Gabriel Jacob Kirkland

August 18, 2013 - April 19, 2019
Gabriel Jacob Kirkland

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Gabriel Jacob Kirkland, born August 18, 2013, in Hickory, NC to Russell Rashim and Kempie O’Leary Kirkland passed on from this world to the next on April 19, 2019 at 1700.

He attended Codington Elementary. Gabriel loved rainbows, Legos, art and puppies, but disliked teasing, bullies and “bad guys.” He wanted to do anything and be everything. He loved his family times infinity and would name each person in almost every prayer. He strove to make a friend at every opportunity with an open heart and a smile. He always considered the feelings of others, showing concern for them even when he was suffering. He will be missed by everyone who had the blessing of making his acquaintance and many that he never met but followed his long battle online. He was a living example of Jesus’ pure love. He was an awesome son, an outstanding brother, the coolest cousin and a perfect grandson. Gabriel filled hearts with laughter and joy everywhere he went for five and a half years, and his strength and character supported us while he battled for his life for the last three years.

There will be a memorial service for Gabriel at Halyburton Park in the Event Center on May 5, 2019. The time will be announced at a later date.

Please share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the ” Post a Condolence ” tab below.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington NC 28403


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  • April 24, 2019
    Rita Harmon lit a candle:
    Lit since April 24, 2019 at 4:56:34 PM

  • April 24, 2019
    Trish O’Leary says:
    I never Gabriel but I feel like I knew him. I followed online and prayed for him often. He was an adorable little boy. He displayed God’s love in all his actions. So sorry for your loss. Praying for all of you.

  • April 24, 2019
    Catherine Locklear says:
    God bless you all, and my God grant you the strength to keep on going thru life. I will keep you in my prayers.

  • April 24, 2019
    Patrick Ellsworth says:
    I met Gabriel as a 1st year fellow and was happy to be part of the Chapel Hill team taking care of him these last few years. Such a sweet, awesome boy! Everyone loved him and will miss him. Even though I never got the Paw Patrol names straight, I will never forget Gabriel and wish you all peace.

  • April 24, 2019
    F L Louise says:
    Losing a loved one is always a difficult thing to bear. But losing a child no words can really relieve your grief. Praying that you are comforted by God's promise to wipe all tears from our eyes and death, morning, outcry and pain will become a thing of the past as God has promised that the last enemy death is to be brought to nothing, 1 Corinthians 15:26, Revelation 21:4. He has also promised a new heavens and new earth where life will be restored to all those who are in his memory, 2 Peter 3:13 and Hosea 13:14. My heartfelt sympathy for little Gabriel.