Matthew Wayne Pollock was called home on Thursday, May 14, 2026.

Born on May 31, 1983, in Augusta, Georgia, Matt was known for his kind heart, gentle spirit, and deep love for both his family and animals. He dedicated many years of service to the Joseph M. Still Burn Center and Doctors Hospital of Augusta, where he built lasting friendships and touched the lives of many through his compassion and hard work. Matt also spent time working in veterinary medicine at Blanchard Woods Animal Hospital, combining his love for animals with his caring nature.

Matt found joy in the outdoors and especially loved hunting and golfing with his Uncle Scott, creating memories he treasured deeply. He loved Georgia football. He had an enormous heart, was always willing to help others, and shared an especially close bond with his mother, whom he loved more than anything.

He is survived by his mother, Karen Pollock; his father, Roger Pollock Sr. (Debbie); his aunt, Diane Wisnieski; his uncles, Kenny Pollock (Petra) and Scott Pollock; his stepson, John Turner (Shounette); his brothers, Douglas Pollock (Katherine) and Roger Pollock Jr. (Samantha); his stepsisters, Laura Wayland and Michelle Mashak; his nephews, Cameron Mashak, Kaiden Mashak, and Bennett Pollock; his niece, Charlotte Pollock; and many loving cousins.

Matt was preceded in death by his beloved uncle, Scott Wisnieski; his grandmother, Uta “Nana” Wisnieski; and his grandfather, Bob “Papa” Wisnieski.

Though his family’s hearts are broken, they find comfort in knowing Matt is reunited with his Nana, Papa, and Uncle Scott, where he has finally found peace, happiness, and rest.

He will be deeply missed and forever loved by all who knew him.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, May 20, at 2:00 p.m. at Platts Funeral Home, 337 N. Belair Road, Evans, GA 30809. You are welcome to come as Matt remembered you. The family will receive friends at 1:00 p.m., one hour prior to the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Matt’s memory to the Burn Foundation of America in Augusta, GA (Burn Foundation of America | Augusta, GA).

Arrangements were provided by Platt’s Funeral Home 337 North Belair Road, Evans, GA 30809 (706) 860-6166. Please take a moment to share your condolences, memories, and photos at online guestbook at plattsfuneralhome.com.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The VA of Augusta held a hiring fair Saturday to recruit health care workers as part of efforts to improve veteran care.

Leaders said staffing has improved over the last two years, with the vacancy rate now down to 12%.

The hiring fair comes as medical students are graduating and the VA of Augusta works to rebuild trust and its workforce.

“So we want to afford them an opportunity to join our team, you know, as they enhance or start their new, embark on their new careers,” said James Doelling, interim executive director at VA Augusta Healthcare System. “But we’re also looking for seasoned people, somebody that’s looking for a change. And to me, be part of the most noble mission there is, caring for our nation’s heroes. Those people that have served us, it’s time for them to be served and get the best care anywhere.”

The Augusta VA has a four-star rating from Medicare.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Ten graduating student-athletes from the CSRA have been awarded GAMES Scholarships.

The recipients were selected by the GAMES Scholarship Committee from a pool of nominated senior student-athletes representing Richmond, Columbia, Burke, McDuffie, Wilkes, Warren, Aiken and Edgefield counties.

Winners were chosen based on academic achievement, athletic performance, leadership and community involvement.

Each of the 10 honorees will receive a $1,000 scholarship to support their college education.

2026 GAMES Scholarship Recipients

The Augusta Sports Council Board of Directors announced the following 10 recipients of the annual Augusta Sports Council GAMES Scholarship Program:

• Charlie Bower — Lakeside High School
• Charles Fields — Academy of Richmond County
• Kaitlyn Henson — Academy of Richmond County
• Matthew Hood — Edmund Burke Academy
• Lucas Johnson — Westminster Schools of Augusta
• Colette Kriegel — Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School
• Meredith Phipps — Evans High School
• Alissa Claire Rhodes — Fox Creek High School
• Sophia Smits — Augusta Christian Schools
• Hudson Villemain — Greenbrier High School

Augusta Sports Council has reached more than $108,000 in college scholarships awarded to 98 students since the program began in 2011.