Gainesville High School principal dies after brief illness

GAINESVILLE- The principal at Gainesville High School has died at Northeast Georgia Medical Center following a brief illness.

Chris Mance spent 14 years in the classroom before making the move to an administrative position.

According to the GHS website, he was named the Georgia/Tennessee All-Star Basketball Coach in 1998 & 1999 and was a recipient of the "I Dare You" Principal's Award.

Superintendent Merrianne Dyer said in a written statement:

"Gainesville City Schools and the greater community mourns the untimely passing of Gainesville High School principal, Chris Mance. All who encountered Chris realized and admired his honesty, strength, courage, professionalism, and undisputed love of our students and for Gainesville High.

Undoubtedly, and unabashedly, Chris was the spirit of the Red Elephant nation.

As Chris would insist, we will conduct the business of all schools as best we can. We ask all in the community to join us remembering the pioneer, the consummate leader of all students, the family man who gave much of himself to a school's tradition and success."

A candlelight vigil is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Monday evening at "The Rock" just down the street from Gainesville High School.

Funeral arrangements are set for 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 2nd at the Gainesville High School gymnasium.

Mance was 50 years old.