Julian was born in Barnwell, SC to Benjamin and Gertrude Black on July 19th, 1939. His family moved to Columbia, SC where he got his first job selling newspapers on Main Street at six years old. Julian attended Columbia High School where he was the captain of the football team and president of his class, then became a South Carolina Gamecock and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business.
While in college, he joined ROTC which led him to serve our country in the Marines, the Air Force, and the Air National Guard. Julian then completed his flight training and became an instructor on the T-38s while stationed at Craig Air Force Base in Selma, AL. He continued working for the Air National Guard when he and Joan moved to Atlanta, where they started a family and began Julian’s dream career as a commercial pilot for Delta Air Lines.
After 30 years of traveling domestically and internationally as a pilot, he retired and became an instructor on the 777s for the next 15 years.
Throughout his adult life, Julian served and chaired several organizations such as the Civil Air Patrol, Delta Golden Wings, the Delta Sailing Club, Village Mill Neighborhood Association, American Legion, and the Dunwoody Police Academy. He enjoyed life to its fullest and had many hobbies, including coaching youth sports, biking, tennis, skiing, woodworking, sailing, hiking, traveling, exercising, playing cards, and reading.
But most importantly, Julian cherished quality time with his family and friends. He is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Joan Derrick Black; his children Jennifer Hill (Cullman, AL), Derrick Black and Brittany Suchanek (Atlanta, GA), and Karen Avery and husband Ged (Atlanta, GA). He adored his six grandchildren: Jude Black, Caroline and Anna Hill; and Jane, Graham and Austin Avery. Other beloved family members include his sister Ruby Reese, his brother-in-law Jimmy Derrick and wife Laura (Columbia, SC), sister-in-law Jean Holcomb and husband Paul (Columbia, SC) and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, his sister Jeannette Jennings and husband Billy, and brother Olin Black and wife Shirley.
Last but not least, Julian valued his many friendships from his younger days in Columbia, the Air Force, Delta, Village Mill, and all the other facets of his life.
A celebration of life for Julian will be held on May 17th, 2026, at 2pm in the Pavilion at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs, GA followed by a reception at the same location. The family deeply thanks all of their family and friends for the steadfast love and support during this difficult time. Those wishing to honor Julian's memory may donate to the Wounded Warrior Project, or American Lung Association, in lieu of flowers.
