Arthur Roy Dennis

 Life’s Journey

Arthur Roy Dennis Jr., Age 72 was born September 26, 1952, to the parents of Arthur R. Dennis, Sr. and Valdienne A. Dennis, in Columbus, Ohio. Art went home to be with the Lord on August 31, 2025, at Mt Carmel East Hospital.

He graduated from East High School in Columbus, Ohio. He received his bachelor’s degree in education from Central State University and became a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. He also earned a master’s degree in Business Administration from Central Michigan University.

Art accepted Christ and was baptized by Pastor R.F. Hairston, Sr. at the Refuge Missionary Baptist Church in Columbus, Ohio. He was a member of the youth choir and Sunday school. After moving to Akron, Ohio, he became a member of the United Baptist Church. He later joined the Mt Calvary Baptist Church, in Akron, Ohio under the leadership of Dr. Jeffrey Dennis, where he served as a deacon, and choir member before returning to Columbus, Ohio.

Art met his loving wife, Rita Brown, in high school and they were united in marriage on October 16, 1973. He was the father of Tina Hayes-Richardson, Arthur R. Dennis, III, and Sarita Dennis.

After returning to Columbus, his family united with the Mt. Olivet Baptist Church. Art was a member of the men’s ministry. He worked for the Columbus City School Board, Comp Drug, Summit Co. Children’s Services, and Franklin County Children’s Services. He had a passion for helping others in his personal and professional life.

Art loved sports and was a lifelong Dallas Cowboy’s fan regardless of their record. He was also an Ohio State Buckeye’s fan and spent many hours with his children cheering on his favorite teams. Art’s presence as a father, grandfather and partner helped shape those close to him and they are forever grateful for the love, fun, and laughter he brought into their lives. Art loved the Lord, and he loved good preaching. His children and grandchildren were his heart, and he loved them deeply.

He is preceded in death by his father and mother, Arthur R. Dennis, Sr. and Valdienne A. Dennis. Paternal grandparents, James and Deborah Dennis of Natalie, Virginia, Maternal grandparents, Sherman and Edith Browder of Bloomingburg, Ohio. Sisters: Constance Dennis and Janice (Oliver) Blackston, brother William Dennis and son, Arthur R Dennis III.

Art leaves to cherish his memory, wife of 51 years, Rita Dennis, daughters, Sarita Dennis and Tina Hayes-Richardson, two sisters, Dr. Deborah Dennis and Marcia Dennis, brother, Dr. Jeffery (Angela) Dennis, three grandchildren, Arthur, Haley and Zoe’ Dennis. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, extended relatives, church family and lifelong friends. He will be missed by all who touched his life during his earthly journey.