Brian Johnson Obituary

Brian Craig Johnson, 49, of Mt Pleasant, passed away on March 31, 2025, after a long illness.

He earned his bachelor’s degree from Charleston Southern University (1998) and master’s degree from Furman University (2000), dedicating his career to teaching physical education and coaching cross country and track. Brian was a long-time competitive runner, competing at the NCAA Division I level in college with numerous running accomplishments post-college. Over time, he focused his running passion toward coaching, serving as the coach for three local collegiate cross country and track teams and Academic Magnet High School.

Brian is known for the immeasurable mark he left on the Charleston running community, as all who knew him admired his commitment to his running mentorship and coaching. His favorite job was coaching the high school runners and seeing them excel and meet goals. His runners have always spoken about the positive influence he had in their lives, specifically as he helped focus on hard work, teamwork, and positive mindsets, yet balance of having fun. One of Brian’s proudest accomplishments was the experience of coaching his sons, both in distance running and steeple chase.

Brian was a dedicated husband, father, son, and brother who loved his family immensely. He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Emily; two sons, Peyton and Dylan; his parents, Dan and Rita Johnson; brother, Chad Johnson; and sister, Keri Blackburn.

A casual, drop-in Celebration of Life will be held from 3:00-6:00 pm, on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at New Realm Brewing, 880 Island Park Dr, Charleston, SC 29492.

A Memorial Service will be held at 4:30 pm, on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at Mt Pleasant Presbyterian Church, 302 Hibben St, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464, followed by a time of gathering with the family in the Church Fellowship Hall (5:15-6:45 pm).

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lonon Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides support to children in families facing cancer. Please put “In memory of Brian Johnson” in the comments in the donation form.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation - Mount Pleasant, 1520 Rifle Range Rd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464, 843-884-3833.