Richard Dent (aka Muhammad Bin Yusuf), a beloved husband, father, author, mentor, investor, and veteran, passed away peacefully at the age of 85 on December 11, 2023.He was surrounded by his loving family, who cherished his unwavering love, steadfast support, elegant style, and dogged dedication to his country and community.
Born on July 7, 1938, in Akron, Ohio, Richard grew up with a deep sense of optimism and a strong desire to serve others. He enlisted in the United States Air Force and trained at Sampson Air Force Base in the state of New York at the age of 17. During his time in the military, Richard distinguished himself as an honorable soldier. He completed tours both in North Africa and Casablanca, Morocco. His fellow soldiers admired his genuine friendship, his unquestionable loyalty, and his staunch commitment to protecting his comrades.
After returning home, Richard moved to Jersey City, New Jersey and began working in the fashion district on Fashion Avenue in NYC. He was a jazz enthusiast who spent time at the infamous Birdland Café and Minton Playhouse clubs in New York, alongside notables like Miles Davis and John Coltrane. It was during this dynamic time that he was recruited to the Nation of Islam at Muhammad Mosque No. 7 in Harlem, New York by Malcom X (El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz) and became a Muslim. Richard also shared exuberating experiences with historical figures such as Rev. Congressman Adam Clayton Powell, General Benjamin Davis, US Representative Louis Stokes, The Honorable Elijah Muhammad, and Imam Ibrahim Pasha.
In his biography, The Dynamic Life of Richard Dent, Surviving the Seven Deadly Sins7777, Richard shared his spiritual roots, and how he overcame tremendous adversity. His life story outlines his wholesome childhood upbringing, his racial snares during his tenure in the military, his domestic and international exploits, his joyful family-life, his tragic loss of his lovely young wife, Dianne, and raising his sons without their mother. Richard’s life was one of both tragedy and triumph.
Richard carried the spirit of adventure and service with him throughout his life. As a young entrepreneur, he traveled throughout the country selling jewelry. Richard eventually got hired as a United Auto Worker (UAW) and retired from Chrysler in 1994. After retirement, Richard became an active mentor in the community, where he shared his sharp wit and wisdom to help guide youth in Akron. He also volunteered his time to support at-risk students in the Akron Public Schools, always seeking ways to make a positive impact on the lives of others, highlighting the importance of respecting others, especially one’s elders.
Richard always reminded everyone of The Prophet Mohammad “SAW” Five Before Five: “Take advantage of five before five: your youth before your old age, your health before your sickness, your wealth before your poverty, your free time before your business, and your life before your death. “Richard’s dedication was not limited to his service to his country and community, it started with his family.
He was a devoted husband to his late wife, Dianne Dent, and a loving father to his children: Yusuf, Rayshon, Felicia, Kellie, Octavia, and Karen. He cherished every moment with his family, creating countless memories that will forever be treasured. His life and legacy will serve as an inspiration for future generations. Richard Dent was a man of splendid style, unsurpassed wit, deep-seated integrity, relentless compassion, and unwavering commitment. He lived his life with a sense of purpose and selflessness, always putting the needs of others before his own. His passing leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Preceded in death by his parents James and Lucille Dent, and his brother James M. Dent, II.
Richard is survived by his siblings: Horace (Betty) Dent, Theodore (Patricia)Dent, Thomas Dent, Geneva Montiere; his children: Yusuf, Rayshon (Novella), Felicia, Kellie, Octavia, and Karen; his grandchildren: Rayshon Dent Jr., Tahj Dent, Ashaunte Dent, Shaheed Dent, Rasul Dent, Ali Dent, Layla Dent, and numerous great grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Services will be held on Thursday, December 14, 2023, at Noon, at Sommerville Funeral Services, 1695 Diagonal Road, Akron, Ohio 44320. Interment Glendale Cemetery.