- Date Of Birth: Aug. 11, 2008
- Date Of Death: July 30, 2016
- State: Georgia
Though he was on this Earth a few short years, Gabriel Jesse “Tater” Singleton of Dalton touched thousands of people across the nation. Diagnosed with cancer shortly after his third birthday, Gabriel didn’t let the disease keep him from enjoying a life packed full of faith, family, and friends. In fact, last December, Gabriel became the youngest deputy in the history of the Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office after law enforcement officers learned of his desire to become a policeman when he grew up because they were “brave and strong.”
Sheriff Scott Chitwood swore in Gabriel as an honorary deputy, and “Deputy Tater” even made an “arrest” with his partner, Deputy Shawn Giles, after just a few minutes on the job. Gabriel also enjoyed becoming an honorary firefighter with the Dalton Fire Department. During one of his treatments, Gabriel’s mom prayed for angels to come play with him while he was sleeping. When he woke up, he told her there were three angels with him, and they were all learning how to rollerblade on the clouds. He said the angels had big, beautiful wings and added, “Mommy, I want big, beautiful wings, too.”
God granted Gabriel those big, beautiful wings on Saturday, July 30, 2016, when he passed away following a “brave and strong” battle with his long illness. His final days had been spent at his home where he was surrounded by family and friends he had touched during his brief time on this Earth. Gabriel was born on Aug. 11, 2008 at Hamilton Medical Center in Dalton, son of Jesse Paul and LuLu Singleton of Dalton. He was a second-grader at Cedar Ridge Elementary School. He was a member of the Church of God of the Union Assembly of Chatsworth, where he was on the Praise Team. He dearly loved going to church and sharing his love for God with others. Gabriel never cried or complained about his life, was always smiling, and in fact, earned a special commendation from the Whitfield County Board of Commissioners last December for his bravery in the face of adversity. He lived life like there was nothing wrong with him, and if he was hurting. He didn’t let his sickness slow him down. He also loved hunting and fishing, and one of his favorite pastimes was to go fishing by the lake with his father and papaw. His favorite superhero was Batman, and he loved Georgia Bulldogs football, even going to Athens to meet the players and coaches last year. Most importantly, Gabriel had a very giving heart, was very selfless, and loved to help others, making Christmas baskets and book bags full of school supplies for oncology kids at T.C. Thompson Children’s Hospital.
Besides his parents, Gabriel is survived by three sisters, Kaylie, Layla, and Aliyah Singleton, all of Dalton; beloved family friend, Alex Weaver of Dalton; grandparents, Loyd Herbert Singleton of Dalton and Shelia Richardson and Odilia and David Weaver, all of Chatsworth; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by great-grandparents, Loyd and Lethia Singleton, and grandmother, Dorothy Singleton. He is also survived by his pet dog named “Moose,” whom he picked because of his resemblance to his longtime faithful stuffed animal named “Puppy” that he received shortly before he was diagnosed. He lovingly referred to Moose and Puppy as his “sons.” In fact, Puppy was always there with him through the years, offering support during every doctor’s appointment, every hospital stay, and every treatment. During his recent stay in Seattle for treatment, Gabriel even opened his wallet to buy clothes for Puppy.
