After a lifelong fight with epidermolysis bullosa, Gabriel “SuperGabe” Valentine, died attended by his loving parents in his home on June 6, 2017.

Gabe spent his entire life in Starkville, MS where he loved his public schools and teachers and enjoyed many close friendships. He was a superfan of all Mississippi State University athletic teams, many of whom arranged events in his honor or sent student-athletes to visit him at home. Gabe was a player-coach with the Starkville Soccer Association. He was supported by his family at University Baptist Church.

Gabe’s two great privileges were being named an honorary officer of the Starkville Police Department and being named an honorary Cadet Captain of the Mississippi State University Army ROTC. One of his great joys in life was firing the cannon at Mississippi State University home football games to bring the Dawgs out onto the field or to celebrate a touchdown or, sometimes, even a missed field goal!

Gabe endured medical illness with grace and showed great love to others. He was kind, but most of all he was funny! He was supported by the people of Starkville, the best community in world, and people all over this Earth!

Gabe is survived by his parents, Michael and Nell Valentine, his siblings; Alex Baldwin, Griffin Valentine, and Heather Valentine; and seven grandparents, Jack and Patricia Valentine, John and Linda Lox, Lee Gibson Lox, and Richard and Gail Keirn.

Visitation will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Starkville on Friday June 9th from 5-7PM. A public memorial will be held in the same location at 2PM on Saturday June 10th. Gabe will be buried in a public ceremony following the memorial at Memorial Garden Park. Attendees are encouraged to bring their cowbells.

In lieu of any flowers or gifts, Gabe’s biggest hope was that a cure would be found for EB. In memory of him, please contribute to the EB Research Partnership: https://www.crowdrise.com/super-gabes-final-wish/fundraiser/michaelvalentine3