The Manning man once known as "The Winningest Girls' Basketball Coach in History" has died.
Coach John Franklin Thames retired from his position in 2014 after more than 55 years with Clarendon School District 2. He was found at his home Friday afternoon.
"Coach Thames was a legend in this school district and this community," said Clarendon 2 Superintendent John Tindal. "He was loved by everyone. Even though he was not currently employed with the district, he was always a member of the Clarendon 2 family. He will certainly be missed."
Thames coached thousands of players in an even 1,200 games throughout his career, ultimately winning 828 of those matchups. He accomplished the feat of record for the most victories in South Carolina history in a home game held Dec. 21, 2011.
"But the thing I'm most proud of is that 27 of my girls went on to play ball for colleges and obtained their college education," Thames said in 2014 during an interview with The Manning Times.
Manninglive.com will have more information as it is available.
UPDATE: Gallery: Remembering Coach Thames
UPDATE: Fellow coaches, former students remember Coach Thames
UPDATE: Gallery 2: Remembering Coach Thames
