MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — The family, friends, former students, athletes, and community members who knew Michael “Mike” Carter Levi, 81, are mourning his passing on Saturday, September 19, 2026. Mike Levi was remembered as a teacher, coach, traveler, tinkerer, storyteller, and devoted family man whose influence extended across generations.
According to his published obituary, Mike was born in 1945 and grew up in Soddy, Tennessee. He later attended Carson-Newman College, where he developed his talents in both wrestling and baseball. His college baseball team won a national championship in 1965, and Mike was named an All-American that same year.
His life eventually brought him to Murfreesboro, where he became deeply connected to local schools, athletics, students, and families.
Remembering Michael “Mike” Levi
Mike Levi was described in his obituary as a man of great adventure who loved his family, enjoyed making people laugh, and had a natural curiosity about the world around him.
He was also known for his habit of tinkering with almost anything he encountered. That curiosity was part of his personality and complemented the teaching and coaching career that became such an important part of his life.
For the people who knew Mike, his influence went well beyond the classroom or athletic field. He remained a teacher throughout his life, including with his grandchildren, who grew up hearing his stories and learning from his enthusiasm for the world around him.
Mike Levi’s College Baseball Career
Athletics played a major role in Mike’s early adult life.
After graduating from Soddy Daisy High School, he attended Carson-Newman College, where he competed in baseball and wrestling.
His baseball career reached a particularly memorable point in 1965, when his team won a national championship. Mike was also recognized as an All-American that year.
He remained proud of that team and often spoke about the friendships and experiences he gained during his college athletic career.
His love of sports later became closely connected to his professional life, particularly through coaching.
A Career in Teaching and Coaching
Mike began his teaching career after college and eventually moved to Murfreesboro in 1972 with his family.
During his years in Rutherford County, he helped open Oakland High School, taught at Riverdale High School, and later held his final official teaching position at Blackman High School.
Teaching, however, never really ended for Mike.
He also coached wrestling and baseball, spending years working with young athletes and helping them develop both on and off the field.
His obituary recalls how involved he was with the athletes he coached. He was known for leading by example and holding students accountable while also giving them his time and attention.
For many former athletes and students, Mike’s influence became part of their own life stories.
A Coach Who Led by Example
Wrestling was particularly important to Mike.
He did not simply stand on the sidelines giving instructions. He was known for getting involved with his athletes and demonstrating what he expected from them.
His coaching philosophy reflected the broader approach he took to life: participate, help others, and give people an opportunity to grow.
One of the young people who became connected to the Levi family through wrestling was Kenny Meredith, whom Mike welcomed into his family.
That relationship became another example of how Mike’s influence could extend beyond conventional teacher-student relationships.
Mike Levi and His Love of Adventure
Travel became another defining part of Mike’s later years.
After retirement, Mike and his wife Nancy traveled extensively. Their journeys took them to destinations including Ireland, Scotland, Alaska, New Zealand, and China.
One of the stories highlighted in his obituary involved a trip to Alaska. Despite Nancy telling him not to hitchhike, Mike reportedly hitchhiked from above the Arctic Circle, traveled through the state, and crossed the Chilkoot Trail.
The story captures the adventurous personality that friends and family associated with him.
His grandchildren eventually became less interested in asking where their grandfather had traveled and more interested in hearing about the new people he had met along the way.
Family Was at the Center of Mike’s Life
Mike’s family remained one of the most important parts of his life.
He was married first to Nancy Newman, whom he met while attending Carson-Newman College. They married during their college years and later moved to Murfreesboro with their children.
Mike and Nancy were married for many years before her death.
In 2010, Mike met Janice, and the couple married in 2011. Together, they continued traveling and eventually purchased a cabin in North Carolina that became one of Mike’s favorite places.
The couple also shared the joy of watching their grandchildren grow up.
Remembering Mike as a Grandfather
Mike’s grandchildren were described as one of his greatest sources of pride.
He remained actively involved in their lives and continued his lifelong role as a teacher and storyteller.
Family memories include camping, traveling, watching documentaries, and Mike encouraging his grandchildren to pay attention to something he considered important.
When his great-grandchildren began arriving, he welcomed them with the same enthusiasm and affection.
Those younger generations will now carry stories about their grandfather and great-grandfather forward.
Michael “Mike” Levi’s Cause of Death
According to the published obituary, Mike Levi died following a brief fight with dementia. The family expressed gratitude to the staff at Alive Hospice for the care and compassion provided during his final period.
He died surrounded by people who loved him, while others who could not be physically present were with him in thought and spirit.
The obituary describes his final days as a time when family, friends, and caregivers remained close to him.
Family Members Remembering Mike
Mike is survived by his wife, Janice Levi, and his children Jennifer Levi and Jon Levi and his wife Kristi.
He is also survived by Kenny Meredith and his wife Jessica, Travis Millsaps and his wife Gail, and Scott Millsaps.
His grandchildren include AnnaLevi Chavis, Walker Chavis, Zoe Chavis, Canaan Chavis, KaraLynne Bargatze, Madison Alig, Roman Meredith, Victoria Meredith, and Bridget Millsaps, as well as several great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Nancy Levi, and his brothers L.W. and Sidney Levi.
Memorial Service for Michael “Mike” Levi
Visitation for Mike Levi is scheduled for Monday, September 21, 2026, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Woodfin Memorial Chapel in Murfreesboro.
A memorial service will follow at 5 p.m. at the same location.
The family has requested that donations in Mike’s memory be made to Imagination Library, Paws, or Alive Hospice.
The family has also invited former athletes and students to serve as honorary pallbearers, reflecting the enormous role coaching and teaching played in Mike’s life.
Michael “Mike” Carter Levi Obituary: What We Know
- Full name: Michael “Mike” Carter Levi
- Age: 81
- Residence: Murfreesboro, Tennessee
- Death: September 19, 2026
- Birth year: 1945
- Early home: Soddy, Tennessee
- College: Carson-Newman College
- Sports: Baseball and wrestling
- 1965 achievement: National championship baseball team and All-American recognition
- Murfreesboro arrival: 1972
- Career: Teacher and coach
- Schools: Oakland High School, Riverdale High School and Blackman High School
- Interests: Travel, tinkering, hunting, athletics and family
- Cause of death: Brief fight with dementia
- Memorial visitation: September 21, 3–5 p.m.
- Memorial service: September 21 at 5 p.m.
- Memorial location: Woodfin Memorial Chapel, Murfreesboro
A Lasting Legacy
Mike Levi’s legacy is reflected in the number of different lives he touched.
He was an athlete, teacher, coach, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, traveler, friend, and mentor.
His influence on students and athletes may be among the most enduring parts of his story. Former students and athletes will remember the lessons they learned from him, while his family will remember the adventures, humor, travels, and everyday moments that made him who he was.
His love of learning and teaching continued throughout his life, and his curiosity carried him around the world.
Final Tribute to Michael “Mike” Carter Levi
The passing of Michael “Mike” Carter Levi at age 81 marks the loss of a longtime Murfreesboro educator, coach, athlete, husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
From his championship college baseball career to decades spent teaching and coaching young people, Mike built a life centered on participation, relationships, curiosity, and adventure.
He helped open Oakland High School, taught at Riverdale and Blackman, coached generations of athletes, and continued teaching long after his official career ended.
His travels with Nancy and later Janice took him around the world, while his greatest pride remained his family and the generations that followed him.
Mike will be remembered not simply for what he accomplished, but for the people he encouraged, coached, taught, loved, and welcomed into his life.
May Michael “Mike” Carter Levi rest in peace, and may his family, former students, athletes, friends, and everyone who knew him find comfort in the many memories he leaves behind.
This article is based on the published obituary from Woodfin Funeral Chapel and related obituary listings. Funeral and memorial details should be confirmed with the funeral home or family if changes occur.