Kershaw County, SC (WLTX) -- Kershaw County School Board member, Joey Dorton, was killed in a one-car accident early Wednesday morning.

"It's a tragedy in so many ways and on so many levels because he touched so very many people," said Superintendent Dr. Frank Morgan.

Around 2 a.m. Dorton was driving on Wateree Dam Road when he veered left and hit a tree. Then the car exploded. The investigation into the wreck is still ongoing.

Dorton was going to run for re-election for the school board.

"When he realized that no one was going to run, he stepped up again," said Morgan. "because of a strong sense of community service that I think was a very important part of his being.

Along with being a school board member, Dorton served as a state trooper from 1988 - 1996 and a youth sports coach. He was also a booster for his alma mater, Lugoff-Elgin High School.

Dorton leaves behind his wife of 21 years, Mitzi, and two sons -- Joseph and Justin.

Services for him will be held on 11 a.m., Friday at Lugoff First Baptist Church.