Billy Sherman Prather

family by his side.

Bill was born on November 1, 1944, to parents John Joseph and Adys Owen Prather. He

grew up in Emerson, Ga along with his brother Verlin and many lifelong friends.

He married the love of his life, Mary Belle Abernathy on Valentine’s Day in 1965. They had two

children, Tim and Kim. Bill is preceded in death by his parents, John and Adys Prather, brother Verlin Prather, in-laws, Grady and Bonnie Abernathy, and Lee and Idella Deal.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Mary Belle Prather and children Tim Prather

(Sandra) and Kim Posey (Ryan). Also survived by his grandchildren Katelynn Prather, John

Prather, Ariel Prather, Brittany Layton (Cole), Denise Mauldin (Cody), Alex Gentry (Hannah)

Alicia Jenkins (Chris), Andrea Harper, Alexis DeGrauwe (Miranda) and Peyton Posey.

Great-grandchildren Adam, Nora, Lyla, Hayden, Jaxxon and Baby Mauldin due Feb. 2025. Lifelong friends Gary and Patsy Keys.

Bill spent his career working at Lockheed Martin where he retired after 43 years of service.

He was a lifetime member of Emerson Methodist Church where he spent many Sundays

attending regular service and Sunday School. He had 13 years of perfect attendance in

Sunday School. One morning he was sick and could not make it to church.

The church showed the same dedication to him and brought the class to his house in order

to keep his perfect attendance intact.

Bill was also a Master Mason in the Emerson Masonic Lodge. He had 55+ years of service

and held multiple seats in the lodge during his tenure. He had a servant's heart and his

time in the lodge allowed him to make an impact in his community.

He loved the great outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and a member of the

Allatoona and Hart Hunting Clubs for 41+ years. But during the Spring, just like clockwork,

he shifted gears and it was all about his garden. He was a master at his craft, and it showed

when it was time to pick those tomatoes and show them off. When you could catch him in

doors, you could hear him cheering on his Atlanta Braves or Georgia Tech.

Visitation will be Tuesday evening 11/5/24 from 5-8PM at Owen Funeral Home. Service will

be Wednesday 11/6/24 at 1 PM, officiated by Brother Jimmy Gainey. Burial will follow

service at Sunset Memory Gardens. Pallbearers for the service include John Prather, Alex

Gentry, Peyton Posey, Randall Chupp, Bradd Cox, Tony Butler and John Ramsey.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made to the Emerson Masonic

Lodge or Beacon on the Hill (formerly known as Emerson Methodist Church).

Please visit www.owenfunerals.com to leave online condolences for the family. Owen Funeral Home 12 Collins Dr Cartersville, GA is honored to serve the Prather family.