Deacon David Lee Dennis Sr.

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.