Dayton Boy Levi Mayotte Loved Soccer and Running; His Family Shares a Moving Tribute Today

 For one family in Dayton, Tennessee, the afternoon of November 5 brought a goodbye no parent should have to face. As they gathered to remember Levi Ezekiel Ray Mayotte, they held close a belief that offered comfort amid their grief: Levi was finally back in his daddy’s arms. That image, rooted in the family’s faith, became a tender way to speak about a boy whose life was filled with movement, laughter, and the sports he loved.

Levi’s family described him as sweet, brave, and funny, qualities they remembered alongside the everyday interests that made him their boy. Soccer held a special place in his life, and he also enjoyed video games and running as far as his legs could carry him. Those details give a glimpse of a child whose days included play, competition, and the simple pleasure of being active, rather than reducing his memory to the circumstances of his passing.

In a message shared after the farewell, relatives acknowledged the pain surrounding Levi’s death while expressing certainty that he was no longer suffering. The family said that, despite the hurt everyone was carrying, they felt sure Levi was now free from suffering. Their words did not erase the sadness of saying goodbye; instead, they described the belief helping them endure it and the hope that they would be reunited with him someday. That hope remains central.

That hope is closely connected to the image of Levi with his father, whom the family believes is waiting with open arms. They imagine Levi able to run freely again and return to the activities that brought him joy, including soccer. The family’s description is an expression of faith and remembrance, not a claim about events that can be independently established, and it shows how deeply their spiritual beliefs shape the way they are honoring him.

The planned services will take place at New Union Baptist Church in Dayton, where friends and others wishing to pay their respects can gather. Visitation is scheduled for Friday the 13th in the afternoon and again on Saturday the 14th beginning at 1 p.m.; the service will follow at 3 p.m. The family also said a separate service in Illinois would be announced at a later time, leaving those arrangements for another update.

For the Dayton service, relatives have made a specific request connected to the sports that mattered so much to Levi. Past and present RC3 select soccer players, along with Rhea County Middle School and High School soccer and cross-country athletes, are asked to wear their jerseys or team gear. The request gives teammates and fellow athletes a simple way to recognize Levi through the colors and clothing associated with the games he loved, while keeping the focus on his memory.

The family’s message also includes a request for quiet and privacy as they grieve, both for themselves and for their extended family. Alongside that boundary, they expressed gratitude to those who have offered love and support during this difficult and painful time. Their words make clear that kindness is appreciated, while space to mourn remains important as relatives navigate the days surrounding the services and the arrangements still to come.

Levi’s story, as shared by his family, is remembered through soccer, games, long runs, and the belief that he is now free from suffering. The jerseys worn in his honor will carry a special meaning: a reminder of the boy behind the team colors. May those who attend hold his family’s request for privacy with care, and remember Levi with the joy he brought to the people who loved him always.