George "Matthew" Wingard

George “Matthew” Wingard, 49, of West Columbia, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2026. Born on February 9, 1977, Matthew was a devoted son, brother, grandson, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend. Born with several birth defects, he faced life as a fighter from his first breath, undergoing four open heart surgeries, extensive colon surgery, and repeated bone fusions throughout his childhood. He lived far longer than any doctor predicted, and every day of his forty-nine years was treasured by those who loved him. He met each challenge with quiet optimism and never complained, becoming a true hero to everyone who knew him.

Matthew brought warmth and joy wherever he went. He possessed a vibrant spirit and an irrepressible zest for life, lighting up rooms with his quick wit, contagious laugh, and ever-present smile. His favorite things included time with his family, holidays, HopeBridge Adult Day Care, WWE, classic television shows, crossword puzzles, 80’s music, Murder She Wrote, and old game shows. A constant jokester who never met a stranger, he turned acquaintances into friends in moments. If he teased you, it was his way of showing love. He was known for cheerfully cheating at UNO, singing Christmas songs year-round, serving as the HopeBridge weatherman, giving gag gifts and monkey cards for every occasion, and celebrating birthdays with family—patiently enduring the song so he could enjoy the dessert that followed.

He is lovingly remembered by his parents, Terri Grimsley, Leon and Patty Wingard; his sister, Jennifer Wingard Hall; his brother, Zachery Grimsley (Mandi); his favorite nephews, Anderson Hall and Griffin Grimsley; his cherished niece, Emery Grimsley; his grandmother, Billie Futch; and his aunts and uncles Robert (Bobby) and Frankie Wingard, John Baker, and Juli Mingledorff. He also leaves behind cousins Renee (Dave) Jordan, Nia Harmon West (Mark) and baby Ryeland, Beth (Charles) Counterman, and Laney Counterman; his lifelong best friend Matthew Dunlap; and his special friend from Kansas City, Cainan Kirby, with whom he loved sharing Wednesday night FaceTime calls. He was preceded in death by his loving grandparents George and Rodelle Wingard, John Baker Sr., and stepfather Thurmond Grimsley.

Matthew’s love, laughter, and the memories he created will live on in the hearts of all who knew him, especially his extended family and the cherished friends at HopeBridge who were such an important part of his world.