Ryan Scott Wenzel

Ryan Scott Wenzel, a beloved son, brother, father, uncle and friend passed away in March 2024 in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Ryan was born in Medford, New Jersey on March 1, 1975, the son of Paul Lyster Wenzel and Kathleen Ann Wenzel; younger brother of Eric Wenzel (Nichole).
Ryan's best childhood memories involved weekend and summer vacations with his family at the Jersey Shore and his pool with his brother Eric. Where there was water, there was Ryan. Ryan exhibited his prankster tendencies as early as the tender age of three, when he poured bubble bath in his mom's shoes! Ryan and his family moved to Wilmington, North Carolina in 1984, where he found his love for surfing, golfing, and being with his friend Steven Brechtlein. He attended Laney High School and played football and golf. Following high school he attended and played golf at Cape Fear Community College and obtained his lifeguard certification. Following college, he pursued his passion of golf with multiple golf pro positions at Topsail Greens, Old Point and Duck Haven. It was through the game of golf that he met lifelong friends, known as "the gamblers". He attended The Masters Golf Tournament in Augusta, Georgia many times with his late father in-law John Jones. He and Megan welcomed their daughter, Channing, or "Chi" as Ryan called her, in 2004. As Channing grew up, Ryan was ecstatic to bring her along to the golf course and tournaments to be his private chauffeur on the golf cart where she delighted herself in driving her dad around. He also introduced his stepson Hunter to the game of golf and of course, his love for the Chicago Cubs. He was also a great cook who loved entertaining others with his presence, great personality, jokes, laughter and good food. He loved his later career at General Shale Brick, where he worked for several years. When he wasn't working, he loved manicuring his lawn and taking weekend trips to the Outer Banks or to Myrtle Beach with his golfing buddies.
Ryan was preceded in death by his grandparents: John and Betty Fallon, Lyster and Florence Wenzel and special friend, Timmy Wright.
Those left to cherish Ryan's memory are; parents: Paul and Kathy Wenzel, daughter: Channing Wenzel, uncle: Robert Fallon brother: Eric Wenzel, niece: Caitlyn Wenzel, stepson: Hunter Oates, aunt: Barbara Adams, cousins and many friends.
Ryan will be remembered as a bright light and free spirit. A memorial service will be held at Wilmington Funeral and Cremation on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 2:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to The First Tee at the link above at "Memorial Gifts and Donations", an organization promoting young people's educational experiences and healthy choices through the game of golf.
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Wilmington Funeral & Cremation 1535 S. 41st Street Wilmington, NC 28403 910.791.9099