Gabriel Augustus Adeleke Stainback

Gabriel Augustus Adeleke Stainback, 26, of Concord, went home to be with his Lord and Saviour on Saturday, September 13, 2025.

Gabe was born February 13, 1999, in Rutherfordton, North Carolina, to Horace Stainback, Jr. and Patricia Ozavize Adeleke Stainback, of Concord. In addition to his parents, Gabe is also survived by his loving wife, Teonna Franisha Stainback of Concord; brother, Nathanael Alexander Adeleke (Jasmine) Stainback; sister, Prince Katherine Adeleke Stainback; sister, Mahalia Olufunmilola Adeleke Stainback; maternal grandmother, Catherine Abosede Adeleke; aunts, Alice and Ella Stainback; uncles, Peter Olayinka (Joyce) Adeleke, Paul Babatunde (Ade) Adeleke; mother-in-law, Tonia Redd; sisters-in-law Jasmine Redd (Rayshone) Pollock and Gabrielle (Eric Fulton) Redd; brother-in-law, Tony Allen; second mother-in-law Mrs. Norlyque (Derrick) Redd; dog, King Elijah Stainback; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family and friends.

Gabe was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Horace Stainback, Sr. and Prince Ella Stainback; and maternal grandfather, Joel M. Adeleke; aunts, Rowena and Evelyn Stainback.

Gabe was a 2017 graduate of Concord High School and was a member of the track and field team. During his senior season, he was crowned the 2017 North Carolina outdoor state champion in the high jump. He was a two-time South Piedmont Field Athlete of the Year and earned the indoor track state MVP award in 2017 as well as many other athletic accomplishments.

He was also a graduate of High Point University with a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice. While at High Point, Gabe had an outstanding career as a combined events athlete on the men's track and field team and helped lead the Panthers to their first-ever Big South Conference Outdoor Championship title in 2021. Over the course of his career, he was crowned a three-time Big South Decathlon Champion from 2018-2021 (*2020 did not have a Championship due to Covid-19) and was named to the All-Conference team seven times. His personal-best (6,904 points) in the decathlon at the 2021 Bill Webb Combined Events ranks third all-time in HPU program history. In the heptathlon, his personal-best 5,134 points at the Big South Championships in 2020 sits in the Big South All-Time Top 10 performances and ranks third in HPU's record book. He placed 2nd in 2018's 19 and Under Nationals Decathlon and holds the HPU high jump record of 2.27 meters. Following his time at High Point, Stainback was named to the Big South 2010-2019 All-Decade Team.

He was also a commercial pilot and avid biker. Gabe had a fond appreciation of nature, hiking, kayaking and swimming. He always challenged himself athletically, was family-centered , and loved dogs. He was a proud Nigerian who loved food and fellowship with his grandma. Gabe was a gummy bear connoisseur. He was always warm, inviting, kind, funny, and had a great personality. He was eternally helpful and committed to service. He was a God-fearing Christian and attended Bethel Baptist Church Ministries of Kannapolis with his family. Gabe was well-loved by all who knew him and will be deeply missed.

Gabe was proud to be a police officer and part of the Cornelius Police Department family. He was sworn in on December 24, 2024, after being hired as a cadet and going through the BLET program at Mitchell Community College (where he broke the record for the fastest course time).

The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm, Thursday, September 18, 2025, at Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord. The funeral service will be on Friday, September 19, 2025, at 1:00 pm at Bethel Baptist Church Ministries in Kannapolis officiated by Pastor Antonio Johnson. He will Lie in State from 12 noon to 12:45pm. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The family would like to send a special thanks to the Cornielus Police Department , Bethel Baptist Church Ministries of Kannapolis, friends, family and to our supportive community.

Any memorial donations to the family of the deceased may be made to https://gofund.me/5255d972a or https://gofund.me/40e183fe0

Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord is serving the Stainback family.

Feel free to upload photos of Gabe using the following link: https://share.picturesqr.com/rnoweu