Marlin Christopher Prater

Marlin Christopher Prater, 54, of Woodbury, Tennessee passed away on February 16, 2026, after an extended illness with his family at his side. He was born on October 26, 1971, in Smithville, Tennessee. He was preceded in death by his wife, Kimberly Smith Prater.

He is survived by his parents, David Prater and Pam Arnold Prater, sons, Justin Prater and Chris Warrick, daughter, Brittany Merriman, sister, Angela (Rodney) Young all of Woodbury, six grandchildren, several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Growing up Marlin was a typical boy. He was mischievous and liked aggravating his big sister. Being outdoors, going down to the creek or being out in the woods were places he enjoyed spending time. They had a big scare when he was about four years old. Marlin ran into the road and was hit by a passing car. He was seriously injured but in time he healed and grew up normally. Whenever his dad was working on a project, Marlin was close at hand. Watching every move he made, taking it all in. He was a quick study. Show him something once and he could do it on his own after that. After graduating from Cannon County High School, he set out into the working world.

He worked at several different places over the course of his working life. Better Built and Standard Register were a couple of the ones he worked for the longest. Marlin had a good heart and liked helping people. That coupled with his ability to work on a variety of things from plumbing, electrical, carpentry, operating equipment, and just tinkering, helped him to decide the best boss to work for was himself. The main issue he had with his boss was that he didn’t like to charge for the work he did. Marlin was just as happy with $50 dollars in his pocket as he would be with $500. Money wasn’t important. Helping family and friends was what his focus was on.

He was the only boy born on Pam’s side of the family for twenty-five years. As you can imagine he got a little spoiled from the attention of being the only grandson for her parents. He would often tag along with his sister and cousin when they had something to do. They probably didn’t like it but he wasn’t taking no for an answer. He loved his family and had a big heart. Seldom did he miss an opportunity to tell them he loved them. His giving nature meant he would give you the shirt off his back or his last dollar if you needed it.

Marlin’s dad helped teach him how to build and work on things. One of the projects his dad took on was building a horse barn. Marlin liked riding horses when he was younger and his dad decided to build a barn to help foster that love and interest for him. It was a good way to teach him a lot of carpentry skills. In turn, Marlin taught Justin to do the same. They worked on many projects together.

Marlin had a little bit of a cowboy’s heart and spirit. He liked riding horses and motorcycles. The freedom of being in the saddle allowed his mind to open up and forget the problems he may have had. The outdoors was his refuge from life’s daily struggles. Living life without all the commotion and busyness most of us deal with. Putting a tool in his hand and letting the craftsman come out was his way of showing love and gratitude for his family and friends. Listening to a good old country song from Willie Nelson and Garth Brooks got his foot tapping and his heart singing.

Over the last few years his health took a turn for the worse. He was diagnosed with cancer. His family stepped up and pitched in to help him in every way possible. Justin took a primary role in helping care for him, until he wound up with an infection that affected his spine. They all did what it took to be by his side and support him. Marlin started to reflect on his life and what comes after. He decided to ensure his life and heart was right with God. He was able to put his faith and trust in God to help give him the strength to face leaving his family. They can be comforted knowing he will be waiting for them.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Friday, February 20, 2026, from 12-2 pm. A service in celebration of his life will follow in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel at 2 pm. Greg Mitchell will officiate. His wish was to be cremated. His family will lay him to rest with his wife at a later date. Honorary pallbearers will be Justin Prater, Buddy Johnson, Marvin Gilley, Johnny Mitchell, Jimmy Wilson, and Jeff Foster.

Due to his lengthy illness the family requests memorial donations to assist with funeral expenses. Share condolences and stories at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com. Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337. Because every life has a story.