Julian Relf Obituary
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Shameeka King
December 10, 2025
Thank Mr. Relf, you were a great principal to us at Fifth Avenue. You were the real definition of a positive role model and expected great things from all of us. Take your rest, and job well done!!! Sending my sincere condolences to your family and all the lives you have impacted, you will be missed.
Brenda Parker
December 10, 2025
Mrs.Relf I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Relf he was an outstanding Principal at Fifth Avenue Elementary. He hired me for my job at Fifth Avenue I was also a charter member of the optimist club he started in Decatur. Truly going to be missed. Brenda Parker
Tonjia McCrory
December 10, 2025
Thank you MrRelf for being an excellent Principal at Fifth Ave Elementary, You will be missed. Rest on.
Travis Baker
December 10, 2025
Mr Relf out of sight but always on our minds rest easy coach
Travis Baker
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Erica Francis (Adams)
December 10, 2025
I am saddened to hear of Principal Mr. Relf´s passing. He was a strong leader and a meaningful presence during my elementary school years. His guidance and dedication impacted many students and families. My condolences to his family, loved ones, and all whose lives he touched. May he rest in peace.
Mike Maddox
December 10, 2025
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Veronica Edwards
December 9, 2025
My sincere condolences to the family, he was a awesome principal at City of Decatur Schools,Oakhurst and Fifth Ave Elementary.
Tena Dockery
December 9, 2025
Thank you Mr Relf job well done
vivian a minter
December 9, 2025
God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Walter Dixon, Sr.
December 9, 2025
The Legacy of a Righteous Man. Julian E. Relf, Sr.
There are some men God sends into this world who are not measured by titles, degrees, or positions, but by the lives they elevate and the hope they instill. Brother Julian E. Relf, Sr., was such a man. Though he held many roles principal, teacher, community leader, husband, father, and grandfather, his greatest calling was that of a righteous teacher, a mentor to generations, and a father figure to the fatherless.
In the halls of Decatur´s schools, he walked like a prophet among the people, speaking truth with love and firmness. He believed that education was not simply about reading and writing but about building character, discipline, and self-respect. He knew that if you raised up a young Black man with strength, dignity, and wisdom, you blessed the entire community. And so he poured into us with intention, shaping us into men who could stand tall in this world.
In his family life, he led with the same spirit. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, a guiding grandfather, great-grandfather and a dependable uncle. Those who knew him closely saw the fullness of his heart, gentle yet firm, wise yet humble, strong yet compassionate. His home was filled with love, laughter, and the quiet strength of a man who knew God and walked with Him.
Yet even a great man cannot walk alone, and we must honor the beautiful family who stood beside him. His beloved wife, Mrs. Dorothy Relf, walked this journey with grace, patience, and unwavering love. Sharing her husband with a community of young Black men who needed his guidance. His children, Julian E. Relf, Jr. and Sharon, also gave unselfishly, allowing their father to be a father figure to many who lacked one. Their sacrifice, their understanding, and their love were part of the ministry God entrusted to this family. And as the Word tells us, "Every good tree bears good fruit," and the Relf family is living proof of the good fruit that grows from a righteous man and a praying household.
As we honor his life today, we recognize that he gave the world something greater than accomplishments; he gave the world men. Men who stand strong because he stood for them. Men who lead households because he taught them how. Men who believe in themselves because he believed first. Brother Julian E. Relf, Sr., gave more than time; he gave legacy. And though he has returned to the Father, his light continues to shine through every life he touched.
Bishop Walter L. Dixon, Sr.
"RIP"
Pam Russell
December 8, 2025
I'm certain that many City of Decatur families remember Mr. Relf fondly. He really cared about the children.
Martha Shepherd
December 8, 2025
Mr Relf was one of my first principals when I began working in the City Schools of Decatur. He was a fine man.
Steve Helms
December 8, 2025
My sincere condolences to the Relf family and friends .
Gloria Mitchell Pierre
December 7, 2025
My sincere and heart felt condolences to the family in the passing of Mr Julian Relf Sr
Craig White
December 6, 2025
My sincere condolences to the Relf Family
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227 E. Lake Drive SE, Atlanta, GA 30317
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