Matthew Christopher Renken

Matthew Christopher Renken of Charleston, South Carolina, entered into eternal rest on April 22, 2012. The relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral service at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church on Saturday, April 28, at 2 p.m., followed by internment at Bethany Cemetery. The family will receive friends at J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Downtown Chapel between 5 and 7 p.m. on Friday, April 27.

Matthew was born March 7, 1973, the son of Ralph Ernest Renken and Linda Glisson Renken Wackym. He attended Bishop England High School, the University of London, and received his B.A. from Wingate University, where he was a member of Delta Sigma fraternity. He was the former owner of the Gateway House Inn in Charleston and the current owner of Port City Liquors and Plan Ahead Events of Charleston. Matthew was a member of service organizations, including Hibernian Society, Delta Sig and St. Matthew's Church. He served on several boards, including the Harbour Club and the Village Playhouse. Matthew spent countless hours organizing and attending fundraising events for charitable causes, one of his favorites being Hounds for Heroes.

He is survived by his Mother, Linda, and Step Father, Col. F. Nick Wackym of Charleston, S.C.; two sisters: Robin Renken Dallis (Alex) of Charleston, S.C., and Roxanne Renken Blakely (Steve) of Kingsland, GA; two brothers: Ralph E. Renken, Jr. of St. Augustine, FL, and Lt. Col. Nick Wackym, III (Pam) of Summerville, S.C.; nine nieces: Betsy Brabham Bennett (Allan), Blair E. Blakely, Brittany A. Blakely, Michelle Renken, Rebecca Renken, Emily Renken, Libby Dallis, Tori Gill (Ricky) and Rebecca Wackym; and two nephews: Billie Dallis and James Dallis. He is also survived by extended family, including Lt. Col. Bryan Lawson (Holly), Susan Daniel (Jerry) of Beaumont, TX, and his aunts, uncles and cousins, who love him dearly and will miss him greatly.

Always with a glib phrase, a great dance move and one of Big Ralph's silk pocket squares, Matthew was certainly the life of any party. The real treasure, though, was his tender soul. His warmth and genuine affection gave him the ability to make each person feel as though he or she was the most important person in the room. Say the words, "Stand up if Matthew was your close friend" and you will watch a room come to its feet.

His beloved father, Ralph, preceded him in death his grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Walter Renken of Charleston and Mr. and Mrs. James R. Glisson of Andrews, S.C.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to St. Matthew's Church Capital Fund, 405 King Street, Charleston, S.C.