Ned Julian

Ned Norville Julian, Jr. of Sanford, Florida passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 11, 2025. 

Ned packed a tremendous number of experiences and texture into his 82 years. He and his beloved sisters, Katherine and Sherrille, were classic “Navy brats.” Born to Lieutenant Colonel Ned Julian, Sr. (ret) and Gertude-Fay “Sallye” Julian, young Ned moved around the Country and the World. He was born in Long Beach, CA in 1942 and then lived in far and wide places like Hawaii, Maine, and the Philippines. His Father’s Navy service eventually brought the family to Sanford, where Ned put down deep and enduring roots. God, family, and Country were guiding principles throughout his life. 

Ned graduated from Seminole High School in 1960 – in the days of the Celery Fed! Then, at nearby Stetson University, he studied history, which sparked a lifelong interest and passion. In 1967, he earned his law degree at Stetson’s College of Law, launching a long career in a profession he deeply respected and relished. 

Public service played a significant role throughout Ned’s life. He worked his way through law school as a police officer for St. Petersburg and Sanford. As a young lawyer, he served as a Seminole County Public Defender. Later, while practicing at Sanford firm Stenstrom, MacIntosh, Julian, Colbert & Whigham, P.A. (and its iterations along the way), he found his professional niche in representing Seminole County Public Schools: he started as outside counsel and later transitioned to in-house General Counsel; and his tenure spanned five Superintendents, ultimately from 1979 to the very last day of his career. Along the way, he also served as President of the Seminole County Bar Association, President of the Florida School Board Attorneys’ Association, a pro bono attorney for the Seminole County Guardian ad Litem Program, trustee to the Sanford County Law Library, and Chairman of the Seminole County District Boy Scouts.  

Regardless of his professional pursuits and milestones, Ned’s personal priority rested with his family. Ned built a legacy spanning 55 years of marriage with his cherished wife Nancy. Along with Nancy, he is survived by their sons, Matthew and Daniel, grandchildren Caroline, Benjamin (Ben), and Ellisia (Elli), the great joys of his later life. He is also survived by his sister Katherine Venable, 8 nieces and nephews, and loving in-laws. 

Ned’s life will be celebrated on March 14, 2025, at 2 p.m. at the Newcomer South Seminole on SR 434 in Longword, Florida. Ned appreciated the power of a good story and loved using humor to captivate an audience. If you are so inclined and able, you are most welcome to join the celebration of Ned’s life to hear and tell some stories with his family and friends.