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 man whose presence brought warmth, joy, and love to those around him. He was a devoted son, brother, grandson, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend. Born a fighter with several birth defects, he continued his fight for forty-nine years. Matthew lived longer than any medical professional ever expected, and every minute of his life was treasured. Unlike a cat, Matthew had more than nine lives having faced four open heart surgeries, an extensive colon surgery, and bone fusions almost every summer in his younger years. He is truly a hero among us never complaining and facing each challenge with optimism. Matthew lived each day full of life and always with a smile.

Matthew had a vibrant spirit and a zest for life. His favorite things in this world were his family, holidays, HopeBridge Adult Day Care, WWE, classic TV shows, crossword puzzles, eating, 80's music, Murder She Wrote, and old game shows. He could light up a room with laughter and a smile. He was the constant jokester wanting others to laugh. If he teased you, he loved you. He also never met a stranger. If you were a stranger, after meeting Matthew you were then considered a friend.

Matthew enjoyed celebrating his birthdays out to eat with family. When it wasn't his birthday, he was always a good sport - putting his head down on his hand and giving a coy smile, because he knew after the song was over, he could enjoy the birthday dessert.

He was known for cheating at UNO, singing Christmas songs year round, being the Hopebridge Weatherman, gag gifts, monkey cards for every occasion, but most importantly, the deep love he had for his family and friends.

Matthew will be remembered for his quick wit, contagious laugh, and a smile that can brighten the darkest day. Though he is gone far too soon, his love, laughter, and the memories he created will live in the hearts of all who knew him.

He is lovingly remembered by his parents, Terri Grimsley, Leon and Patty Wingard, sister, Jennifer Wingard Hall, brother, Zachery Grimsley (Mandi), his favorite nephews Anderson Hall and Griffin Grimsley, and cherished niece Emery Grimsley, grandmother, Billie Futch, aunts and uncles who were so special to him Robert (Bobby) and Frankie Wingard, John Baker, Juli Mingledorff, cousins, Renee (Dave) Jordan, Nia Harmon West (Mark) and baby Ryeland and Beth (Charles) Counterman, Laney Counterman lifelong best friend Matthew Dunlap and special friend from Kansas City, Cainan Kirby who he enjoyed FaceTiming on Wednesday nights. He also leaves behind extended family members and HopeBridge friends who will forever cherish the memories they shared with him. He was preceded in death by loving grandparents George and Rodelle Wingard, John Baker, Sr. and Stepfather Thurmond Grimsley. We know they were all there to greet him when he gained his heavenly wings, especially Grandma Wingard, and she probably had his Pepsi and saltines with peanut butter waiting on him. We can only imagine what a reunion they all had full of laughter, jokes and plenty of fun.

We wish to extend our gratitude to MSA Hospice, Lexington Medical Center Doctors, Nurses, and other healthcare professionals who supported us during his journey. To his Hopebridge Family, you meant the world to him, and you will always be part of our family. The love and support given to our family over the past twenty-five years is something we will always treasure. We thank our family and friends for your love, support and prayers that have carried us through the past few months.

Pallbearers are John Baker, Jr., Anderson Hall, Jody Harmon, ZacheryGrimsley, Stanley Baker and Leon Wingard.

Honorary Pallbearers are the Hopebridge Staff and Gang and Griffin Grimsley.

In honor of his Hopebridge family, we kindly ask in lieu of flowers donations be made to Terri Grimsley 1311 Corley Court, West Columbia 29070 and a fund is being set up for Hopebridge activities. This will allow his light to continue to shine with his Hopebridge family.