It is with deep sadness that we share Mike’s passing. He left us unexpectedly on Friday, July 10th, 2026.
Mike was someone you didn’t just know, you experienced. If you had the privilege of knowing him, you know how unforgettable he was. He had a uniquely quirky sense of humor, a larger than life, yet intensely private personality, his own language, which was often quite loud, and his own set of rules to live by. He was always ready to lend a hand to anyone at any time. He loved his people deeply and completely and he was fiercely protective of them. He was content spending his time at home with his family. Mike had a way of voicing his opinions that was open, brutally honest and allowed little, if any, debate. His grandchildren were constantly shaking their heads with “What are we going to do with you?” or “Papa, Papa, Papa!”
Born in South Carolina, Mike grew up traveling. His dad had his own construction company, and they moved frequently following jobs. He landed here in the early 70s and went to work for the Shipyard, where he stayed for 10 years, however, most of Mike’s career was with Dominion Energy, at Yorktown Power Station as a first-class welder. He worked there for 31 years before he retired. He was committed to his job and left a lasting impression on those that worked with him.
Mike loved Jesus. He was born again and committed to loving his Savior. He never met a stranger and talked to everyone. His mission was to make sure everyone he encountered was reminded of God’s love and he genuinely wished them to “have a blessed day.” We rest in the assurance that he is talking to everybody in heaven, especially Jesus, and his mom and dad.
Left to cherish Mike’s memories and stories, and to carry on his legacy are his wife, Peggy, his sons Brian (Dawn) and Jeremy (Kelly) Hartley, his baby girl Stefanie, and his son Brian Betts. He will be greatly missed by his grandchildren, Jenny, Jacob, Joshua, Jeremiah, Isaiah, & Kerstyn Hartley, Austin Ingram, Savannah Bollhorst, and Luke and Ella Carney. He is survived by a sister, Dolores Poole, and will be missed and remembered by a multitude of bonus grands, and many friends and family.
At Mike’s request, a celebration, or “party” as he would say, is being planned for early Fall in his memory. We’ll share the date when plans are complete. We’d love for you to stop by, share a smile and a “Mike” story. He’d love that, too!
God got a good one. Heaven will never be the same and neither will we!
