Akil Lateef Mayer

Akil Lateef Mayer, 34, passed away on August 12, 2026. Born March 21, 1992, in Atlanta, GA, Akil lived with a big heart, a steady faith, and the kind of courage that didn’t need a spotlight to be real. A beloved, cherished presence to many, he carried himself with honesty and warmth—equal parts thoughtful and charismatic, with a sense of humor that could lighten a room without ever making anyone feel small. Akil was a resident of Chattanooga, Tennessee.

From the beginning, Akil’s life was marked by hard work and determination. He graduated from South Gwinnett High School in 2010, then went on to Georgia Southern University, earning a B.S. in Sociology in 2014. Never one to stop learning or improving he later completed his MBA in 2017 through Georgia Southern University’s Parker College of Business, building a foundation of wisdom and purpose that would shape everything he did next.

Akil spent 11 years with Verizon Wireless, serving as Director of Sales for the Chattanooga Territory. He was the kind of leader people wanted to follow; devoted to his team, generous with encouragement, and inspiring in the way he pushed others to believe they could do more than they thought possible. His results spoke loudly, four years in a row as #1 in the company for Black Friday Sales, and in 2026 Q2, leading the #1 Sales District in the Nation. Even then, he never made it only about numbers, He was never the headline and always made his team the story; he uplifted his work team and anyone he came in contact with.

Akil met Natalia Santiago-Mayer in 2010 at Georgia Southern University during freshman year, and their story grew into a life filled with loyalty, laughter, and deep devotion. He proposed in March 2017 in Rome, Italy because of course Akil would turn a milestone into an unforgettable memory. In November 2017, they adopted Freedom the Kitty from Puerto Rico, and on April 28, 2018, Akil and Natalia were married at Saints Peter and Paul Basilica in Chattanooga, TN. On August 20, 2022, their daughter, Isabela Marie, was born and Akil embraced being a Girl Dad with the kind of fierce tenderness that made you feel safe just standing near him. Protecting his girls wasn’t a slogan; it was his heart in action.

Akil’s love for adventure showed up in the everyday: riding his motorcycle, playing chess, traveling the world with Natalia, and experiencing new cultures with an adventurous spirit and a brave, resilient openness to what was new. He was also a faithful fan of the Atlanta Falcons —proving that devotion can be both inspiring and, at times, a true test of character. Through it all, Akil remained kind-hearted and compassionate, a loving husband, father, son and grandson, and a steady, loyal presence to those who were lucky enough to be in his circle.

Akil is survived by his wife, Natalia Santiago-Mayer; daughter, Isabela Mayer-Santiago; mother, Joyce and Rick Kirkpatrick; father, Michael Mayer; grandmother, Marie (Gammy) Burke; brother, Michael Solomon; mother-in-law, Damaris Robles-Santiago; father-in-law, Hector and Dalia Santiago; brothers-in-law, Orlando and Jose Armando Santiago; as well as several nephews, aunts and uncles.

A Celebration of Akil's Life will be held on Monday August 17, 2026, at 2:30 pm at The Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. The family will receive friends at the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home on Sunday August 16, 2026, from 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm and a half hour prior to the service on Monday at the Basilica.

“Thank you to everyone who made an impact on Akil's life throughout his whole journey. You molded who he was as a husband, father, son, and employee and for that I am eternally grateful. He loved his village more than you will ever understand.” - Natalia

Akil's Favorite Quote: “Don't let the hard days win.”

Psalm 23: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Please share your thoughts and memories online with the family www.chattanoogaeastchapel.com

Chattanooga Funeral Home East Chapel, 404 S. Moore Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37412, has been entrusted with his arrangements.