Beloved Liberty County High School Head Football Coach Kirk Warner passed away June 16, after battling an aggressive form of cancer. Warner played tight end at the University of Georgia from 1986 until 1989 and was the Panthers’ Head Coach since 2002.

He took the Panthers to 11 state playoffs and three region championships.

In his career Warner mentored several players, many who went on to play in college and two players Raekwon McMillan and Richard LeCounte who now play in the NFL.

Warner’s son Karrington, currently plays for Savannah State University.

Earlier this year, Warner was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer called angiosarcoma.

According to a GoFundMe page created by friends, Warner slipped into a coma recently and was fighting for his life.

"I am completely heartbroken, Courier Editor Patty Leon said. "There is nothing that Kirk would not do for his students, football players, family, and community. He was a man of faith and courage and Liberty County has truly suffered a deep loss. My heart, thoughts and prayers are with his family during this time."