John V. "Johnny" Menger

The memorial service to celebrate the life of Johnny Menger, 88, of Columbia, will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2023, at Chapin United Methodist Church at 3:00 pm. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. The Reverend Jody Flowers will officiate. Johnny was born in Augusta, Georgia, on August 18, 1934, and departed this earthly life on January 10, 2023. He was the son of the late Virgil D. Menger and the late Mary Murphy Menger. Johnny was a longtime member of Chapin United Methodist Church. Johnny was a stand out 2 sport athlete (baseball and football) in both high school (Richmond Academy, Augusta, GA) and college (Georgia Tech University, Atlanta, GA). While at Georgia Tech, he lettered in baseball and played 4 years of football under the legendary Coach Bobby Dodd. In the years Johnny played, his Yellow Jackets went to a bowl game every year: to the Sugar Bowl twice and to the Cotton and Gator Bowl. Johnny then played a season for the Columbia Gems minor league baseball team before returning to Georgia Tech to work as a graduate assistant under Coach Dodd. Johnny taught and coached a couple of years at Druid Hills High School in Atlanta before being hired onto the football coaching staff at Furman University. He also coached at Tulane and the University of South Carolina. After leaving his coaching career, he became self-employed selling insurance and securities. Johnny also served 6 years in the Army Reserves. Johnny is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Marlene; his daughters Kathy Menger (Buddy McCart) of Lexington, Kristen Morris (Ley) of Irmo; and his sons, Bobby Menger (Elena) of Irmo and Billy Menger (Angela) of Summerville. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Nicholas Menger (Catherine); Michael Menger (Kayla); Sydney Mitchell (Cole); Addison Menger; and Jack Menger and his four great grandchildren. Besides his parents, Johnny was preceded in death by his two brothers, Carl and Jimmy Menger. For those unable to attend, the service will be streamed live via the following link: https://boxcast.tv/view/celebrating-the-life-of-john-v-johnny-menger-o4gmooovzrkkppdkkmki In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Chapin United Methodist Church, 415 Lexington Avenue, Chapin SC (http://chapinumc.com/give)