The posy of orange gerberas had been placed on the Corrimal Beach sand dune metres from where the eight-year-old was dragged to his death by a strong rip on Monday.

In stark contrast to the dismal skies above, the solitary bouquet was a vivid reminder of a sunny, joyful child now lost.

The Towradgi boy will be remembered at a service tomorrow in the church where he spent each Sunday mornings singing and dancing with his young friends.

Wollongong Church of Christ senior minister Brett Gottle described Eliachim as a "spritely, robust, happy member of the church" and a beautiful, spirited child.

After an extensive three-day search of the ocean off Corrimal and Towradgi beaches, Eliachim's body was found in the water midway between Woonona and Bellambi about 11.30am on Thursday.

While out for a walk, a Woonona father and his 10-year-old daughter saw what they thought was a partially submerged piece of wood, but soon realised it was the lost little boy.

Eliachim and his mother, Therese Milolo, fled civil war-torn Congo in 2008 and migrated as refugees to Australia.

He flourished in his new life, attending the Illawarra Christian School and proving a talented young player on the football field.

Although only eight years old, Eliachim already spoke two Congalese dialects, as well as French and English.

Eliachim went for a swim at Corrimal Beach at 6.35pm on Monday with an 11-year-old female relative but witnesses said that almost immediately he was dragged off his feet and under the water.

A passer-by attempted to save the child but he was unsuccessful.

A massive air, sea and land search off Corrimal and Towradgi followed, but the little boy could not be found.

The memorial service for Eliachim will be held at 10am tomorrow at the Church of Christ in Figtree.

A funeral service will be held next week.