Murray, v. Holnam, Inc. and Thomas Thornton, of Whom Holnam, Inc. Is

ANDERSON, Judge:

John Murray appeals from an order of the Circuit Court granting summary judgment to his former employer, Holnam, Inc., as to Murray’s slander cause of action. We reverse and remand.

FACTSIPROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

Holnam operates a cement plant near Holly Hill, South Carolina. The plant includes a quarry which houses a large diesel fuel storage tank. Holnam hired Murray in 1989 as a control room operator. Murray’s responsibilities involved operating cement-mixing machinery. Michael Smoak supervised Murray’s shift. When Smoak was absent, Murray acted as the relief supervisor.

While…