Gabriel Jesse "Tater" Singleton

Though he was on this Earth but 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, every treatment. During his recent stay in Seattle for treatment, Gabriel even opened his wallet to buy clothes for Puppy. The family expresses thanks to all the caregivers who helped Gabriel over the years, especially his primary oncologist, Dr. Benjamin Mixon at T.C. Thompson, Ashley Williams, Holly and Greg Shull, Cindy and Jim Webster, Wendy Ransom, Mindy Sanders, Robyn Bryant and the numerous childhood cancer foundations that have assisted in so many ways during Gabriel’s battle. Also offering much support has been his mother’s high school classmate, Cynthia Stanley and her husband Stewart, as well as the members of The Church of God of the Union Assembly of Chatsworth, GA and the many angels that God has sent the family’s way at just the right time to offer them support. The family expresses thanks to Sheriff Scott Chitwood, Deputy Shawn Giles and everyone at the Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office for all of the love they gave to Gabriel. Finally, to Jesse Wilson and Jaimie Trueblood, thank you for creating an epic superhero moment for Gabriel. With Gabriel’s passing, we remind others that his life is one to be celebrated. Although we will miss him every day, especially his loving smile, he will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him. With his courage and positive outlook on life, he led us to believe that each day is truly a blessing and an opportunity to create lasting memories. A service to celebrate the life of Gabriel Jesse “Tater” Singleton will be held at 3:00 PM, Wednesday, August 3, 2016 at the Church of God of the Union Assembly in Dalton with Bro. Lamar Bond and Bro. Jeff Wilson officiating. Also speaking will be Sherriff Scott Chitwood and Deputy Shawn Giles. The Whitfield County Sherriff’s Honor Guard will be serving as pallbearers. Interment will be at West Hill Cemetery. The family will be receiving friends for visitation from 5-9 PM Tuesday evening at the Church of God of the Union Assembly in Dalton. Arrangements have been entrusted to independently owned and operated Dalton Funeral Home, 620 S. Glenwood Ave. Dalton, GA; 706-529-5371.