With hearts heavy with both profound sorrow and a deep sense of peace, we announce that Liam Xavier Whitworth, forever free from the grip of the “evil King Rhabdo,” ran into Jesus’ arms on May 4, 2025. At the tender age of only 7 ½ years old, Liam’s short life was marked by an extraordinary battle. For three of those years, he fought cancer with a courage and bravery that belied his youth, embodying the spirit of a true warrior.
Born on August 15, 2017, to Kyle G. and Breanna (Ramsey) Whitworth, Liam was a miracle from the very beginning. Even at birth, his presence held a special light, a quality that grew with him, allowing him to illuminate any room he entered. Liam possessed an incredible heart, one that overflowed with care and compassion for others. He never met a stranger, a testament to his open and engaging nature. His natural charisma, coupled with his inspiring fight, propelled him to Facebook and YouTube stardom – a dream he passionately pursued during his illness. Liam had a remarkable knack for connecting with people, forging friendships with individuals across the country, including his favorite NASCAR racer, Joey Logano. It was a poignant moment that Liam witnessed Joey Logano win one final race just before his passing, a small victory shared in the face of his own formidable battle.
Liam also inherited a love for gaming, no doubt influenced by playing alongside his dad. He found joy in the virtual worlds of Minecraft and the competitive spirit of Monopoly Go, sharing these moments with his family. Near the end of his life, he was even able to tick off seeing the Minecraft movie from his bucket list, a small but significant fulfillment of a simple wish. Liam’s bucket list was a reflection of his favorite things and experiences, and with the love and support of his close family and friends, he was able to fulfill many of them. These included cherished trips to the beach, the magical realm of Disney World, and a visit to see the cherry blossom “biome” in Washington D.C., a gamer’s perspective on nature’s beauty. He also enjoyed activities like putt-putt golf, a fancy steak dinner at Ken Stewart’s, bowling, Top Golf, and a final trip to LegaSea Aquarium and Reptarium. Liam lived a life packed with experiences and joy in his seven short years, serving as a powerful reminder to all of us to live life to the fullest while we can.
Liam leaves behind his small but beloved army of animals, for whom he had a deep and caring heart. He proudly considered himself a chicken farmer and was actively working on a new chicken coop for his cherished Princess Whiskers, a chick he had raised from birth. In a humorous twist, Princess Whiskers later turned out to be a rooster, but the name, full of affection, stuck. He also leaves behind his feline companions, Floyd and Meow, and his beloved goats, Pandy and Teddy, who will undoubtedly miss his playful antics and characteristic sass.
Liam is preceded in death by an infant sibling, his Great Great Grandparents, Dwight “Paw Paw Sip” and Shirley Manley, cousins Cody Hines and Matthew Helmick, and his resilient rescue chick, Survivor.
Liam leaves behind his loving and heartbroken family, including his devoted parents, Kyle and Breanna Whitworth, and his beloved baby sister, Zoey. He is also survived by his grandparents, Shawn and Paula Ramsey of Doylestown, and Pat and Missey Whitworth of Applecreek. His great-grandparents, Ron and Kay Dannemiller of Doylestown, Bill and Doris Heugle of Doylestown, Leo and Sandy Whitworth of Millersburg, and Donnie and Pamela Scheufler of Apple Creek, also survive him. He is remembered by his uncles, Jacob (Emma) Ramsey and Cody (Alisha) Whitworth, and his aunt, Harlie Whitworth, as well as many cousins and other extended family and friends. Liam also leaves behind his best friend and fellow cancer fighter, Levi Buxman, who bravely fought alongside Liam for much of the last year at Akron Children’s Hospital, a bond forged in shared adversity.
The family extends their sincerest gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and other staff at Akron Children’s Hospital, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, and Summa Medical Center. Their unwavering care for Liam and his family over the past three years was exceptional, with many of the medical professionals becoming close friends through the good, the bad, and the ugly of his courageous fight.
Friends are invited to call on the family on Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 3-6 PM at Crossroads Community Church, located at 700 Gates Street, Doylestown, Ohio 44230. Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 12, 2025, at 11 AM, also at Crossroads Community Church, with Pastor Mark Hottell officiating. Burial will take place at Chestnut Hill Cemetery. In a touching request from Liam himself, those attending the calling hours or the funeral are encouraged to proudly wear their “Love Like Liam” merchandise, which so many have purchased in his honor, a visible tribute to his inspiring spirit. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are requested to be made to the Akron Ronald McDonald House, 141 West State Street, Akron, Ohio 44302, or the LegaSea Aquarium and Reptarium, 45550 Van Dyke Avenue, Utica, Michigan 48317, two organizations that held special meaning for Liam and his family.
Liam Xavier Whitworth’s life, though tragically short, was lived with immense joy, courage, and love. He taught us all valuable lessons about resilience, kindness, and the importance of living each day to the fullest. His memory will forever be a beacon of light and inspiration for all who had the privilege of knowing him. Rest in peace, sweet Liam, forever free and in the arms of Jesus.