David Dent II

David William Dent Jr. was born December 2, 1947 in Roanoke Virginia to Davis W. Dent Sr. and Thennie Virginia Dent. He was the second eldest of 13 children. In 1962, David and Wanda E. Holt met and were married in 1967. To that union came Angela, Angel, Danielle and David IV.

David graduated from Lucy Addison High School class of 1965. Sometime after high school, David tried out for the Washington Redskins but got hurt during tryouts, which ended his football career. David later moved to Portland Oregon, in the early 70’s and worked for Tri-Met transportation until he retired in 1991.

There were many things David loved: his car, little children, going fishing, cracking jokes (in slow motion), being the sharpest dresser wherever he went, and cooking and eating neck bones 2 to 3 times a week. He was also an avid fisherman and considers himself a domino and Spades expert.

Dent was a man who gave without hesitation. He allowed many of the church members, friends and family to borrow his truck to haul and move things. However, before he surrendered the keys, you could count on him saying, “And make sure you put gas in my truck.”

In 2008 David join Emmanuel Church. He, without fail, always gave a hundred and ten percent to everything he was assigned to. Ninety-nine percent of the time you would find “Dent” in section one of the sanctuary, near the doors next to the organ. There he would stand, often taking a few steps toward the stairs lifting up his hands and helping Bishop preach. He was known for wearing his bright florescent green jacket working on the parking lot each Sunday. As a matter of fact, he prided himself in having multiple jackets so that he had a different look each time. He served every opportunity he could with passion and a smile. On those rainy Sunday mornings, “Dent” would be on the parking lot with an umbrella escorting the members to the front door. Not only was he committed to serving others, but at every church event or after a church service, you could hear him encouraging someone, and I quote: “You know what…. You did an excellent job!!

Those who knew “Dent” knew his favorite football team was the Philadelphia Eagles. He had such a fetish and adoration for Eagles, he had statues all around the house, toy eagles in the car, he wore a gold necklace with an eagle medallion, his rings and bracelet were all in the shape of an eagle, even his belt buckle was a symbol of an eagle. And so, it is not a coincidence an eagle is remembered for its courage and strength, “Dent” will be remembered for his courage and strength as a great servant of the Lord.

David is preceded in death by his wife Wanda, his son David III his father Davis, his sisters Helen, Carolyn and Roslyn Dent, and brother Wilfred Dent and granddaughter De’yannh Dent. He leaves to cherish his memory his mother Thennie (who is 93 years old), his four children Angela, Angel, Danielle and David W. Dent IV, other children Angela Lambert, David White, and
Dontae Fielding; his brothers Burgess, Levi, Frank, Nathaniel, Richard, sisters Ruby, Audrey and Bonnie, his seventeen grandchildren and one great-grand son.

We will remember something he often said with pride and conviction: “God is in Control.” David W. Dent Jr. will be truly missed by so many.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of David Dent II, please visit our floral store.