Child’s Funeral Home | Clinton, SC

Obituary For Julian Leonard "Dillard" Shabazz

Mr.Julian Leonard Dakari Shabazz was born Julian Leonard Dillard on March 24, 1968 to the late Moses Jackson Dillard and to Mary L. Chappelle (Dillard) Byrd in Clinton, SC. He attended Clinton Elementary and Bell Street Middle School and while attending Clinton High School he formed the rap group- The Awesome Crew with Derrick Robinson. He graduated from Clinton High School in 1986.

After high school, he attended Benedict College where he was a member of the B.C. Players and Student Government Association president. As president, he was a founding member of the Improvement Movement and instituted sweeping reforms including restructuring student Homecoming expenses and creating the recreation department’s annual Tiger Fest.

He graduated in 1990 and earned a master’s degree in parks and recreation administration from Indiana University. He was pursuing a doctorate of education in sports management from the United States Sports Academy.

A defining moment in his life occurred in 1986. Known in the rap music world as Daddy D., Julian and his group The Awesome Crew released the single “Bad.”

Julian worked for several years as the Bookmobile librarian at the Laurens County Public Library. He was a motivational speaker, rap artist, professor and librarian. and an author of nine books: Black Stars of Professional Writing, Roar of the Tigers, How to be a Player and Dolemite: The Story of Rudy Ray Moore.

He was an active member of the Kemetic Institute in Columbia.

He grew up a member of Mt. Moriah Baptist Church and is survived by four children Rassoull, Cleopatra, Nigel and Khalil, his mother Mary and brother David.

Guest Book

Professor Shabazz, You were truly one of a kind. Rassoull, Cleopatra, and their siblings were blessed to have you as a father. May light continue to guide you and May God watch over your family and friends. M. Devon Speaks

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Sleep well my brother, Donald Holmes

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My little brother - I missed you and am proud to have been able to call you my friend and brother.

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Smooth D and Daddy D together again. Rap on my two brothers, rest in power. Love, Peace and Blessings to The Family.--Sheryl Robinson Anderson

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I will forever appreciate your words, wisdom and encouragement that you gave me as one of your students at Benedict College. To the family, you are in my thoughts and prayers. -Denise Arthur c/o 06

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Words cannot express what I am feeling right now. Julian (Daddy D) thank you for being a wonderful friend/brother to my brother. Your genuine sole, your pure heart and you never ending knowledge will be missed. I will forever call you brother and hold you dear. May you rest in paradise. To the family my sincere condolences to all of you. "Daddy D and Smooth D" 4eva....... Fran and Justice #LUCKY CHARM GIRL #TEARS IN MY EYES #IT WAS A DREAM

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I'm still in disbelief. You were more than a professor, mentor and friend. Thank you so much for pouring your wisdom, time, and knowledge in all the lives you've touched. I love you forever - Leila Brown, Benedict College, 11"

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Brother Julian, you will be truly missed. My prayers are with the family. Corwin Scriven

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Brother Julian, will miss the catching up with you, on the latest thought-provoking African-American non-fiction historical books, currents events, and most of "back in the day" conversations about events & speakers who visited Benedict College. My condolences, prayers & sympathies to the Ms. Byrd & Brother David! -Alvin Cannon - Benedict College, "93".

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my deepest sympathy to david and his family.will be praying for the family. rip julian.you will be miss.going to miss talking with you. jackie jones

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My condolences to the family.

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My condolences to the entire family. Julian was my classmate at Clinton High and Benedict College. He will be missed.

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My deepest sympathy to Mrs. Mary Byrd and other family members. Please keep your precious memories in your heart firever. Brenda Holland Curry, Benedict College, '79.NEH

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Child’s FH