Dennis Black

“That’s my twin!” you might hear in the halls of Scott High School in the early 1970’s as Denise chased her brother, who is one-minute younger than she. Born March 27, 1956 Dennis Black was the youngest of four children born to Viola Perkins Black. His father, Drayton Green Bembry, better known as “DG”, taught him many life lessons every day. A 1974 graduate of Jesup W. Scott High School, Dennis early education was through Washington Elementary, Lincoln Elementary, and Robinson Junior High Schools. His life was a woven tapestry full of deep commitments within Toledo Public Schools. They educated him, nurtured his competitive spirit, as well as developing his skills to be a role model, mentor, and guide for generations of capable young men and women. Dennis played drums in the band at Robinson and briefly played the “big Bass drum” at Scott under the leadership of the legendary Augustus Walker. But his dedication was transferred to football. Under Coach Richard Johnson, Dennis was on teams which won 2 consecutive “Shoe Bowls”, City Championships, and in 1972 played in the semi-finals State Championship at Ohio State University. Who knew that he would later return to Scott as head football coach. His senior year, Dennis began dating the girl that would become the love of his life, head majorette Trevor Thomas. He was voted “Mr. Escort” for his suave, congenial, and cooperative qualities in that year’s Debutante Cotillion Ball. Given only two options for life after high school: “Go to college or join the military!”, Dennis opted to attend Kent State University. There he majored in Tele-Communications with his eye on becoming a program producer. He played intramural football for his dorm, but mainly wore out the road between KSU and Ohio State University to spend precious moments with Trevor. During his summer vacations, as a college student, Dennis drove the big yellow tractors, cutting grass for the city of Toledo with his childhood friend Charles McBee. However, after graduating from KSU in 1979, he was unable to secure a job in his degreed field. As a result of a chance meeting with his former principal, Flute Rice, Dennis got his substitute teacher’s certification. He taught for 38 years, retiring twice. On August 22, 1981, family and friends came together to celebrate the marvelous wedding of Trevor Thomas to Dennis Black. As a couple they were supportive of one another. They enjoyed going to the movies, eating out, traveling and cruising. Annually they attend the Kentucky Derby in Louisville and the Circle City Classic in Indianapolis to encourage Scott’s Marching Band. Mr. Black’s professional career with TPS included teaching at Robinson, McTigue, Start, Woodward, and of course Scott. He taught all academic subjects as well as business, trade, and art related subjects. His favorite and most challenging job was as Intervention Specialist. In that role, he challenged students with specific learning disabilities to excel beyond expected limits. At Robinson Mr. Black coached the football, track, and basketball teams. Under his guidance his basketball teams won the Junior High School City Championships 7 years in row. Later, as Scott’s Freshmen Basketball Coach, he won several City Championships. He was assisted by former Scott student, Anthony “Tubby” Miller. Coach Black laid the foundation for players to move up to Scott’s varsity team headed by Mr. Ben Williams and beyond. Dennis was also Assistant Football Coach under Clarence Price whom he followed as Head Coach. Matt Davis, who had been a player under Dennis, became his successor. Dennis was an excellent cook and a grill master. He was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan; decorating his family room in black and yellow, while decorating other parts of the house in maroon and white. He was also a basketball enthusiast. Watching sports was one of his favorite pastimes. Despite his illnesses he continued to greet people with a warm smile and a hardy handshake. No matter where he was, it was known that Mr. Dennis Black was the embodiment of “Once a Bulldog, Always a Bulldog!” He claimed that he and his classmates were the originators of that phrase, which was stolen and corrupted by other schools around the country. Dennis was proceeded in death by his mother, Viola Perkins Black; father, Drayton Green Bembry; sister, Corrine Black; brother Drayton Green Bembry, Jr. of New York, brother Lavell Black, nephew, Lavelle “Mark” Black; and parents-in-law, Carrington and Anez Thomas all of Toledo, Ohio. Those who will continue to cherish their time with Dennis are his wife of 43 years Trevor; twin sister Denise Black-Poon, sisters Lorraine Black and Toni Bembry Griffin; brother-in-law Michael S. Thomas; sister-in-law Linda D. Thomas of Columbus, Ohio; nephews Jerrell Coleman, Antwon (Debbie) Johnson, both of Toledo, Ohio, John O. Poon, II of Columbus, Ohio, and DeAndre’ Webb of Detroit, Michigan; nieces: Doreka (David) Gans of Stone Mountain, GeorgiaTasha (Sammie) Harton of Toledo, Ohio, Miquelyn Thomas of Columbus, Ohio, Donyelle Thomas of Lithonia, Georgia, Lorraine “Toni” Black and Lynelle Black-Allen, and Laura J. Poon all of Toledo, Ohio; goddaughter Kiesha Givens of Wilson, N.C.; special friends Napolean and Lorraine Dobbins of Louisville, KY., Kenneth and Patti Poston, and Linda Collins, both of Toledo, Ohio; “The Family” of Scott High School, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, adoptive children, and loving friends.

Dennis Black

March 27, 1956 - October 11, 2024