By Virgilio Baker
The Truth Contributor
The beginning of my friendship with Dale Barnhill is a story of beautiful, almost unbelievable synchronicity. The narrative doesn’t start with him; it starts with a series of distinct, professional, and artistic connections, each one a thread leading eventually, and inevitably, to the man who holds the pattern together.
The initial thread was pulled almost two decades ago: his daughter, Katrina. I came to know her through the unmistakable, articulate voice of her saxophone, her talent forging a lasting connection in the world of music. Years passed, and a completely separate professional pursuit—my modeling agency and photography work—introduced me to his sisters, Margo, Christine and Mimi. Margo, in particular, became a friend and connection point because of her granddaughter’s modeling career, deepening my respect for the family’s entrepreneurial and creative spirit.
But the most surprising link was still to come. I met his wife, Beverly Barnhill, at a media function at the Truth Gallery. Our bond was immediate and centered on business, specifically my Roku network. It speaks volumes that I forged powerful individual friendships with Beverly and Margo—one through media, one through modeling—before ever meeting the man at the center of their lives. These connections run deep, and that incredible warmth eventually included me in their circle, too.
And one need only recall last summer’s grand family reunion on August 30 to see that same spirit on a massive scale. This was where the entire interwoven tapestry of the Barnhill legacy—from the soulful sound of the saxophone to the savvy media network and the glamorous world of modeling—came together. Amidst the joyful, beautiful chaos of catching up, Dale moved through the crowd with a calm, deep satisfaction. The reunion was a vibrant testament to the unified life he and Beverly built: a structure strong enough to support the immense individual successes of ever
That non-linear introduction is why Dale Barnhill is so important to them. He is the quiet anchor that allows all those individual stars—Katrina, Beverly, Margo, Christine and Mimi—to shine so brightly without drifting apart. If you ever have the privilege of meeting Dale, you feel instantly that he is a man of God, a stability that grounds a family of dynamic go-getters.
This profound importance was recently on display during his own birthday last Sunday. It was a celebration less focused on grand spectacle and more on the collective, sincere gratitude of his immediate circle—a moment to pause and honor the man who has provided a lifetime of unwavering support.
For me, Dale, I would simply like to say thank you for treating me like your own. I came to know your world piece by piece, only to realize you were the indispensable foundation all along. There is so much more that could be said about my friend, Dale Barnhill, but his deepest story is his own testimony to give.
Happy Birthday Brother Dale
