Genuine, quick to volunteer, social but reserved, funny, humble… those are just a few words that come to Kyle Whitfield’s mind when describing his late brother Dallus Whitfield. Many people knew Dallus as a familiar face with a camera that took pictures for the Lebanon Democrat and the Wilson Post. As a boy, he became interested in photography when working at his mother’s store, Nita’s Hallmark. This store was located on the Lebanon Square and was surrounded by three photography studios. Being submerged in the heart of Lebanon and so exposed to all things photography, Dallus’ interest furthered and he would eventually attend MTSU to pursue his passion. He loved to capture moments and be able to have a firsthand experience with the photos that many would later see in the newspapers.

          Kyle Whitfield described how Dallus was almost like a second dad to him rather than a brother. Being 16 years apart, Dallus would often take Kyle to get an Icee and then let him tag along to take pictures around town. Kyle explained, “I think that those moments are what made me want to pursue the career I have in law enforcement. It was awesome to be so hands-on with whatever was happening around us.” Dallus loved being the eyes of the community in every setting imaginable. He loved law enforcement and he often would ride along with local police officers.

Dallus was a humble man who preferred to be behind the camera rather than in front of it. Dallus’ long-time friend, Mayor Rick Bell spoke of Dallus’ passion for both community and photography, “If there was an event, Dallus was there- from the Phoenix Ball at Cumberland to the sideline of a football game at Lebanon High School, he was there.”

          Even when Dallus was diagnosed with effused large B-cell lymphoma in 2021, his heart for others and photography never changed. Although Dallus’ cancer journey would only last six months, he worked until he couldn’t anymore. Taking pictures in the community he loved was his passion and he did not let his diagnosis stop him. His long-time friend, William Glover reminisced, “It was always about the people on the other side of the lens.” Dallus shined in the community through the pictures he took, but mostly through his heart behind the camera. Dallus supported Sherry’s Run regularly and could always be seen taking photos of participants at the start line. Sherry’s Hope Executive Board Member, Scott Jasper shared, “Dallus was an incredible part of this community. We are so grateful for the years of support he showed to Sherry’s Run.” Because of this, Sherry’s Hope dedicates the 20^th Annual Sherry’s Run 5K Run/Walk in Dallus Whitfield’s Memory.

The 20th annual Sherry’s Run 5K Run/Walk to benefit Sherry’s Hope is scheduled for Saturday, September 9, 2023, at 8:00 a.m. Click here to register today. Come join us as we make a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer right here in our community.

Sherry’s Hope is a Christian, non-profit organization that works throughout the year to provide hope to families battling cancer in Wilson County and surrounding communities by offering emotional encouragement and financial assistance. In addition, Sherry’s Hope works to spread colon health awareness by distributing free colon cancer screening tests and providing colonoscopy assistance.

To learn more about the Sherry’s Run 5K event, click here, call 615-925-2592, or email info@sherryshope.org. To learn more about Sherry’s Hope programs and services, click here, call 615-925-9932, or email help@sherryshope.org. To make a donation to Sherry’s Hope, click here or mail donations to Sherry’s Hope, P.O. Box 8, Lebanon, TN 37088-0008.