“General Hospital” star Johnny Wactor was remembered by family and friends at a funeral in his native South Carolina, three weeks after he was murdered in Los Angeles.
The actor died on May 25 at the age of 37 after being shot and killed in downtown Los Angeles when he approached three men who were trying to steal the catalytic converter from his car.
Mourners gathered for Wachter’s funeral on Saturday afternoon at Summerville Baptist Church in Summerville, South Carolina. The service was conducted by family members, including Wachter’s mother, Scarlett, and brothers Grant and Lance.
LAPD releases new details about three suspects who killed ‘General Hospital’ actor Johnny Wactor
“General Hospital” star Johnny Wactor was buried Saturday. (Getty/Fox News)
Among those in attendance were Wachter’s friend Micah Parker and co-worker Anita Joy. Earlier this week, Parker and Grant organized a rally in Los Angeles calling for justice for the actor, whose killer remains at large. In Wachter’s final moments, he stood over Joy to protect her before he was shot.
‘General Hospital’ star Johnny Wactor’s terrifying final moments after being shot by ‘coward’ killer: coworkers
“Rest in peace but you are still with us,” Parker wrote on Instagram, sharing an image of a framed photo of Wachter.
Parker also posted a photo of flowers and a framed portrait of Wachter that were displayed on the altar steps during the ceremony, tagging the image with @justiceforjohnnywactor, an Instagram page where Wachter’s family and friends are posting updates on the search for his killer.
Family and friends attended a memorial service for the slain actor at Summerville Baptist Church in Summerville, South Carolina. (Image direct from Fox News Digital)
Wachter’s family held a funeral in his hometown. (Image direct from Fox News Digital)
Wachter was shot and killed when he encountered three thieves attempting to steal catalytic converters. (Image direct from Fox News Digital)
Joy posted an image of the funeral program with a photo of Wachter on her Instagram Story, writing: “Johnny, today was a great day for you. We love you.”
In another post, Joy wrote alongside a picture of Wachter’s funeral portrait: “I can’t believe it but you are so loved.”
Did you enjoy reading this? For more entertainment news click here
In an emotional post last month, Joy recounted how she and Wachter were walking to their car after their shift as bartenders at Level 8 bar in downtown Los Angeles when they were confronted by three people trying to steal a catalytic converter.
“Johnny was between me and the man who shot him,” she wrote. “As we heard the gunshot ring out into the night, he tumbled forcefully back into my arms. I grabbed him, yelling, ‘Are you OK?’ He simply replied, ‘No! I’m shot!’ We collapsed to the street and I got under his legs to support him while I screamed for help, for him to stay with me.”
“I am so grateful to have been a part of his world and for him to be a part of mine. Although my heart is broken by losing him, I believe I have the best guardian angel ever. I love you Johnny Wacky,” Joy concluded.
Wachter’s friend, Micah Parker, shared photos from the ceremony. (Mika Parker Instagram)
Parker and Wachter’s brother, Grant, led protests in Los Angeles calling for justice for the actor. (Mika Parker Instagram)
Scarlett previously confirmed that Parker and Joy will be attending the funeral, telling Fox News Digital that she was looking forward to meeting Joy for the first time.
Click here to sign up for our Entertainment Newsletter
“I told Anita, ‘I’m sure God has big plans for her,’ and I said, ‘Johnny’s death is bigger than all of that,'” Scarlett said. “So we need at least something to make the kind of changes we want from the city.”
Wachter’s obituaryThe report, which was carried during the funeral program, said the actor was killed “while valiantly defending his colleagues.”
In his final moments, Wachter protected his co-worker, Anita Joy. (Image direct from Fox News Digital)
Joy also attended the funeral. (Image direct from Fox News Digital)
“Johnny remained an example of standing up for his beliefs and living life with uncompromising integrity and courage,” the obituary reads. “He found solace and peace climbing mountains with his loving family, being a proud big brother to Lance and Grant, spending time with his sons, talking and playing with his mother, and always being outside in nature.”
“A man of charm and humility. Pure vitality and passion embodied. Waking up early in the morning with purpose and ready to hit the ground running. Johnny’s love will be remembered and felt by all. He will leave an indelible mark on this world forever.”
The program also included Bible passages from the Gospel of Matthew, the Gospel of John and the Book of Job.
Check out FOX NEWS’ fun new games page, with 6 games to choose from!
Wachter’s mother, Scarlett, said she hopes people “continue to pray” for justice. (Craig Sjodin/ABC via Getty Images)
Scarlett said she believes “justice will be served.” (Image direct from Fox News Digital)
In an interview with Fox News Digital earlier this week, Scarlett praised the efforts of Wachter’s friends in Los Angeles, who launched the #JusticeforJohnny movement to find Wachter’s killers.
Click here to get the FOX News app
As the investigation led by the Los Angeles Police Department continues and the movement grows, Scarlett said she urges “people to continue praying.”
“I truly believe justice will be served. I just hope it happens sooner than later. And I think what they need is God’s help. Unfortunately, it seems like the laws and support for police departments are really weak. I feel sorry for them.”
