Octavian D Hughes

Octavian "Tae" Dequayan Hughes, 25, passed away on June 1, 2026, in Arlington, Texas.

The family will receive friends from 6pm to 8pm on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Wade Family Funeral Home, 4140 W. Pioneer Pkwy., Arlington, Texas 76013. A celebration of Tae’s life will be held at 12pm on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the funeral home and followed by a reception where the guest will have an opportunity to visit with the family.

Tae was born on April 9, 2001, in Arlington, Texas, to his loving parents, LaKeisha and Herman Hughes, Jr. From an early age, Tae displayed a kind spirit, creative mind, and compassionate heart that would touch the lives of everyone who knew him.

He graduated from James Martin High School in Arlington, Texas, where he was actively involved in numerous academic and extracurricular activities. Tae was a member of the Archery team and Orchestra, participated in the AVID program, and was inducted into the National Honor Society in recognition of his dedication and academic achievement. Following high school, he attended Savannah College of Art and Design, where he continued to pursue his passion for creativity and artistic expression.

Tae had a deep love for anime, writing, drawing, cooking, and gaming. His imagination and artistic talents allowed him to bring joy and inspiration to those around him. Whether creating art, developing stories, preparing meals, or spending time enjoying games, Tae approached everything he loved with enthusiasm and creativity.

Above all, Tae was a follower of Jesus Christ whose faith guided his life. He was known for being sweet, humble, and caring. He inherited his mother's big heart and generously shared that love and compassion with family, friends, and everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Tae's memory will forever be cherished by his parents, LaKeisha and Herman Hughes, Jr.; siblings, Zykia Hughes, Quianna Hughes, Dorian McCullar, Tre’Von McCullar-Hughes; along with numerous other family members and friends. Though his time with us was far too short, the impact of his kindness, faith, creativity, and love will remain in the hearts of those he leaves behind.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always.

From Quianna Hughes: Tae was more than his siekle cell. He was smart, caring, kind, compassionate and creative. Octavian was everyone's friend. He was loved and cared for by so many. Tae loved anime, he was a geek for it, he was infatuated with everything about it. It's why he wanted to pursue his dreams of becoming an animator. If you needed someone to talk to he would gladly listen and share his opinion or offer you advice. The sound of his laughter would cheer you up and he was funny as well. Octavian was a star and now he's a star that has returned home. Everyday he is making the sky pretty. With all of our love and through the pain and tears, Octavian will be missed dearly.

From Zykia Hughes: To my brother, Octavian. Octavian "Tae" was a fighter. His whole life he had to fight from being born with sickle cell. Despite all the pain and hospitalizations, he had a kindred spirit. He was such a sweet, nice, and caring person that was also a great listener. His smile and laugh was contagious and he made others laugh from how silly he could be with little effort. He was loved by many. Everyone was always happy to see him. He lit up any room with his presence. Tae was very passionate about anime and if you know anime, you became his new favorite people. He also was passionate when it came to his drawing, writing, and cooking. No matter what he was working on, he was a perfectionist. It had to be right before he was happy with it. Octavian was uniquely special, not just how he carried himself, but also how he cared and loved towards others. Despite not being understood at times, he continued not to care and carried on being himself. He had a special routine that put him on a different level. He made everyday meaningful and purposeful. Octavian was ambitious going after what he wanted despite the odds. He was indeed stubborn and could be wrong about something, but he would debate on why he was right. He will be dearly missed by all he touched, leaving a big ache in our hearts. He'll never be forgotten, always living through memories shared, laughs and talks. We'll remember him through what he loved and who he loved. Although, he's not here with us, Tae is getting the rest and peace that he deserves.

From Mom: To my first love, my sweet baby boy. You were the first to make me a loving mother, which has been the greatest job ever. I have been blessed to watch you grow into a great man. You always been determined, respectful, loving, loyal, funny, passionate and protective. I love that you found your passion but hate it ended before you could accomplish and see it through. Your presence brought joy to my heart and soul. I love to see you smile. You had a beautiful smile. You've always been unique and true to yourself. You're a man that knows how to love like God wants us to love. You're not perfect, but I love you anyways. I'm going to miss our little spats, I think I owe you one! I miss the way you always took care and looked out for me. I'm going to miss your loving, kind spirit. Everything that made you, Octavian, my sweet baby boy. You always had challenges, but always rose to the occasion with class and honor. you are one of the smartest men I know. When I think of you, I don't think of you with sickle cell, I think that if anyone knew you, they would see your big heart. They would see how sweet you are and that you'll be the greatest accomplishment in my life. I will always be proud of you and always be proud to call you my son. My sweet baby boy, Octavian. Rest in Heaven my love, Mom.

From Dad: My son, Octavian. I watched him grow from an infant boy to an amazing young man at 25 years old. He was always a happy baby boy, always smiling and joyous. As he progressed in years, he became determined, ambitious person. He cherished the things and people he loved. Octavian inherited his big heart from his mother. Despite everyone's flaws, he saw the good in everyone. Both sides of his family adored him. All the anime lovers in the family talked anime with him every time they saw him. He took to heart the things he loved: anime, writing, drawing, and cooking, He also adored his sisters, always looking out for them, and his brothers. We all are missing a major part of our heart after his passing. He touched us all in every way possible. Octavian was called home too soon, but I know that he's at peace now. No more pain and no more suffering. I will miss our talks, debates, and time spent together. He is a different and special kind of person. Octavian has shown me how to have a heart of gold. He was a resilient fighter, battling his sickle cell and other health issues. He fought all the way to his last breath. Octavian made me a proud father, I am very proud of my son! Love always, Dad.

From his sister: Tae and I did not have the best relationship as some siblings do. We was polar opposites, one the sun and the other then moon. Aware of each other, but so different and like a typical little sister I found him to be annoying. Which he would be purposely at times. Despite how our relationship came off, we would do what we could for each other even if we did seem annoyed by the request (lol). I can only hope that he knew how special he was to me and how I admired him. That and I would drive him where he needed to be no matter how far it was with no complaint one last time if I could.