Rev. Dennis Lee Snipes

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing.” - 2 Timothy 4: 7-8 On December 5, 1934, Cleveland and Notie Snipes welcomed their fourth child, DENNIS LEE SNIPES. On Friday, March 14, 2025, with his loving wife, Daphne and his family by his side, Dennis transitioned peacefully to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was preceded in death by both his parents and his siblings Ruth, Luther, Mildred and Bessie. Dennis, affectionately known as Rev, the Barbecue Man, and Pop-Pop, received his formal education from the Durham County Public School System in Durham, North Carolina. Dennis gave his life to Christ when he was just 8 years old. Following his strong desire to do God’s work, Dennis received his very prestigious Certificate of Ordination on September 5, 1961, from the Community Baptist Church in Durham, N.C. As part of his dedication to his community, he became a Baltimore City Police Officer in the early 1960’s. Dennis continued his formal education at what was then the Community College of Baltimore. He received his degree as a Graduate Respiratory Therapist on June 4, 1975. He went on to be employed as a Respiratory Therapist at St. Agnes Hospital located in Baltimore County, Maryland where he remained until he retired in 1996. To enhance his ministry in serving God, Dennis attended the Baltimore School of Religion. Rev Snipes continuously served his community in various ways. He attended and completed the Fire Brigade Program offered by the Baltimore City Fire Department where he received a certificate on October 11, 1979. Rev. Snipes was called to join St. Abraham Baptist Church, under the leadership of the late Rev. Matthew Hill in early 1960. He then served as the Acting Pastor of St. Abraham from 1972-1974. Rev Snipes then went on to serve as the Assistant Pastor to the late Dr. Clarence R. Yerby until Dennis retired in 2010. Dennis met the love of his life, Daphne and the two were married on August 3, 1974. Their son Donte, was born in 1978, becoming the youngest sibling to Kitty, Dennis Jr., Denetta and Keith. During their marriage of over 50 years, Dennis became and was supported by Daphne in his ventures as an entrepreneur. He ran two successful businesses: Snipes Care - an assisted living facility and Snipes Barbeque where he became known as “the Barbecue Man.” Dennis’ barbecue business brought together several of his family members, including his daughter Denetta, son Donte, and grandchildren Dominic and Kyla, who assisted him in various aspects of the business, allowing him to serve his famous barbecue to people who often traveled great distances to buy his one-of-a-kind barbecue. Rev Snipes will be remembered as a kind, caring, generous, loving, and humble man of God. His favorite saying was “it’s nice to be nice”. In addition, everyone who knew Rev knew him to be a compassionate, easy going and fun-loving individual. Folks knew that Dennis loved to sing- but everyone knew he could not carry a tune. He also enjoyed dancing and won several contests with his younger sister Bessie. Those who attended St. Abraham would know when he became filled with the Spirit because he would shout and kick his leg doing his holy dance. Rev. Dennis Snipes leaves to cherish his memory: his loving and dedicated wife of over 50 years, Daphne Snipes; their son, Donte (Vanessa) and their children, Dominic and Kyla; sons, Dennis Jr. and Keith; daughters, Kokecia (Kitty) and Denetta; grandchildren, Morgan, Brittany, Lauren, Brian, Imani, Daniel and Donald; sisters-in-law, Janet (Allison), Alicia and Ingrid; brothers-in-law, Vincent (Barbara) and Lindley (Vivian); and a host of other grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends. “... All day of my appointed time, will I wait till my change comes.”- Job 14:14 Dennis, My Husband and My Friend: Who would have thought that our chance meeting in the fall of 1972 would have led to a marriage of over 50 years. Dennis, you were such a good man, so gentle, humble, fun loving, meek and kind. Your love for me never changed, each and every day you would tell me how much you loved me and what a good wife I was to you. Dennis, because of you I am a better woman, you saw the good in everyone, what a wonderful man you were. I told you, when I grow up, I am going to be just like you. Well, my love, as I am getting ready to say goodbye to you and the wonderful years we had together on this side, I am going to miss you each and every day. Have fun running around the block! And don’t forget “it’s nice to be nice.” Sleep in heavenly peace, Your darling wife, Daphne

Tributes

Rev. Dennis Lee Snipes

December 5, 1934 - March 14, 2025