Michael Wayne Wratchford (affectionately known as “Mudduck” to anyone who knew him) went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at his residence surrounded by his loving family. Michael was born on November 16, 1969, in Fairfax, Virginia, and was the son of the late Donald Gilbert Wratchford, Sr. and Carol May (Winstead) Wratchford. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Carl and Mary Jo (Southerly) Wratchford and his maternal grandparents, Carl and Grace Winstead.
Michael was a 1988 graduate of Petersburg High School. He worked as a Laborer at American Woodmark, Hardy County Plant for 23 years until it closed. He then went to work at Pilgrim’s Fresh Plant where he worked in occupational health and as the PSM Coordinator for refrigeration for 9 years until his illness. Michael was proud to be a Nationally and WV Certified EMT and ran with Fraley Ambulance and Grant County Ambulance for over 23 years. He was a member of Petersburg Volunteer Fire Company for over 7 years and a member of the Moorefield Volunteer Fire Company for 24 years. He wore many hats and held many certifications during that time, but he was most proud of being the Chief Engineer prior to his illness.
Michael loved hunting, fishing, ATV riding, and anything that involved outdoors. His greatest love was that for his family. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Surviving is his wife, Tammy (Thorne) Wratchford, whom he married on August 4, 2012; a son: Ryan (Kaitlyn) Wratchford of Mantua, NJ.; a daughter: Courtney (Adam) Moyers of Moorefield, WW; two step-daughters; Shayna (Logan) Helmick of Purgitsville, WV and Stephanie (Matt) Sites of Lahmansville, WV; two step-sons: Stephen Mills and Anthony (Krista) Mills both of Moorefield, WV; eleven grandchildren: Gabriel Funk, Aydriana Helmick, Noah Whetzel, A.J. Moyers, Reed Wratchford, Roselyn Helmick, Christopher Moyers, Caroline Moyers, Jacob Martin, Kasen Sites and Aaron Mills.
Also surviving is a brother; Donald G. (Marcia) Wratchford, Jr., of Petersburg, WV; a sister: Angie (Ed) Wisnewski, of Maysville, WW; a niece: Callie (Will) Wisnewski Schoonover of Winchester, VA and a nephew; Tyce Wisnewski of Maysville, WV.
Funeral Services will be conducted at 11:00 AM Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the Moorefield Church of the Brethren, 115 Clay Street with Pastors Russell & Lucy Webster officiants. A fireman’s procession will follow the ceremony, leading us to Lahmansville Cemetery, where we will pay our respects and offer him the honors he so richly deserves. Friends and family are invited to gather beforehand on Friday from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Fraley Funeral Home Chapel, 107 Washington Street, to share memories and celebrate Mudduck’s incredible life.
Memorials in his honor may be made to the Moorefield Volunteer Fire Co-46, 114 Kuykendall Lane, Moorefield, WV 26836 or the Moorefield Church of the Brethren, 115 Clay Street, Moorefield, WV 26836. To offer condolences, share memories, or upload photos in honor of “Mudduck’s” extraordinary life, visit his Tribute Wall at www.fraleyfuneralhome.com and celebrate the impact he made on all those around him.
