Hall County Sheriff’s Office honored fallen Deputy Nicolas Blane Dixon on Monday, Aug. 5, by hosting a tournament involving one of his favorite pastimes — golf. 

“He played golf every chance he got and every weekend he was off, even in the winter,” Stephanie, Dixon’s wife said. 

More than 160 people came out to Royal Lakes Golf & Country Club in Flowery Branch to play golf and show their support. In addition to Dixon’s family, Sheriff’s Office deputies, local businesses, and retired and active Hall County Fire Services officers participated. 

The event raised $51,523 for Dixon’s wife and children through player fees, individual donations, auction items and raffle tickets. 

Stuart Dailey, Marcus Brown and Blake Forrester who are all Hall County deputies, got the idea to host the tournament after golfing together a couple of days after Dixon’s death.  

“The last place Blane played was here on the Wednesday before everything happened,” Dailey said. “This was the best course we could think of. Royal Lakes is always good to us and it came together real quick.”

Forrester said 99% of everything required for the event was donated by community members. Some of the auctioned and raffle items included a Big Green Egg and a jersey signed by Matt Ryan, quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons. 

Dailey said the fundraiser may transform into an annual event.

Dixon’s family members — including his mom, dad and brothers — put together a team at the tournament.

Fred, Dixon’s dad, said golfing has always been the family’s favorite hobby. He introduced the passion to his sons seven years ago. 

“He (Dixon) would absolutely love this, he honestly would not believe it,” Jeremy, Dixon’s brother said. 

Jeremy said no words can describe the outpouring of love his family has felt from the community. 

“To anybody that came out to support and all the vendors that came out, the only thing I can say from the bottom of all of our hearts is, ‘Thank you,’” he said. “We’re truly grateful for everything that this whole community has done.”

Hall County Sheriff’s Sgt. Charles Hewell, Dixon’s partner on the night of the shooting, teamed up with the Dixon family at the event. 

Hewell said he intends to honor Dixon’s memory for the rest of his life, alongside the entire Sheriff’s Office. 

“It’s pretty amazing to see the community come together like it has,” he said. “Dixon will definitely not be forgotten.” 

A motorcycle ride over the weekend also honored Dixon.