Garrett Curtis Capps - Gordon

Garrett Curtis Capps-Gordon passed away Saturday January 28, 2012 at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital after a tragic accident at his home in Tallahassee. He was only 14 years old, born on April 17, 1997 in Tallahassee.

He lived with his mother, Catrina Capps, and his grandmother, Sonya Capps, in Bristol, Florida until he was 10 years old. He then moved to Tallahassee to live with his father, James Gordon, and his stepmother, Jeanne Waggaman, until his passing. Garrett was a vivacious and charming young teenager who never knew a stranger. He was constantly saying hello and starting up conversations with anyone who had the time. His smile could light up the world, and did. Garrett would do anything for a laugh. He enjoyed pranks and was big into drama if he thought he could get a smile out of you. Garrett had a special way with animals and they always loved him, which was good since he had cats, dogs, and parrots at his home. One cat in particular, Minerva, slept with him every night. She has been looking for him ever since he left us. Garrett loved anything that had to do with the outdoors -- biking, hiking, rowing, fishing, hunting, four-wheeling, fort-making, tree climbing, swimming, and camping. He was on the 8th Grade Capital City Crew Team for a short while and won First Place with his teammates at a competition in Tampa on December 3rd, 2011. Garrett was so proud of his medal that day.

Garrett was an 8th grade student at Montford Middle School. He attended Montford since 6th grade, and knew most of the staff well and many, many students. Garrett always watched out for the new kids, the foreign kids, the handi-capable kids, anyone who might be a little lost at a new school or a little different. He would just walk up to them, introduce himself, and show them around Montford. This past month he told us of a new French student who hardly spoke a word of English that he had met and was watching out for. He was truly an amazing young man.

Garrett is survived by many people who loved him dearly, James Gordon and Jeanne Waggaman, his Father and Stepmother of Tallahassee, Florida; Catrina Capps-Jordan and Kenny Jordan, his Mother and Stepfather of Bristol, Florida; Sonya Capps, his Maternal Grandmother of Bristol, Florida; Libby and Wayne Taylor, Paternal Grandmother and Step-Grandfather of Tallahassee, Florida; Jim and Nona Gordon, Paternal Grandfather and Step-Grandmother of Dothan, Alabama; Jane and Jack Waggaman, Step-Grandparents of Tallahassee, Florida; Jeri Gordon and Kevin Harrison, Aunt and Uncle of Tallahassee, Florida; Curt and Paula Capps, Uncle and Aunt of Blountstown, Florida; Chad Capps, Uncle of Bristol, Florida; Tyler Holmes, Uncle of Tallahassee, Florida; Craig Waggaman, Step-Uncle of Tallahassee, Florida; Juanita Jones, Maternal Great-Grandmother of Covington, Georgia; Paul McDowell, Maternal Great-Grandfather of Jackson, Alabama; and lots of cousins who were his best friends, including, Dakota, London, Andrew, Austin, Aaron, Josh, and Colton.

A gathering of family and friends will be held at Culley's MeadowWood Timberalne Rd Chapel on Friday, February 3, 2012 from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm. A celebration of Garrett's life will follow at 4:00 pm. The family may receive online condolences at www.culleysmeadowwood.com.

Garrett loved rescuing animals, so if you want to make a memorial donation, please make it to one of his two favorite places: Tallahassee Animal Service Center, 1125 Easterwood Drive, Tallahassee, Florida 32311, Phone: 850-891-2950, www.talgov.com/animals. Tallahassee Big Dog Rescue, P O Box 15571, Tallahassee, Florida 32317, Phone: 850-562-3200, www.bigdogrescue.com.

Thank you so much for loving Garrett and being his friend. He is now watching over us all from a much Higher place. Garrett will always be our brilliant star on a cold, dark night.

Arrangements are under the direction of Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home, Tallahassee, FL.