George W. Johnson, Jr., affectionately known by all as "Coach" was born on July 18, 1927, to the proud parents George and Estelle Johnson in Lucknow, SC. He went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, July 3, 2012.

"Coach" taught and coached cross-country at Brookland-Cayce High School from 1959-1989 where he won 6 State Championships. After retiring, he went to Ben Lippen in 1989 as cross-country and track coach until May, 2012. While at Ben Lippen his teams won 11 straight state championships. He loved coaching and being with young people. He was inducted into the BC Hall of Fame, the SC Athletic Hall of Fame and the S.C.I.S.A. Hall of Fame. He was known as the "Father of Cross-Country" in the state of SC.

George was a good brother, loving son, loving and faithful husband, father and grandfather. His life was marked by faithfulness to God in service to others, in, among other places, Eau Claire Presbyterian Church and Bible Presbyterian Church. He leaves a legacy of caring for others.
George is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Helen; children, Miriam Johnson of Atlanta, GA, George "Rocky" Johnson of Berkley Springs, WV, Ann (Jeff) Mackenzie of Holland, MI; three wonderful grandchildren, Bethany Johnson, Abbey and Quinn Mackenzie; three nephews; one niece; a brother, Ward Johnson.

The funeral service for Coach Johnson will be held Friday, July 6, 2012 at 2:30 o'clock at Shives Funeral Home, 5202 Colonial Drive with The Rev. Stephen Johnson and The Rev. Ellis Johnson officiating. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 5 until 8 Thursday evening at the funeral home. Serving as pallbearers will be, Mark Bedenbaugh, Ward Smith, Louie Collins, Joel Platt and Hunter Frady. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Marion and Steve Platt.

The family welcomes all friends and loved ones of "Coach" to his Celebration of Life service on Saturday, July 7, 2012, at 1 o'clock to be held at the Ben Lippen School, 500 St. Andrews Road, Columbia.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Coach Johnson Scholarship Fund, Ben Lippen School, 7401 Monticello Road, Columbia, SC 29203.