Longtime coach George Johnson passes away

COLUMBIA -- Longtime coach and cross country founder in the state George Johnson passed away this afternoon, former athlete and Pelion coach Mark Bedenbaugh confirmed to scrunners.com. 

Johnson, a member of the South Carolina Track and Cross Country Coaches Association Hall of Fame, coached at Brookland Cayce and Ben Lippen.  

Bedenbaugh called Johnson his "hero" and he is the reason he is now coaching.

Johnson's funeral is scheduled for Friday at 2:30 p.m. at Shives Funeral Home. The address is 5202 Colonial Drive in Columbia.

Obituary on TheState.com

More details will be posted as they become available.