Julian Pugh

John Julian Pugh, formerly of Asheboro, died June 22, 2024, in Wilmington, N.C. Julian was a kind, talented and creative spirit whose presence will be deeply missed.

Born Dec 16, 1982, he was an active child, playing soccer, baseball, basketball and already showing his talent and visual expertise by making videos. At Asheboro High School he captained the cross-country team, making All-Conference and Regional in 2001. Julian was also a proficient wrestler, once pinning a former state champion from long-time rival Eastern Randolph High School. Julian loved the outdoors and earned the Eagle Scout rank in 2000 with a video for Randolph County Tourism. Julian was a talented musician, first playing percussion in North Asheboro Middle and Asheboro High School bands and later in Elon University marching and concert bands. Julian was also a talented guitarist. He wrote dozens of original songs and mastered numerous covers of popular bands such as Led Zeppelin, Radiohead, Tool, and The Flaming Lips, and occasionally performed at small events and open mic nights.

After graduating from AHS in 2001, Julian earned a bachelor’s degree in communications in 2006 from Elon, with a concentration in film. His great talent was videography and film, and he had an exceptional eye for camera angles, as well as skill in script writing and film editing. He used his communication talent in many of the jobs he held. Whether at a film studio, restaurant, or in manufacturing, he knew how to work with all types of people and often used his talents to improve the workflow.

As a youth, Julian was an active member of the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Asheboro, serving as an acolyte and crucifer. 

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Francis and Harriet Manley of Asheville, and John and Maxine Pugh of Asheboro. He is survived by his parents, Mary Joan Pugh and Alan Pugh, both of Asheboro, and brother, Worth Pugh, of Tuscaloosa, Ala. Also surviving are uncles Richard Pugh (Betty) of Asheboro, Frank Manley of Kansas City, Mo., Joe Manley of New York State, and Jim Manley of Swannanoa; aunts Catherine Banks (Earl) of Suwanee, Ga., and Margaret Perez (Joe) of Lake Elsinore, Calif.; and a multitude of cousins.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 29, at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Asheboro, with a reception following at the church. Memorials may be made to the Piedmont Land Conservancy and the N.C. Zoo Society. 

Pugh Funeral Home of Asheboro is in charge of arrangements.

Julian was a kind soul, fun-loving, hardworking, multi-talented, creative, personable, and most of all courageous. He will be missed. He already is. Godspeed, Julian.