Michael “Pop” Wargofcak

Michael "Pop" Wargofcak, 77, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2026. Born April 22, 1948, in Chester, Virginia, he was the son of the late Michael John Wargofcak and Catherine Hotz Wargofcak. He grew up in Chester and graduated from Thomas Dale High School, carrying with him the steady work ethic and loyalty that would define the rest of his life.

In 1968, Michael enlisted in the United States Air Force. He served on active duty until 1972 and continued in the reserves until 1974. His years in uniform reflected his sense of duty and quiet strength, qualities that remained evident long after his military service ended.

After returning home, Michael built a career as an electronics technician, working for General Electric, Reynolds, and Southwire. He was respected for his technical skill, reliability, and willingness to solve whatever problem was in front of him. He took pride in doing things the right way and seeing a job through.

More than any title or accomplishment, Michael was a family man. He shared a devoted marriage with his wife, Debra "Debbie" Orcutt Wargofcak, and together they built a life in Douglasville, Georgia, centered on faith, family, and showing up for the people they loved. He was a steady presence in the lives of his children, Natasha and her husband T.W. Mincey, and Cory and his wife Monica Wargofcak. If there was a ballgame, school event, or milestone to celebrate, he was there, usually in the stands behind home plate, singing every word and often moved to tears during the National Anthem, knowing exactly what those words meant.

As "Pop," he found his greatest joy in his grandchildren: Cooper Mincey, Emma Wargofcak, Owen Mincey, and Wyatt Wargofcak. He fished with them, gardened beside them, cooked for them, and even umpired softball games when needed. He loved the beach, where he searched for seashells and shark teeth, content with the rhythm of the waves and time spent with family. Those simple moments meant the most to him.

He is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Joanne Roberts, Mary "Liz" Roberts, Catherine and Steve Stoupa, Anne and David Wheeler, and Theresa and Adolph Prochazka; and his brothers and sister-in-law, Joseph Wargofcak and Charles "Butch" and Frances Wargofcak.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by those who went before him.

A funeral service will be held Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Martin & Hightower Funeral Home, with Rev. Fr. Joseph Wagner officiating. Interment will follow in Carroll Memory Gardens with Cory Wargofcak, T.W. Mincey III, Cooper Mincey, Owen Mincey, Wyatt Wargofcak, Billy Holloway, Johnny Clayton, and Eddie Slayton serving as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends on Monday, February 23, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Messages of condolence may be shared at www.martin-hightower.com. Martin & Hightower Heritage Chapel is honored to serve the Wargofcak family.