One of Central Georgia's own was lost during the attack in San Bernardino.
Windsor Academy, a private school in Macon, confirmed Shannon Johnson, 45, an alumnus of the school was killed Tuesday. He graduated from Windsor in 1988.
And he died a hero.
A relative of a survivor posted about Johnson on Facebook:
"This angel of a man was sitting next to my sister when the shooting happened. He helped protect her from the bullets and we are so grateful for his heroic love, that most likely saved her life. She said he was a very sweet man and she spoke with him often at work. Our heart breaks hearing of his passing, and it bursts knowing of his love for my sister."
PHOTOS: San Bernardino victims
Josie Ballard Ezelle was the manager for the Windsor football team Johnson played on.
"All the underclassmen looked up to him," Ballard Ezelle said. "He was a well-rounded, smart guy you knew was going places."
Before graduating from Windsor, he attended Briarwood Academy for two years where he was a decorated athlete who played football, track and baseball.
Ashley Wilson, a former classmate, said his popularity on the field was the same off the field.
"He was good to everyone that he came in contact with."
Mary Lynn Reese also know Johnson during his time at Briarwood.
"I, I was in total shock, I couldn't believe it," Reese said.
It was the only reaction Reese could have when she found her classmate was among the victims.
"Just had such a sweet spirit...so it was just really really hard to hear that this morning," she said.
