Otiga Ogubi

In Loving Memory of Otiga Ogubi

1977 – 2025

Otiga Ogubi, 48, passed away on October 26 th surrounded by the love and faith of his loved ones.. Born in Ohio, Otiga spent part of his childhood in Africa before his family made their home in Orlando, Florida. His life was a journey marked by resilience, love, laughter, and, above all, his relationship with God.

Otiga was a devoted husband to his wife, Carrie Ogubi, and a proud father to his son, Octavius “Tavey” Hayden Ogubi, and his two children, Baylee and Gavin Smith. He was also a joyful grandfather to Landon and Grayson, whose smiles always lit up his world.

He is survived by his parents, Carol Genette and Bruce Myrick; sisters Melissa (Barrow) and her husband Tim Kirtley, and Auma Nekessa (Ogubi) and her husband Boon Thongteum; and brother Josh Squires and his wife Victoria; and brother- and sister-in-law Rocky and Angelina Smith. He also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews—Andrew, Abby, Bella, Chloe, Maddie, Caleb, Addie, Cohen, Oscar, and Zoe—as well as his mother- and father-in-law, Lisha and Wayne Jones, and Ronnie and Mary Smith. He was blessed with close friends Dana Anderson and Meredith Feitsma, and his loyal pets Onyx, Oakley, and Princess.

Following his immediate family and close friends, Otiga’s extended family included Uncle John and Kathy White and cousins Joshua and Sarah.

Otiga loved college football, especially cheering for the Florida Gators—though he lovingly cheered on the Georgia Bulldogs for Carrie, as long as they weren’t playing Florida. He was proud to serve at The Church of Eleven22, where he found joy in giving back and growing in his faith.

Though Otiga walked through many difficult seasons in his life, he never stopped finding his way back to God. The most important thing he would want everyone to know is that he was washed by the blood of Jesus Christ and that his deepest hope is for all of his loved ones to experience the same overwhelming love and grace of God that transformed his life.

Otiga’s life was a testament to redemption, love, and perseverance—a reminder that no matter how far we drift, God’s arms are always open. He will be remembered for his humor, his heart, his unwavering faith, and the way he made everyone feel like family.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, November 17th, 2025, at The Church of Eleven22 – Arlington Campus. Friends and family are invited to come early at 1:00 p.m. to visit and share memories, with the service beginning at 2:00 p.m. In honor of Otiga’s love for the Florida Gators, all who wish are encouraged to wear blue and orange.

“To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” — 2 Corinthians