Raymond L. Dennard

Sunrise July 29, 1942

Sunset October 4, 2024 

Raymond L. Dennard was born July 29, 1942 at Wheeling Hospital, now known as Ohio Valley Medical Center, in Wheeling WV to Phyllis Anita Francis Dennard and Kenneth Dennard. Raymond was the second child born to the union. He was always an adventurous soul, even as a young one. Making his way over to Wheeling Downs Racetrack, he and his brother Kenneth and best friend Donnie, playing cowboys with the real life thoroughbred racehorses on the racetrack. This is where he grew a deep passion for the horses and racetrack, and he went on to be a jockey in horse racing at Wheeling Downs, Thistledown, and various race tracks until an unfortunate spill in which a horse fell on him, which ended his career. Doctors said that he wouldn't walk again, yet being the tenacious determined man that he was, especially in his faith in God, Raymond defeated all odds and walked again.

 Raymond was the light in every room that braced his presence. With an illustrious personality, a smile that won over every heart, a man of high integrity and moral standards that spoke for itself and didn't need explanation, he left a mark and legacy behind in every life that he was blessed to embrace. A humble man, who stood upright and would say what he meant and meant what he said. "Everybody Loves Raymond", as his wife Mairiam would always lovingly say. 

He first married Martha Ann Jackson of Saint Clairsville, Ohio. Through that union, two children were born, in which he adored and poured all that he was into. A daughter, Carlena, who was his world and stuck beside him his whole life, until his very last breath. Caring for her dad, her hero, and best friend. Then also a son Raymond whom he loved very dearly, and was proud of as his name sake. His biggest joys were his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family, and dear friends. He never met a stranger! 

Throughout his life, he mentored, guided, and counseled too many to mention, who affectionately called him without reservation, "Dad." He believed and lived, "If he can only help somebody, then his living was not in vain" and to "Always reach back your hands to help somebody." He never lived in fear nor followed in another's shadow but his own, making a pathway to be remembered and looked upon fondly. He walked in the ways of the Lord, in his own way, teaching us all to "stand for something, and never fall for anything". And "even if you have to be the only one standing for what you believe is right, don't be afraid to stand, even if you're standing alone." His words of wisdom, and cliche sayings will forever be a part of everyone who loved him dearly. 

Raymond held many jobs, some that really stand out, to support his family early on. He took a job at TRW as an aeronautical blueprint reader and designer. He knew nothing of this job and he would laugh telling the story how they gave it to him solely based upon his determination to succeed. Through that, he went on to become one of the head engineers at TRW for years. At night, he went to Cleveland State University, Notre Dame College, earning dual bachelor degrees, one in criminal justice and criminology, and the other in psychology. He trained in the Ohio Karate Academy, where he earned a seventh degree black belt, training with and performing in tournaments with greats such as Jim Kelly and Chuck Norris. He then took these skills to work the streets of Cleveland Ohio as a Deputy Bailiff, which earned him years later, promotion to Chief Deputy Bailiff. When he retired, so did his badge. Mayor of Cleveland, Michael J. White, stated that there would never be another Chief in the city of Cleveland's Justice Center as Raymond L. Dennard.

 During his career, he also found time to become city councilman of Oakwood Village, a position in which he held for over 7 years for the city of Oakwood Village Ohio. He befriended many prominent people along the way, such as Carl and Louis Stokes, Senator Howard Metzenbaum, Governor Mike Dewine, Arnold Pinkney, John Holley, and many more. They founded the organization, the F.C.D.O. which became Federated County Democrats of Ohio, which along with the NAACP and other upcoming organizations, fought for equality and for civil rights so that every minority had equal rights to vote and for their voices to be heard and make a difference, in which we are blessed to stand in today.

 He was also Chief Editor for the Cleveland Call and Post (owned by one of his great friends, boxing promoter Don King) and also the Cleveland Plain Dealer, writing articles of wisdom about the advancement of people of color and the city of Cleveland Ohio and it's advancements and opportunities. He was a true advocate for the people! 

He marched in the Civil Rights Movement, becoming good friends and mentors with the late Martin Luther King Jr., Coretta Scott King, Medger Evers, Rosa Parks, Mamie Till, Andrew Young, John Lewis, and many others who fought for the cause. He was a prominent member in the Elks, the Grand Poohbah they would affectionately call him. He was Chief of Operations of Security for many years. He was also Chief of Security for the racetrack commission at Thistledown Racetrack in Cleveland Ohio and later Gulfstream Racetrack upon retirement in Hallandale Beach Florida. He also was Head of Security and Chief of Operations for the Cleveland Browns security, Cleveland Indians (now known as the Cleveland Guardians), and the Cleveland Cavaliers. 

He later found happiness again in his soulmate and wife Mairiam Robinson Dennard of Cleveland Ohio, who preceded him in death, March 3, 2015. They lived a beautiful life together for almost 40+ years and made many accomplished years together. Sadly following her death, things just were never the same for him. Yet throughout their union, they enjoyed traveling all over the world, ministry works with both being ordained Eucharistic Ministers in their church, St. Matthews of Hallandale Beach, FL. Devoted Catholics all of their lives, serving the sick and shut-in, homeless shelters, hospital and nursing home ministries, and many other works of the Lord. Their hearts were for people and to serve, and brought forth the love of God.

 He leaves to cherish eternally, his memory example and legacy: His beloved daughter Carlena, who he affectionately nicknamed "Boogs." Beloved son Raymond L. Dennard II. Demiron "Ron" (whom he affectionately nicknamed "Shaq") in whom he loved and cared for as a son; And Dyton Rendell (now deceased); Grandchildren in which he adored and thought the world of: Grandsons: Dexter A. Estes (Ashlee) and Raymond Dennard III; Granddaughters: Tylaina Estes and Savannah Dennard; Greatgrandchildren: Jamari Kane, Dexter Raymond, Giada Marie, and Ian Andrew; Sisters: Lorraine Dennard Duffy (Edward), Audrey L. Dennard Lawrence (Edmond), Janine E. Dennard; Sisters in Law: Jenny Dennard, Lillian Dennard of Cleveland Ohio, and Marva Collier; Brothers: J. Michael Dennard (Tina) and Thomas Dennard (Patty) of Wheeling West Virginia; Beloved nieces and nephews, whom he took on and loved as his own: Nephews: Kenneth, David, Chucky, Robert Hughes, Christopher Washington, Edward R.D. Duffy, Richard Bowman (RJ), Carmelo Justice; Nieces: Denice, Dana, Erica, LaTina M. Davis, Chardae, L.D. Duffy, LaTia R. Davis, Lorrin R. Davis, Arnice Dennard, and Lareece Robinson. And a host of great nieces and nephews in which he loved. Along with many other cherished friends and family. 

And as Raymond always said, "Every shut eye ain't sleep, and every goodbye ain't gone!" Till we meet again, I'll be seeing you in all of the familiar places, for a good song never ends. Goodnight...