Matt passed away Friday, May 3, 2019. Born in West Columbia, he was the only child of Clifton “Clif” and Wanda LeBlanc. He was a graduate of Irmo High School and Asheville-Buncombe Technical College. Matt spent the last five years living amid the natural beauty of Asheville, N.C., where he added a new chapter to his life and made many wonderful friends.
Matt inherited an artist’s eye and talent from his grandfather, Jack Roland Gladden, and his mother, Wanda Gladden LeBlanc. As a child, he loved to draw and paint. His artistic eye shifted to movies and movie-making during his adolescence, which led him into acting and directing in small films. He never lost his love of the craft and artistry of motion pictures. Above all else, Matt’s tender soul made him a wonderful son and friend.
Matt is survived by his parents as well as loving aunts, uncles and cousins. His aunts and uncles include Windy and Jay Jordan of Fort Mill, S.C.; Jackie and Brian Bean of Mount Pleasant, S.C.; Tina and Kyle Sparks of Mint Hill, N.C. His oldest uncle is Gary Macera of Columbia. His cousins are Garett Macera of Tega Cay, S.C., and Kyle Sparks II of Mint Hill, N.C. He also is the grandson of the late Betty and Jack Gladden, and Aura Garcia and Joseph Clifton LeBlanc.
Matt was loved dearly by his parents and his family. He will forever live in all their hearts.
In lieu of flowers, please contribute in his name to a mental health treatment or suicide prevention organization of your choosing.
