Last of the Magnificent Seven, Dennard transitions

ST. PETERSBURG – On Aug. 12, Richard “Dick” Dennard made the decisions to join his parents and his siblings, ending a generation of a family known worldwide. He was 84 years old.

The third of seven children, Dennard grew up in St. Petersburg where he attended Davis Elementary, 16th Street and Gibbs Senior High School. After active duty in the Army during the Korean War, he returned to the states and attended Gibbs Junior College. He was first African American hired at General Electric.

He later moved to Nassau, working as a musician (drummer) performing at Blackboard’s Tavern and The Cat and the Fiddle. When he moved to Detroit he created the Dick Dennard Trio performing in Michigan, Illinois and Canada.

Dennard was a loving father, jazz aficionado, chef extraordinaire, music teacher, mentor, bible scholar and a gardener. He owned D&D Delites, and created some of the most delicious baked goods, pickled vegetables and peppers ever.

He was the son of Joe and Beatrice Johnson (deceased) and the brother of the late Oscar Phrances Dennard, Verdya Dennard Robinson, Ruthea Dennard Allen, Kha Phrances Dennard, Barbara Dennard Bolden and Marian Dennard Harris.

He is survived by his children, Renêt Dennard Cole (James), Terri Dennard Hill, Richard Leon Dennard Jr, Breht K. Dennard, La Quinda Dennard Del Rey (Joe) and Michelle Dennard.

Dennard was a grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and cousin to many.

He lived life to the fullest, and now he joins his family and The Magnificent Seven ride again!

He was preceded in death by his wife Theodosia Le Garde Dennard.