Mr. Julian E. Relf, Sr

Felicia N stallings sent Peace & Serenity Dishgarden for Mr. Julian E. Relf, Sr - December 08, 2025

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To Sharon, a best friend in my heart forever, I was so sorry to hear about Mr. Relf, a great person and great teacher!!! May God be with you and your family always!!!!❤️

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, grandfather, and so many others, 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 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. Dorthy 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 Waler L. Dixon, Sr. "RIP"

Rest in Peace Uncle Relf....you will be truly missed.❤️💔

I cannot express enough accolades for Elder Julian Relf, Sr. He was a giant in the community, a mentor to many in and out of Trinity Presbyterian Church, a vocal advocate for Civil Rights and justice, and fearless foe of injustice. Mr. Relf was a calming presence in the congregation, and always demonstrated a true Christian love for Jesus Christ who was the head of his life. Now his baptism in complete in Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 5: 5 "Now he that wrought us for this very thing is God, who gave unto us the earnest of the Spirit. 6 Being therefore always of good courage, and knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord 7 (for we walk by faith, not by [d]sight); 8 we are of good courage, I say, and are willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be at home with the Lord." Rest in eternal peace Elder Relf and we shall meet again on that beautiful shore. Peace be with Mrs. Dorothy Relf and family.

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