Tri State area. The Dennis K-9 dogs were also featured at The Ohio State Fair “Dog House,” showing the obedience and attack training skills receiving several awards in obedience training for many years.
David had a fanatic love of horses and an even greater love for The Ohio State Buckeyes. Once while watching the Triple Crown race, the neighbors called the police for fear of domestic violence. Often you could hear him from the road screaming and hollering O. H. I O. He loved to load up his Happy Time van and travel to his hometown of Camden, AL, Pittsfield, MA, Niagara Falls, NY/Canada, Jamaica Queens, NY, Springfield, MO, Norfolk, VA, Lexington, KY, and across the United States, he loved family road trips.
David gained his wings on February 9, 2022. He was proceeded in death by his parents Jack and Addie Bell Dennis, Brother Jerry Dennis, Sr., Sister Daisy Dennis, Sister Hettie Dennis, and Godson Robert Lane.
He leaves to carry on his legacy his devoted wife of 54 years Cynthia, daughters – Kimberly & Machelle Baltimore, MD; Stacy, Angela & Travionne, Son – David, Jr. all of Columbus, OH, Grandsons- Savon, Noah, Granddaughters- MiKaya, Layla, Neyah; Bonus Grandchildren-Dismuke, Lee, West children, Aaliyah, and Leilani Martin. Siblings: Brothers-Willie, Jack Jr., Fred, Curtis, Alonzo, Sisters- Pearlie, Diane, Brenda, Jacqueline(niece); David had a host of Special Nieces, Nephews, Godsons, Goddaughters, Daughters and Sons in Love from all over the United States, Africa, Canada, and Germany. He was loved all over the world, our Hero David L. Dennis, Sr. rest in power King! Your Wings were ready, but our Hearts were not!
Visitation 10:00 AM and Funeral Service 11:00 AM Saturday, February 19, 2022 at Meredith Temple COGIC, 1158 Mt. Vernon Ave. Masks and Social Distancing are required.
Interment at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens.
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God bless the family RIP Mr. Dennis
Deacon Kimberly Dennis, I offer My heartfelt sympathy and condolences to you and your family in the transition of your Dad. I will continue to lift the Dennis’ and extended Family in Prayer and speak Love, peace, comfort and strength to you all in the days to come
We the Peoples family was so sorry to hear of our friend’s passing , may the Lord’s blessings and Amazing Grace be with you all, We will never forget how He was a blessing to us. Will keep you in our prayers. Wiliam
I am so sorry for your loss. The Dennis family holds a very special place in my heart. I am praying for you.
May God bless the family
Kim
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family on the loss of your dad.
Keep your wonderful memories close to you and he will always be with you.
To my Dennis family:
May you feel the continued prayers of love and support all around you. The loss is immeasurable but so is the love left behind.
I pray that God’s comfort, peace and kindness will wrap all around you and your family during these challenging times and that he will anchor you in his love.
What a great loss for us here on this earth yet,
What a great gain for heaven!!!!
Welcome dear uncle David to your permanent residence, your Mansion with the Messiah!
All of us (save by blood) will eventually join you!
Take comfort precious family for he is now living his BEST life now!
But what a joyful pain… to lose what heaven just gained!
Philippians 4:7
I was blessed to have David L. Dennis Sr. for a brother-in-law, one of the nicest, kindest people I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. He was always smiling and had an infectious laugh. My heartfelt condolences to all of his family and friends, however we can rejoice in knowing that He is with our Heavenly Father and we will be with him again for eternity. To my sister, Cynthia, my nieces Kimberly, Stacy, Angela, nephew David Jr., and their children hold on to each other and remember and cherish all the beautiful memories that were created. I love you and you are daily in my thoughts and prayers.
Another Beautiful Angel rejoicing in heaven. Keith and I will miss your uplifting presence. You fought a hard fight David…time to sing with the angels.
My sincere and deepest condolences for the family of “Dave” as I knew him. He gave me my first job upon moving to Ohio from Louisiana. I’m forever grateful. Dave and Mrs Dennis were like parents and friends. May God give you strength. He will be forever missed in our hearts!
I like to thank chief Dennis for all the wisdom and lessons he share with all of us. He was an amazing great teacher and boss. He treated all of his officers as his kids. You going to be truly missed. Love you. Ofc. Griggs
I can’t imagine what you must be feeling right now, but I want you to know that we are just a phone call away. My heartfelt condolences.
Rest in peace cousin David you’ve earned it God will take care of your family for you as he always has…. You will be missed until you all meet again. Rest In Peace.
Kim,
Love and sincere condolence to you and your family. I still remember our lunchtime chats you shared about your hero and your family. May your dad have a peaceful passage to the great beyond. Salute and respect to Mr. David L Dennis Sr. God Bless you all with comfort and peace.
Cynthia and family you will always be in our prayers rest in peace Dave Dennis your job is over and well done.
My deepest condolence to all those that knew and loved Mr. Dennis. Thank you for being the neighborhood dad, mentor to us all. I watched you growing up and you were a great person and dad. You did good Mr. Dennis, you raised all of your kids to be successful and loving. You will never be forgotten and will truly be missed. Stacy, Angela, Davey and Kim and the service was Beautiful.. take pride in knowing your dad was well loved and respected. Love you All
Nicky
My deepest condolences for the Dennis family. Mr & Mrs Dennis gave me my first job as a secretary for Dennis K-9 Security over 43 years ago and I am so blessed and honored to have met them both thru a good friend Gene Martin that recently passed. May God continue to bless you Mrs Cynthia, all my live and more!!