Julian McCoy

Julian Charles McCoy, 21, Knoxville, TN passed on Friday, March 27, 2026. He was born in Baton Rouge, LA on June 2, 2004, to Dorian L. and Carrie R. McCoy.

The McCoys moved to Essex Junction, VT in 2006 where Julian attended school until the third grade. The family moved to Knoxville, TN in 2012, and Julian attended Hardin Valley Elementary and Karns Middle Schools. He graduated from Hardin Valley Academy (Class of 2022). Julian loved sports, playing soccer, football, and golf until he devoted his time to basketball. He played basketball for multiple Knoxville AAU teams and at Hardin Valley Academy.  

Julian gave his life to Christ at age 10, joining New Covenant Baptist Church (Knoxville, TN) on February 5, 2014. He was baptized February 9, 2014, and was active in the youth ministry, traveling to Jamaica for a mission trip in 2018. 

In August 2022, Julian enrolled at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK). He was scheduled to graduate from the UTK Haslam College of Business with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Marketing in May 2026. Julian’s business concentration was in International Business and he minored in English. Julian had been hired by Ford Motor Co. and was relocating to Detroit, MI to work in marketing at the Ford Motor Co. Corporate Headquarters. 

As a strong academic student, Julian made the UTK Haslam College of Business Dean’s List numerous times and was a Scholar in the Greg and Lisa Smith Global Leadership Honors Program. Julian received numerous scholarships from UTK, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and other groups. At UTK, Julian was involved in various UTK student organizations. He was a proud member of the Kappa Chi Chapter (UTK) of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.; a member of the UTK American Marketing Association (AMA); and a UTK Success Academy cohort member—later serving as a Success Academy peer coach. Julian participated in numerous international experiences/studies abroad including the UTK Japan Global Immersion Program, the Greg and Lisa Smith Global Leadership Scholars Internship Semester (London, England), Tennessee-Rwanda Leadership Experience, and the First Year Experience in Costa Rica. His volunteer experiences included Volbreaks and Drums Up Guns Down. 

Julian completed internships with Fortune 50 companies Proctor & Gamble (Minneapolis, MN), and ADM (Archer Daniels Midland; Erlanger, KY). He also interned with Breaking Barriers, Co. in London, England and UTK Enrollment Management – Communications. 

Julian’s involvement in Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. was extensive. He was initiated into the fraternity April 3, 2023. He served as the Kappa Chi Chapter 1st Vice President (2025), Membership Intake Chair (2025), and Social Media Chair (2023); East Tennessee Collegiate Member-at-Large (2024-2026); and co-chaired the 2024 East Tennessee State Meeting (Knoxville, TN). Julian attended Conclave Houston (2024). He was recognized as the 2025 East Tennessee Collegiate Brother of the Year and received the 2024 East Tennessee “Perseverance” Award. He was awarded multiple scholarships from the fraternity and was a Bro. Robert J. Booker Essay Contest Scholar. 

Julian leaves many to cherish his memories and celebrate his life: daughter, Alazia Rayelle McCoy (Chattanooga, TN); girlfriend, Jordan Parker (Chattanooga, TN); parents, Dorian and Carrie McCoy (Columbia, SC); sister, Brittanni R. McCoy (Ryan Barnes; Clarksville, TN); brother Jaylen L. McCoy (Knoxville, TN); paternal grandmother Cherry L. Smith (Little Rock, AR); maternal grandparents, Charles and Carla Bobo (Little Rock, AR); two special nephews, Rylan A. Barnes and Raymond A. (Trey) Barnes (Clarksville, TN); and a host of family (uncles, aunts, cousins), friends, loved ones, and fraternity brothers. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Willie J. McCoy. 

Julian was loved by many. His presence and infectious smile lit up a room. Although he loved to joke and was extremely competitive, he always took care of those closest to him and anyone in need. He will be deeply missed, but we take comfort in knowing he is at peace. His life was a gift to us all, and we will carry his memory with us forever.  

Family will receive friends Saturday April 11, 2026 from 10:00am to 11:00am at Overcoming Believers Church, 211 Harriet Tubman St, Knoxville, TN 37915, with funeral services to follow. Minister Anthony Burton, Lead Pastor of Bridge Church, Knoxville, TN Eulogist. Interment at Sherwood Chapel & Memorial Gardens, 3176 Airport Hwy, Alcoa, TN 37701. 

Final arrangements entrusted to Jarnigan & Son Mortuary. www.jarniganandson.com