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W. Julian Obituary
Knoxville, TN
Dr. W J Julian, age 92, of Knoxville, Tennessee, departed this life on Tuesday, May 26, 2015 surrounded by his family. Dr. Julian, or "Doc" as he was known to hundreds of University of Tennessee students, led the UT Band from 1961-1993. He created some of the University's most loved traditions such as the opening of the "T" for the football team at every pre-game show and the innovative circle drill. In 1972, he introduced fans at Neyland Stadium to "Rocky Top" which became one of UT's unofficial fight songs. At the time of his death, Dr. Julian was UT's Director of Bands Emeritus. Dr. Julian was born Oct. 22, 1922 in Silver Point, TN. He initially graduated from what is now known as Tennessee Technological University. A Navy veteran, he served three years in the Pacific Theater during World War II. His ship was sunk by a kamikaze plane in the Philippines on December 7, 1944. After the war, he earned bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees in music from Northwestern University. Dr. Julian founded the Tennessee Bandmasters Association and was president of the American Bandmasters Association, National Band Association, College Band Directors Association and Tennessee Music Educators Conference. Dr. Julian's enjoyment of life was unmatched. He loved music, his students, the University of Tennessee, and most of all, his family.
Dr. Julian is survived by his wife Faye; daughter, Jennifer Nelson (Michael) of Cary, North Carolina; son, Jeff (Brandie) of Knoxville and his precious grandchildren, Claire Hollingsworth Nelson, Julian Robert Nelson and Audrey Lynne Julian.
A memorial service will be held at the Episcopal Church of the Good Samaritan, 425 North Cedar Bluff Road, Knoxville, on Saturday, May 30, 2015 at 11:00a.m. The family will receive friends at a reception following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the University of Tennessee Band Scholarship Fund or the W J Julian Endowment Fund at the University of Tennessee, 1741 Volunteer Boulevard, 2277 Natalie Haslam Music Center, Knoxville, TN 37996. Arrangements by Cremation Options, Inc. (865)6WE-CARE (693-2273) www.cremationoptionsinc.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
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Mike Pursiful
September 9, 2023
Doc captured the attention of everyone around him. I have told countless "Doc Stories" to family, friends, and coworkers through the years. Doc demanded excellence without excuse. I am honored to have studied under him and to have sat under his direction. He made you always want to do better. The energy and excitement he embodied lives on everytime the pride steps onto the field. From "spiral it up" to the "Tennessee Waltz" Doc is ever present. If you go by Neyland on a Tuesday or Thursday in the fall and listen closely you can hear him shouting and giving direction to the band. Take a bow Doc, you directed a masterpiece! Celebrating you! Mike Pursiful
Robert Cobb
February 17, 2018
The six years I spent in the Pride was one of the greatest and proudest experiences of my life. I still get a lump in my throat when I sing the Alma Mater and look forward every year to Homecoming and Alumni Band. Dr. Julian was a great motivator and mentor. He knew what made people tick and how to get the most out of them, sometimes better than they knew themselves. In addition to influencing me during my teaching years, the lessons I learned during that time have had a profound impact on many areas of my life. His passing has left a void that will never be filled, but his memory and the lessons learned will live on in the thousands of students who came though his doors and the many more whose lives have been touched by them.
Tom King
February 7, 2018
Doc admitted me to the band in the fall of 1966. I was not a specially bright student nor did I possess exceptional musical ability, but I owe my tenacity to completing college and earring a degree to the Pride of the Southland band. I was a member for 4 years and those were the proudest 4 years of my life. It was long hard work and Doc was a tough taskmaster, but the results were exceptional and every one of us was proud to be associated with the band and its great director. He continues to live in the memories of the thousands of students he taught over those years at Tennessee.
Karen Duffy Bumgardner
June 2, 2015
Dr. Julian gave me a chance to be in his band in 1976. He saw something in me that others did not. The lessons he taught me as a young adult were not realized until many years later. He had a unique way of molding young lives that we love to remember and laugh about. But his motives were always pure and he had a heart of gold. Even though I have not seen him in over 30 years, I have thought of him often. Thank you, Dr. Julian.
June 1, 2015
There was never a better Volunteer Marching Band when directed by Dr. Julian. Prayers for the family and friends. Your musical legacy will live in the students who, at some point, experienced your talents and love for music.
David Vittetoe
May 31, 2015
Thanks for the life lessons in the brief time I knew you. Rest in peace.
Richard Swan
May 30, 2015
Dr. Julian was one of the kindest most gracious men I have ever known. His legacy at UT will live on in the hearts and memories of Tennessee fans for years. My thoughts and prayers go out to Faye and his family as the deal with his loss. God Bless you all.
James Green
May 30, 2015
I only met him once, in 1962, but he made such an impression that I have never forgotten him and have spoken of him often. It is my prayer that God will comfort you family with the knowledge that he rests in peace, that you will see him again and that his was a life well lived, one that had a positive impact on multitudes, some who only were privileged to have a moment with him.
Danny Treadway
May 30, 2015
Faye, my sincere respect and prayers to you and your family during this very difficult time he was a true mentor to me and many. I played in his bands in the late "50"s while you were a student at Tennessee Tech.
May 29, 2015
My deepest sympathy to the Julian family.
I was a 4-year member of the Pride of the Southland Band, 1971-1975 a survivor and proud of it! I will always cherish the memories. Doc taught us all many things - how to work hard to achieve excellence, how to be proud of accomplishments, and how to love the University of Tennessee. He taught us the importance of always being early. Oh, and we learned a little music too. Doc taught us many of life's lessons that have helped to mold us into the people we are today.
My daughter was raised on Doc stories and by determination and hard work, fulfilled one of her goals of being a part of the Pride as a majorette. Even though her time with the Pride was after Doc had retired, she too had much admiration and respect for him.
Doc gave his all for Tennessee and will never be forgotten. His gifts to all of us were priceless. He was truly a Tennessee legend whose work will live forever. He will be in our hearts forever.
Thank you for sharing Doc with all of us. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Janet Hendricks Piecara
Myra Staggs
May 29, 2015
One of my greatest personal accomplishments is to say that I marched in "his band." He made all better than we thought we could be. I quickly learned that "on time" meant you were late in Dr. Julian's world. In his band, it was always a perfect season. Blessings and peace for your family.
May 29, 2015
Faye and family: There is a great feeling of good will coming your way. Our daughter Martha was in the Pride of the Southland Band for her four years at U.T. She had wonderful experiences, she went to Inaugural Parades in Washington, D.C., she made friends while in the band who are friends to this day. --- Dr. Julian's genius in building and sustaining his wonderful band has doubtless enriched the lives of millions! We remember him this week with deepest admiration and gratitude.
Bill and Margaret Snyder, Knoxville, Tennessee
Burt and Sharon Dean
May 29, 2015
You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. God Bless
May 28, 2015
This VERY SPECIAL MAN will be missed, but his legend will continue. Blessings of strength to the family, especially his wife, my dear, dear friend and role model from Speech Comm. - Dr. Julian, you're in my thoughts!!!
Gene Vestal, Nashville
Bill Moore
May 28, 2015
The word legendary has been cheapened by its' constant overuse in pop culture. But the word certainly applied to Dr. Julian. He was to the Pride of the Southland what General Neyland was to the football team. He didn't found the program, but it became nationally known because of him. Prayers for Dr. Faye Julian and the family.
Lori Ball Bowman
May 28, 2015
Faye, Jeff, Jennifer, and family: Our family is saddened by your loss. Doc was a great man and a dear friend to my dad for many years. He will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace, and may you be comforted by the wonderful memories being shared by so many who loved him.
John Loy
May 28, 2015
Doctor (Doc) Julian was a man for many seasons in my university life. Frightening at first, then a mentor of his own kind, and always, a friend. Many of the band members enjoyed Doc and the ceremony at the Ramp Festival in NC, when as we sat and listened to a host encourage the audience to "hit their hands so much the sound would hit back and forth from ridge to ridge". Doc smiled and leaned toward some of us sitting with him, saying, "..she means 'echo'! Such were some of the more relaxed times in The Pride of the Southland Band of Dr. W. J. Julian, and I will always treasure them!
May 28, 2015
he touched all of our hearts and helped my son who is now a teacher, he played four years for the Pride of the southland
God Bless your family
Linda Flynn (son Brian Smith 1990-1994
Faye and Don Forbes
May 28, 2015
Sincere sympathy and prayers for the family. He will be greatly missed, but never forgotten
F. David Romines
May 28, 2015
A unique personality who lived life to the fullest and encouraged all around him to do the same. He consistently maintained the highest professional standards and had the ability to propel others toward greater achievement through his example alone. He must be considered in equal standing with the pillars of the band profession. There is no doubt his influence will continue for generations. It pleases me to say I played in his band.
Carolyn Abel Lewis
May 28, 2015
He was passionate about excellence and his contributions were significant. Blessings to you, Faye, and to your family. May you be comforted knowing that he was loved, admired and respected by many.
Gena Wilson Jenkins
May 28, 2015
Faye, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. Gena Wilson Jenkins
Cathe Adams
May 28, 2015
As a band member of the Pride, I feared and loved Dr. J. He made sure that we were respectful people and in turn, people treated us with respect. I wish I could be there to pay my respects but I live in south Florida and am unable to make the trip. He will be greatly missed.
Nellie Romines
May 28, 2015
Sympathy
The Romines
Dee,jay.and their Mom
Diana Sharp
May 28, 2015
While working in the Department of Art and Music Education I worked closely with Dr. Julian. He was such a gracious and generous man, had a wonderful dry sense of humor and cared so much for others. What a great loss to the music/band world. My prayers and thoughts go out to his family and friends. R.I.P. Doc
Shelbi Bias
May 28, 2015
Although I never had the honor to march under Dr. Julian, his legacy affected every day I was a member of the Pride. He is a true Tennessee legend and will be deeply missed. My upmost condolences to his family, you are in many thoughts and prayers.
Dave Sartor
May 28, 2015
Dr. Julian was a legend at the University of Tennessee, and a tremendous force in the lives of countless students who went on to become band directors, educators, performers and composers. Well done, sir...well done.
David Faulk
May 28, 2015
Dr. Julian made an impresession upon so many. I di not graduate from Tennessee but had the honor of having instruct several clinic, honor and all state bands.
I still remember the look on band director's faces when you saw his name on the judging list for concert. For some it was immediately to the restroom and others just grew pale. His demand for perfection and dedication to the craft of directing made the entire world of music education a better place.
He will be missed and a huge hole left where he was standing. Thank you Dr. J.
Loren Boyce
May 28, 2015
I will always cherish the memories of the man who taught me respect, excellence, and to always be early. Prayers of peace and comfort for Faye and the entire family.
Sherry King Boatright
May 28, 2015
Sending deepest sympathy to the Julian family. Dr. Julian was such a legend and one of most influential persons in our lives. Bob and I were in the band 1967-1971 and like everyone else, have many stories of our college days. He will be deeply missed!
Susan Southerland
May 28, 2015
I'll never forget Doc. He instilled in me the great gift of respect and early arrivals. I marched from 1977 - 1982 and was late only 1 time. I learned my lesson that day! I have the upmost respect for Dr. Julian and many great memories. My sympathies to Faye and family.
May 28, 2015
Praying for you and your family. Tona Turpin.
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