Brian Waack

Aiken – Brian Matthew Waack, 37, of Aiken, was called home on Sunday, May 6, 2018 at his residence.  His warmth, charm and character departed this world too soon.       Brian was born March 5, 1981 in Toledo, OH.  After time in Ohio, Tennessee and Florida his family settled in Aiken.  First Baptist of Aiken was his church home.  Brian graduated from South Aiken High School in 1999 where he lettered in multiple sports, baseball being his favorite.  He continued his schooling at Lander University on a baseball scholarship.  After two years at Lander he transferred to Coastal Carolina University where he again lettered in baseball as a pitcher.  His success on the mound, including a win against Clemson and multiple NCAA regionals appearances, helped set the groundwork for the Chanticleers’ future success.  During his collegiate career he was invited to and played in the New England Collegiate Baseball League (West Warwick) and the Coastal Plain League (Fayetteville, NC).    He was the beloved son of Steven Craig Waack (Lori) and Janice Kay Waack (Johnny Lederhaus) and is survived by his grandfather, Patrick Edward Waack, of Aiken, grandmother Gloria Dean Logan of Brilliant, AL and by his sisters, Monica Lee Parker (Andrew) of Aiken and Adrienne Kay Waack of Archbold, OH.  He had found love and happiness recently and had begun to make future plans with his partner, Stephanie Izzi.  He will be greatly missed by his nieces Sydney, Adelyn and Madison and his nephews Ethan, Grant, Sean and Gavyn all of whom for which he always had a warm smile, bear hug and a bit of advice.   He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Flavil Augustus Logan of Brilliant, AL and his paternal grandmother, Lois Jean Waack of Aiken.  His extended families in Ohio and Alabama also mourn his loss.   He was fortunate enough to squeeze a lifetime of experiences into his 37 years.  After college he was able to call Los Angles, Charleston, and Denver home, each for a short time.  It was his love of music which led him to California, where he was able to work as a tour manager, which afforded him the opportunity to travel domestically and internationally. He was rich with family. Not only his immediate family, but also his baseball family (with which he was able to travel to Omaha for the National Championship), his music family and his family of friends.    Friends will be received by the family at SHELLHOUSE-RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, INC., 715 E. PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC., on Thursday, May 10 from 6:00-8:00 p.m.  The family will hold a private memorial service and interment. Brian was joyful, charismatic, confident and radiant.  His smile lit up the room and his laughter lifted everyone’s spirit.  He valued and loved his family and friends the most.  So, in lieu of flowers, please remember Brian and honor him through your family and friends.  Sons and daughters, take your parents or siblings to a nice meal.  Moms, share with your child(ren) the music you love and let your children do the same for you. Dads, take your son(s), and daughter(s), to a baseball game. Do these things now…don’t wait. Smile at a stranger, hug your family and spread the cheer. Brian’s online guest book may be signed at www.shellhouseriversfuneralhome.com To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Brian Waack, please visit our flower store.