Julian Stewart Starr

Julian Stewart Starr, IV (Stewart) passed away on August 18, 2026, at the age of 71, surrounded by his loving family.

Stewart was born on February 17, 1955, in Lancaster, South Carolina, to Julian Stewart Starr, III and Mary Esther Starr. He and his family lived in several states before relocating to Cary, North Carolina where his father was a large animal State Veterinarian.

Stewart graduated from Cary Senior High School with the Class of 1974. During his high school years, he was a talented and highly regarded athlete. He wrestled and played football throughout high school and also participated in track and field for a time. Stewart excelled as a wrestler, advancing to the North Carolina state championship finals and tied for third in the state. On the football field, he excelled and lettered while playing both offensive and defensive positions. His athletic ability, determination, and competitive spirit made him a standout wrestler and football player during his years at Cary High.

Following high school, Stewart attended North Carolina State University, where he earned his degree in Parks and Recreation in 1978.

After earning his degree, Stewart began a career that would keep him closely connected to NC State. For much of his career, he worked in agriculture through the university. Although he held a supervisory role, Stewart was never one to simply stand back and direct others. He could often be found working right alongside his employees, leading by example and never asking someone to do something he wasn't willing to do himself. With his love for horses, Stewart trained in Texas and became a certified ferrier in the 1990"s.

In his retirement, Stewart took a maintenance job at Oak Hill Assisted Living Community so he could be close to his father, who was a resident there. In November 2013, God allowed his path to cross with Julie's when her mother was preparing to move into Oak Hill. Stewart and Julie's shared love and compassion for older adults and people with disabilities helped form a special connection between them.

Perhaps it was fitting from the very beginning that Julian found his Julia. Their names were just one of the sweet blessings in a love story that quickly became something much more, marrying within three months. Stewart and Julie were married on February 28, 2014, beginning a life together centered around faith, love, family, compassion, and caring for others.

In his later years of retirement, he found a wonderful new purpose alongside his son Stew. Together, they built Starr Motorsports from the ground up. It was a true labor of love, allowing him to deeply support Stew's lifelong passion for motorcycles. More than just a business, the shop was the ultimate gift: a place where he could work side-by-side with his son every day, helping Stew's biggest dream finally come true.

Stewart faithfully attended Plymouth Church until his recent illness. His faith and church family were an important part of his life.

Stewart was a devoted husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. His family was an important part of his life, and the love he shared with them will be treasured for years to come.

Stewart is survived by his beloved wife, Julie; his sons, Matthew (Nicole) and their children, Caden, Kinley, and Lilly, and Stew (Jen) and Eryn; his stepsons, Graham (Kelly) and their children, Haley, Jackson, and Zachary, and Kendall (Kim) and their children, Gracelyn and Michael.

He is also survived by his mother, Mary Esther Starr; his brother, Bruce Starr (Sharon); his sisters, Ivey Almond (Gerald) and Linda Garner (Jim); as well as his beloved nephew and nieces, extended family, and many others whose lives he touched.

Stewart was preceded in death by his father, Julian Stewart Starr III, and his brother, Kevin Starr.

Until his recent sickness, Stewart faithfully made sure his mother's needs were met so that she could live independently for as long as possible.

Stewart's life will be remembered not simply by the years he lived, but by the people he loved and the lives made better because he was part of them. His family will carry forward the memories, laughter, lessons, and love he gave so freely. He walked through his life quietly but his impact was huge. He lived to serve others, always putting his family and friends first with a humble heart. He made the world a better place never looking for any praise.

His absence will be deeply felt, but the love he gave will remain a part of his family for generations to come.

The family would like to thank everyone for their prayers, love, and support during such a difficult time. We especially want to thank the staff at Duke University Hospital in Raleigh and Durham, and the many special people who took care of Stewart during his illness.

A Celebration of Life service honoring Stewart will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Plymouth Church, 6104 Rock Service Station Road, Raleigh, NC 27603.

Following the service, light refreshments will be served, and the family will receive friends and loved ones in the church's Family Life Center.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Stewart's memory to Plymouth Church or Guardian Angel in Fuquay-Varina, NC.