Mr. Julian Antonio Vaughn, age 54, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 3, 2026 at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, MS. Julian was born April 19, 1972 in Tupelo, MS to Larry Vaughn and Pearlena Agnew Vaughn. He graduated from Tupelo High School in 1992 and later attended Itawamba Community College. Julian was an avid fan of the Chicago Bears and Auburn Tigers, supporting them through every win and loss. He spent many years entertaining listeners as radio personality ‘Big Daddy Woo Woo’ with 92.5 Jamz. He loved music, great food, and spending time with family and friends. His love for music and dancing earned him the nickname ‘Boogie’. Julian was passionate about being a DJ and helping others in the music and radio industry right until the very end.
Julian is survived by his loving mother, Pearlena Vaughn; the love of his life, Leslie Gladney; his son, Javen Vaughn; his six daughters, Chasity Mabry, Destiny Jarvis (Charlmers), Deja Vaughn, Ebony Betts, Cheyenne Norman, and Kaniyah Betts; his brother, Jeremy Cobb; his sisters, Alexia Vaughn, Kristy Vaughn, and Charlithia Vaughn, and a host of beloved grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Larry Vaughn and son Julian Bernard Vaughn.
A visitation will be held Friday, July 10, 2026 from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Holland Funeral Directors – Tupelo, MS. A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 12 noon at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 475 North Front Street, Tupelo, MS, with Rev. Dr. Evelyn Fitzpatrick and Rev. Dr. Gloria McKinney officiating. The burial will follow at Porter’s Memorial Park.
Pallbearers will be Frederick Taylor, Frederick Wilson, Charles Hodges, Rodney Foster, Ronnie Lagrone, Marcel Humphrey, Marqueste Sneed, Ulysses Minor, and Marcus Crump. Serving as honorary pallbearer will be Nikki Pratt.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and caregivers who provided Julian with compassionate care. Julian’s kindness, strength, and unconditional love will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. Though he is no longer with us, his legacy will continue through his children, grandchildren, family, friends, and the countless lives he touched. Words of sympathy to the family may be posted at hollandfuneraldirectors.com/obituaries/Julian Antonio Vaughn. Holland Funeral Directors are honored to serve their friends at this time.
