Sadly, we report the death of a great man, Gainesville High School Principal Chris Mance.
When we learned to spell the word “principal” we were taught to remember that a principal is our “pal.” Mr. Mance’s life proved that truth.
Brian Christopher Mance was born October 2, 1961 in Clayton, Georgia to Mr. and Mrs. Walter Eugene and Mary Owens Mance. He died on April 29, 2012 at the age of 50. He leaves his wife, Phyllis Farris Mance.
Mr. Mance grew up in Clayton, graduated from Rabun County High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in History from Piedmont College in Demorest, Georgia. He taught history and coached football, baseball, and golf before earning his Masters of Education degree from Clemson University.
Mr. Mance became Assistant Principal and also coached at Elbert County High School. He was Assistant Principal of Gainesville High School from 2001 – 2008 and was promoted to Principal of Gainesville High School from 2008 to his death on April 29, 2012.
During his time of leadership at Gainesville High, the school received the National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence award and the National Youth At Risk award. In addition to coaching, teaching and leading for over twenty eight years, he also received many awards.
Mr. Mance was the Sunday School Superintendent of Clayton First United Methodist Church for over 25 years. He was a dedicated family man and, in the words of Gainesville High School’s website, he was ” a witness and testimony to the power to do great things with hard work, integrity, family support and the love of Christ in your heart.”
We will miss him dearly.
Click Here for a Tribute to Principal Chris Mance
Click Here for Information on Principal Mance’s Life
