With hearts heavier than words could ever express, the family of Future King Savage, affectionately known and forever remembered as their precious Future, announces his passing on Aug. 7, 2026, at just 2 years old.
Future was born on May 30, 2024, to his loving parents, Courtney Merritt and Clifford Savage. In two short years, Future managed to leave a lifetime of love, laughter, memories, and little pieces of himself in the hearts of everyone fortunate enough to know him.
Though his time here was far too brief, Future’s life was anything but small.
He was a beautiful little boy with a personality much bigger than he was. Future was perhaps best known for his legendary “mean mug.” He could give a look that would make everyone around him laugh, but behind that serious little face was the sweetest and most loving heart. Those who knew him knew that the mean mug was simply part of Future being Future, and it became one of the countless little things about him that his family will miss more than words can say.
Future also had style. He loved getting dressed up, looking good, and showing everybody just how handsome he was. Whether he was dressed up and showing off his latest little outfit or simply being himself at home with the people he loved most, Future had a presence about him. At only 2 years old, he already knew how to make an entrance.
And if “Bubble Guppies” was on, Future was happy. It was one of the simple joys of his little world and will forever be something that brings his family back to memories of him. What once was simply his favorite show will now forever carry a piece of Future with it.
Future spent his days surrounded by the people who loved him most — his parents and his brothers and sisters. He was a little brother, a son, a grandson, a great-grandson, a nephew, a cousin, and so much more. He was part of the everyday rhythm of his family’s lives: the little footsteps, the laughter, the facial expressions, the playing, the noise, the cuddles, the mischief, and all of the ordinary moments that no one realizes are extraordinary until they become memories.
But the measure of Future’s life will never be the number of years he was given. His life will be measured by the love he created while he was here.
Future was loved completely.
He was loved in the way only a baby of the family can be loved — surrounded by brothers and sisters, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and an entire family who watched him grow from a tiny baby into a handsome, funny little boy with a strong personality. His absence leaves a space that can never be filled because there will only ever be one Future King Savage.
Future leaves behind his loving parents, Courtney Merritt and Clifford Savage; and his siblings, Jordan Merritt, Bentley Garver, Blake Garver, Jaslyn Savage, Janiya Savage, and Aubree James, who will forever carry their brother with them.
He is also survived by his maternal grandparents, Tammy Taylor and Fondrell White and Mitchell Merritt and Christine Taylor, and his paternal grandmother, Denise Taylor.
Future’s maternal great-grandparents include Barbara Ramey, Vickie White, and Terry White. He was preceded in death by his maternal great-grandfather, Royce Merritt.
Future was blessed with a large family of aunts, uncles, and cousins who loved him dearly.
He also leaves behind many additional relatives, family friends, and people whose lives were touched by his sweet little spirit.
A funeral service celebrating the precious life of Future King Savage was held on Monday, Aug. 17, at 2 p.m. at Thornton Funeral Home in Parksley.
Family and friends were invited to come together to remember a little boy whose life was heartbreakingly short but whose impact was immeasurable.
May Future’s beautiful little face, his unforgettable mean mug, his sense of style, his love for “Bubble Guppies,” his beloved blankets, the sound of his laughter when those tiny feet were kissed, and most of all his sweet heart remain forever alive in the memories of everyone who loved him.
Rest peacefully, sweet Future.
You were our baby for two beautiful years.
You will be our Future forever.
