Eric Scott Wenger, 43, of Columbia, died December 17, 2015. Born in Puebla, Puebla, Mexico, on April 14, 1972, he was a son of Anne Estes Wenger and the late James Edwin Wenger. Eric graduated from Ben Lippen High School and earned his undergraduate degree from Columbia International University. He received the Master of Arts in Theological Studies, with a concentration in Biblical languages, from Erskine Theological Seminary, Columbia Campus, where he received the Douglas Joel Culver Award in Biblical Hebrew. Eric was director of SOAR, a sports ministry of Cornerstone Presbyterian Church, from 2002 until 2006. He was most recently employed as the Director of Sports and Recreation Ministries for the First Presbyterian Church of Columbia.

In addition to his mother of Columbia, he is survived by his wife, Jessica Clements Wenger of Columbia; his sister, Mary Beth Wenger of Denver, CO; his brothers, Mark Edwin Wenger (Debbie) of Columbia and Alan James Wenger (Amy) of Amelia Court House, VA; and seven dearly loved nieces and nephews.

Eric is remembered by many for his love of wordplay and good sense of humor. He was sometimes referred to as a gentle giant for his gracious spirit and self-discipline. His fervent desire was to finish the race of life well and to bring honor and glory to the Lord Jesus whether by life or by death.

A memorial service for Mr. Wenger will be held 2 o'clock, Wednesday, December 23rd, at The First Presbyterian Church, with The Rev. David H. Lauten officiating, after which the family will receive friends in Jackson Hall. Burial in the Churchyard will be private. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.

Memorials may be made to the Westminster Theological College and Seminary in Kampala, Uganda, C/O First Presbyterian Church, 1324 Marion Street, Columbia, SC 29201 or SOAR Program directed to Cornerstone Presbyterian Church, 5637 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29212.