Michael Waggener

Michael Waggener grew up in a family with deep devotion to both the United States Army and Catholicism, and graduated high school from Würzburg, Germany in 1965. After graduation, he enlisted in the Army, studied helicopter maintenance, then entered Officer Candidate School. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam as an Artillery officer with the 4th Infantry Division. Michael left Vietnam as a Captain, having served with extraordinary valor, and was awarded the Purple Heart, the Silver Star, and two Bronze Stars, amongst other awards. After serving in the Army for seven years, Michael attended Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma and graduated with a degree in Biology. He moved to Virginia upon accepting a job at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS), in Gloucester, Virginia, working for the Environmental Data Base Directory (EDBD). Eventually, he shacked up with the boss's wife, Elizabeth, of whom he made an honest woman when they married in 1979 and settled down in Williamsburg, Virginia. In Williamsburg, Michael opened "M. Waggener & Son Upholstery," where he became an expert craftsman, restoring antique furniture, often rebuilding colonial-era pieces to their original glory. He was most proud of leather carriages upholstered for Colonial Williamsburg. Michael and Elizabeth enjoyed an almost 50 year-marriage full of political commentary, good food, games of Bridge and Poker, cigarettes (her), whiskey (him), cream sherry (her), and tremendous laughter. They raised their children Keegan and Kathryn Waggener in Williamsburg, and did a resounding job building familial support, as everyone still likes each other. An avid reader and history buff, Michael gave regular lectures about military history and especially the Vietnam War. He took tremendous joy in making toys with his grandchildren in his shop, being around people who dance, and thoughtful conversation. Despite his military background, Michael was a staunch anti-war advocate and believed deeply in universal freedom for all people of any race, creed, or sexual orientation. His philosophical approach to life was "Whatever feels good. Different things feel good to different people." Despite his beard and vague resemblance to Jerry Garcia, musically he preferred funky baselines and soul, but he thought he had the most in common with Elvis and David Bowie, both of whom share his January 8th birthday. He appreciated when people were kind, and preferred when they were funny. With a gigantic open heart welcoming to anyone in need, he had a particular fondness of animals, living somewhat as a cross between Snow White and Jeff Lebowski- filled with dirty jokes and feeding the wild birds, raccoons, squirrels, and cats who frequented his shop nestled in the woods. Michael is preceded in death by his parents Edward and Mary (McGhee) Waggener, brother Thomas Waggener, and daughter Beth Fallis. He is survived by his wife Elizabeth, brothers John and James; children Amy, Keegan, and Kathryn; grandchildren Jacob, Taylor, Wyatt, Carson, Otto, and Ridley, and great grand children Landon, Cannon, and Danny. With his profound dedication to craftsmanship and attention to detail, he may have been the world's best upholsterer, but he was definitely the world's best dad. A graveside service will be held on Monday, February 23, 2026 at 3:00 PM at the Peninsula Memorial Park in Newport News, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, please make a considerable donation to the Williamsburg Public Library in the name of Michael & Elizabeth Waggener.