“General Hospital” star Johnny Wactor was remembered by family and friends at his funeral in his home state of South Carolina, three weeks after his death in Los Angeles.
The actor died on May 25 at the age of 37 after being fatally shot when he approached three individuals who were attempting to steal the catalytic converter from his car in downtown Los Angeles.
On Saturday afternoon, mourners gathered for Wactor's funeral at Summerville Baptist Church in Summerville, South Carolina. The service was led by Wactor's family, including his mother, Scarlett, and his brothers, Grant and Lance.
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“General Hospital” star Johnny Wactor was laid to rest Saturday. (Getty/Fox News)
Among those in attendance were Wactor's friend Micah Parker and co-worker Anita Joy. Earlier this week, Parker and Grant organized a rally in Los Angeles seeking justice for the actor, whose killers remain at large. In the final moments of her life, Wactor defended Joy by standing in front of her before she was shot.
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“Rested. But still so present with us,” Parker wrote on Instagram while sharing an image of a framed photo of Wactor.
Parker also uploaded an image of floral arrangements and framed portraits of Wactor that were displayed on the altar steps during the service. In the photo, she tagged the Instagram page @justiceforjohnnywactor, which provides updates from Wactor's family and friends about the search for his killers.
Family and friends attend a memorial service for the slain actor at Summerville Baptist Church in Summerville, South Carolina. (The direct image for Fox News Digital)
Wactor's family held his funeral in his home state. (The direct image for Fox News Digital)
Wactor was shot and killed when he encountered a trio of suspected thieves who were in the process of stealing his catalytic converter. (The direct image for Fox News Digital)
On her Instagram Story, Joy posted an image from the funeral program, which included a photo of Wactor, writing, “Today was beautiful for you Johnny. We love you.”
In another post, Joy wrote “Amazing. But you are so loved” on a photo of one of Wactor's funeral portraits.
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In an emotional post Joy shared last month, she recalled how she and Wactor were walking to their cars after a bartending shift at the Level 8 bar in downtown Los Angeles when they encountered the three individuals trying to steal the catalytic converter.
“Johnny was between me and the man who shot him,” he wrote. “When I heard the shot ring out in the night, he fell hard into my arms. As he grabbed him, I screamed 'Honey, are you okay?!' And he just responded: 'No! Shot!' We fell on the street where I pushed my legs under him and tried to hold his body up as he screamed for help and yelled at him to stay with me.”
“I am so grateful to have been a part of his world and his, mine. My heart is broken by his loss, but I believe I have gained the best guardian angel there is. I love you, Johnny Wacky,” Joy concluded.
Wactor's friend Micah Parker shared photos from inside the service. (Micah Parker Instagram)
Parker and Wactor's brother Grant led a protest rally in Los Angeles seeking justice for the actor. (Micah Parker Instagram)
Scarlett had previously confirmed that Parker and Joy would attend the service. She told Fox News Digital that she was looking forward to meeting Joy for the first time.
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“I told Anita that 'God must have big plans for her,' and then I said, 'Johnny's death has to be bigger than all that,'” Scarlett said. “So for change to happen, like what we're asking the city to do and change, at least that would be something.”
Wactor's obituary, which appeared in the funeral program, noted that the actor had been killed while “heroically protecting his co-worker.”
In the final moments of his life, Wactor protected his co-worker Anita Joy. (The direct image for Fox News Digital)
Joy was also present at the funeral. (The direct image for Fox News Digital)
“Johnny stood up for what he believed in and remains an example of how to live life with non-negotiable integrity and courage,” the obituary reads. “He found comfort and serenity with his loving family, in the mountains, climbing, being a proud older brother to Lance and Grant, with the kids, just talking to his mother, playing, always outside in nature.” .
“A man brimming with magnetism and humility. A pure life force, passion personified, who wakes up early in the morning with a purpose, ready to go. Johnny's love will be remembered and felt by all. Forever leaving an eternal mark on this world”.
The program also included biblical passages from the Gospel of Matthew, the Gospel of John and the Book of Job.
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Wactor's mother, Scarlett, said she hopes people “continue to pray” for justice. (Craig Sjodin/ABC via Getty Images)
Scarlett said she believes “justice is coming.” (The direct image for Fox News Digital)
While speaking with Fox News Digital earlier this week, Scarlett praised the efforts made by Wactor's friends in Los Angeles, who launched the #JusticeforJohnny movement to find his killers.
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As the LAPD-led investigation continues and the movement grows, Scarlett said she is asking “people to continue to pray.”
“I really believe that justice is coming. I just hope it's sooner rather than later. And I think God's help is what they're going to need. Because it seems like, unfortunately, there are some really weak laws and help for the police department . I'm sorry for them.”
