George Elisha Prather

George Elisha Prather passed away at age 88 on October 24, 2025 surrounded by his family. He was born August 9, 1937 at the Prather Farm in Good Hope, Georgia to Fred Preston and Jessie Louise Malcom Prather.

The Prather Farm on Pleasant Valley Road began in 1900. Since his father was unable to perform farm work due to an aneurysm, George, his mother, and brother Preston operated a Grade A dairy farm of Jersey cows until they completed school.

George attended grades 1 - 10 at Good Hope School, and then attended Monroe High School, graduating in 1955. He was active in both 4-H and FFA, and was elected to serve several leadership positions. His first job off the farm was measuring cotton land for USDA Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service for one summer while in high school. Mr. Sanders Camp hired him in 1956 as a Linotype operator (typesetter) at the Walton Tribune, and progressed to become head of the camera and plate department, producing the printing plates for the presses. He mentored many employees about work and life skills before he retired in 2003.

George was mayor of Good Hope for 7 years, Good Hope city councilman for 9 years, and also served on the Walton County Hospital Authority for at least 10 years starting in 1974. He was a lifelong member of Bethel Baptist Church, serving many years as a deacon and treasurer, and doing whatever was needed to maintain and improve the facilities and grounds. He was proficient at maintaining and repairing farm equipment and vehicles, carpentry, and other skills farm boys should possess. He was also a pretty good artist, and several of his drawings and paintings are displayed in his house.

George met Eleanor Hammond while she attended Monroe High School, and married her August 24, 1958. They lived in Monroe at first, and moved into their current home in Good Hope in 1961, raising three children there. All three of the children graduated from the University of Georgia. The family has gardened, raised calves, and operated a pecan orchard on part of the Prather Farm since 1968.

After George retired from Walton Press, and Eleanor from driving a Walton County school bus, they enjoyed traveling. They visited all 50 states, 2 US territories, Canada, 8 European countries, and cruises took them to numerous Central American and Caribbean countries. They enjoyed spending time with family and friends and participating in church and community activities.

George was preceded in death by his parents and all nine of his siblings. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Eleanor, and children Tim (Lynn) Prather, Martha (Tim) Pass and Keith (Mary) Prather, seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. He is also survived by sister-in-law Mary (Preston) Thompson Prather.

Visitation will be 4:00 - 7:00 pm on Sunday, October 26 at Meadows Funeral Home, and 1:00 - 2:00 pm on Monday, October 27 at Bethel Baptist Church. A memorial and celebration of life will be 2:00 pm on Monday, October 27 at Bethel Baptist Church, followed by interment at Rest Haven Cemetery in Monroe.

George's family thanks all their family, friends and the staff of Great Oaks Senior Living and Abbey Hospice for providing prayer, care and support during George's final months of dementia.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bethel Baptist Church, PO Box 67, Good Hope, GA 30641.