John "Johnny" William Wactor, III

John William Wactor III, 37, of Summerville, SC was murdered on Saturday, May 25, 2024, in Los Angeles, California while heroically shielding his co-worker.

Johnny was born on August 31st, 1986, in Charleston, South Carolina, son of John W. Wactor II and Scarlett S. Wactor. Johnny was the oldest of three brothers, Lance E. Wactor and Grant C. Wactor. The family built a house on 5 acres in Summerville, SC when Johnny was 13. He grew up with a deep appreciation for nature and his family.

Wactor’s roots run deep through the lowcountry with a surviving grandmother, 5 aunts, 5 uncles, and 11 cousins. Johnny was a decorated athlete. He enjoyed being active and taking care of his health. Wactor was a nationally ranked and state champion swimmer, winning countless medals and ribbons. To this day, Wactor holds the record for the 11-12 Boys 50 Meter Free for swimming in the tri-county area.

Johnny started performing at an early age. He made his first public performance at 10 as Julius Ceasar at Givhans Elementary School. The following year Johnny was accepted into Rollings Middle School of the Arts. By 19, Johnny knew that he wanted to be an actor. Upon graduation from the College of Charleston, with a double major in Business and Spanish, Johnny moved to Los Angeles to pursue his acting career.

Johnny continued to hone his craft as a storyteller in several studios in Los Angeles, ultimately finding his creative community at Stuart Rogers Studios in North Hollywood.

His loss has been felt by his family, closest friends and the worldwide community of his fans. He leaves behind a remarkable body of work as an Actor; starring as a lead on Siberia, an NBC primetime TV show, and was Brando Corbin on long-time running soap opera, General Hospital. Countless TV and Film credits, but he was not done. He had a vigor for the next story to tell.

Johnny recognized the importance of service to his community donating his time and energy to so many in need. Recently reading Dr. Seuss to local elementary schools in Los Angeles, making and passing out sandwiches to the homeless during the COVID-19 pandemic. He protested with his fellow actors during the writer’s strike.

Johnny stood up for what he believed in and remains an example of how to live life with non-negotiable integrity and grit. He found solace and serenity with his loving family, on the mountain, climbing, being a proud big brother to Lance and Grant, with the boys, just talking to his mother, in play, always outside, in nature.

A man brimming with magnetism and humility. A pure life force, passion Personified, awaking in the early mornings with purpose, ready to go. Johnny’s love will be remembered and felt by all. Forever leaving an everlasting mark on this world.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 15, 2024, at Summerville Baptist Church, 417 Central Avenue, Summerville, SC 29483. Family will be receiving friends at 11:30, with the Funeral to follow at 1 o’clock. Flowers will be accepted to Summerville Baptist Church. Memorials may be made to the Edisto Island Open Land Trust of Charleston, SC or Stuart Rogers Studios of Los Angeles, CA.

The family is asking everyone to pray for the immediate capture, conviction, and severe penalty of the three masked murderers.

Arrangements by Parks Funeral Home, 130 West 1st North St., Summerville, SC 29483. www.parksfuneralhome.com

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