Claude Prather Sr.

LANGLEY, S.C. - Mr. Claude Alvin Prather, Sr., 92, beloved, adored and highly respected father, grandfather and husband, went Home to his Lord and Savior on Thursday, April 10, 2014, at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, Ga. Mr. Prather was born in Abbeville, SC, the only child of the late Alvin and Lula German Prather. When he was eight, the family moved to Langley, SC. He graduated from Langley-Bath High School and began his career at UMM's Clearwater Finishing Plant, where he retired as a Supervisor with thirty-six years of service. He was a veteran of WWII, proudly and honorably serving his country in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations. Mr. Prather was devoted to his precious, beloved wife Daisy (Daisy Bell Eubanks) for over forty-four years until her death in 1986. They were blessed with four children who survive him and who will cherish many wonderful memories. His deeply-loved children are Claude A. Prather, Jr., Carmen P. Brotherton and husband Skipper, Colleen P. Harris and husband Randy, and Cindy P. Padgett and husband Alvin. His devoted grandchildren are David Harris and wife Leann, Missy Criscillis and husband Jimmy, Hope Hooper and husband Jamey, Jonathan Brotherton, Kevin Brotherton and wife Mandy and Caleb Padgett. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter Ashley Hope Brotherton. His great-grandchildren who loved their PaPoo very much are Brandon Oerman, Gunner Harris, Grant Harris, Jacob Criscillis, Alexis Hooper, Ashley Oerman, Cameron Criscillis, and Jay Hooper. His newest addition, Kevin Michael Brotherton, Jr., is due to arrive in June. In 1994, at the age of 72, Mr. Prather came out of retirement and began work at the Aiken County Recycling Center on Huber Clay Road. He was proud to serve Aiken County and loved the opportunity to interact with many people. He retired after 18 years at the age of 90. In 1996 he married Faustine Burbage. They shared a love for dancing. They also enjoyed visits to her daughters' homes, Donna Seigler and family in West Columbia and Wanda and husband Ronald Barrett in Virginia. He was a devoted husband and loved Mrs. Tina's extended family, step-grandchildren Amy, Lance, Jennifer, Jason, and Jeremy and the step-great-grandchildren. All who were blessed to know him will remember Mr. Prather as a man of unwavering integrity, faithfulness to God, devotion to family and friends, positive attitude, complete unselfishness, ever-present gratitude, and extremely strong work ethic. He was an intelligent man who loved his country, kept up with events and was an informed and patriotic voter. He displayed the manners and hospitality of a true Southern gentleman. He loved to share a good joke. He loved to sing, especially in his church choir, where he was the oldest member. He was quick to make friends and was very generous with his time, energy, and funds. He truly had a servant's heart, always putting others first. The world's loss is Heaven's gain. Well done, thou good and faithful servant! The family is grateful to his faithful pastor Rev. Gene Brown and Mrs. Dollie, his cherished church family, his friends, his former co-workers, his Clearwater Hardee's buddies and the staff and members of the Aiken Center for Active Seniors. You all helped Mr. Prather live life to the fullest. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Sunday, April 13, 2014, at 3 o clock at Langley Pentecostal Holiness Church, Langley, SC, with Pastor Gene Brown and Pastor Roland Smith officiating. Interment with Veterans Honors will follow in Langley Cemetery, Langley, SC. Pallbearers will be grandchildren. Honorary Pallbearers will be great grandchildren. Visit www.HastcherFuneralHome.com to share a memories and to leave a message of condolence for the family. It has been asked that memorials be made to the Building Fund at Langley Pentecostal Holiness Church. The family will greet friends this evening from 6 until 9 o clock at Langley Pentecostal Holiness Church, Langley, SC. Sign the guestbook at AugustaChronicle.com/obits The Augusta Chronicle-April 12, 2014