Michael Waites

Michael Allen Waites 

August 25, 1969 – September 10, 2026

Michael Allen Waites, lovingly known as Papa and Wop-A-Knop, passed away peacefully at his home in Grovetown, Georgia, on September 10, 2026, at the age of 57, following a courageous battle with colon cancer. 

Michael was born on August 25, 1969, in Jacksonville, Florida, to Troy and Eva Waites. To know Michael was to know someone with a heart bigger than words could ever describe. He was generous, genuine, selfless, loyal, dependable, protective, compassionate, and kind-hearted. He was the person you could count on, the person who showed up, who made time, who would do whatever he could for the people he loved, and who made those around him feel cared for. But above everything else, Michael was a dad and a Papa. His children and grandchildren were his entire world. Being a father and grandfather wasn’t simply one of the roles he had in life. It was who he was and what he was most proud of. Michael made it his mission to be the most present dad and Papa he could possibly be. He showed up for the games, the celebrations, the ordinary days, and all of the moments in between. He made memories, gave advice, offered support, and loved his family with everything he had. 

Michael was immensely proud of his four children: Ashley Waites (Kayla), Haley Waites Levi (Brandin), Christopher Waites (Carissa), and his youngest son, 11-year-old Brantley Waites. Brantley held an especially precious place in his dad’s heart. Michael cherished being Brantley’s father and treasured every moment they shared. He wanted to be there to guide him, protect him, support him, cheer him on, and watch him grow. His love for his youngest son was immeasurable, and the time they shared together will forever be among the most treasured memories of his family. Michael was also the proud Papa to nine grandchildren: Noah Rogers, Liam Martin, RaeLynn Wortham, Jaxen Martin, Braydin Rogers, Joseph Herron-Levi, Tatum Martin, Brycen Farmer, and Savanna Waites. His grandchildren brought an incredible amount of joy to his life. Papa loved being involved in their lives and was determined to make sure they knew how much they meant to him. He loved watching them grow, celebrating their accomplishments, making memories with them, and simply being there. Each of them had a special place in his heart, and his love for them will continue to live through the memories they made together. 

Michael’s greatest accomplishment was not something that could be written on a résumé or measured by a title. It was the family he built and the love he gave them. His children and grandchildren were his greatest source of pride, and he considered being their dad and Papa the greatest privilege of his life. Michael was a proud Florida State Seminoles, Miami Dolphins, and Atlanta Braves fan. He loved his teams, but nothing compared to the joy he found in watching the people he loved most. Michael faced his battle with colon cancer with incredible courage. After fighting bravely, he was able to spend his final moments peacefully in his own home. Although cancer took him from this world far too soon, it could never take away the love he had for his family or the impact he made on the lives of the people around him. Michael leaves behind more than memories. He leaves behind a family who carries a piece of him in everything they do. He leaves behind the lessons he taught, the laughter he shared, the stories that will continue to be told, the traditions that will continue, and the countless moments that his family will hold onto forever. He also leaves behind something even more powerful. The example of what it means to love your family wholeheartedly. 

Michael had an incredible ability to make people feel like they mattered. He touched the lives of countless people throughout his 57 years, and everyone who knew him will have their own story, memory, or moment that reminds them of him. His family wants everyone who knew Michael to understand just how deeply he was loved. He mattered. He made a difference. He left an impact on everyone fortunate enough to cross his path. His absence will be felt in the empty chair, the quiet moments, the missed phone calls, the games he won’t be able to attend, and all of the milestones he should have been here to see. But his love will remain. His children will carry his love with them as they continue through life. His grandchildren will grow up knowing exactly who their Papa was and how deeply he loved them. And Brantley will forever carry the love of his dad with him as he grows, knowing that his father was incredibly proud of him and loved him beyond measure. Michael’s greatest legacy is the people he leaves behind and the love he poured into them. He was deeply loved. He was deeply cherished. And he will never, ever be forgotten. Rest peacefully, Papa. Your fight is over. You can finally rest. We will take it from here.

In Lieu of Flowers, the family would be honored if those wishing to remember Michael would consider making a contribution toward a vacation/memory fund for his nine grandchildren or toward savings for their future. Michael’s grandchildren were his greatest joy. He loved making memories with them, watching them grow, and being the Papa who was always there for them. He was also deeply devoted to his youngest son, Brantley, and loved nothing more than being his dad. A contribution toward the grandchildren’s future or toward creating special memories together would be a beautiful way to continue the love Michael poured into his family. Rather than flowers that will fade, we invite you to help create memories that will last a lifetime or invest in the future of the grandchildren Michael loved so deeply. The family is incredibly grateful for every expression of love, support, and remembrance during this difficult time. **CashApp is $mikewaites69**

A celebration of Michael’s life will be held on Friday, September 18, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at The Assembly of Augusta. The service will be officiated by Ordained Reverend Brandon Lanier, Pastor of the church The Assembly of Augusta.

Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com