Obituaries

With humble respect, Sewell Mortuary in Grantville announces the transition of Layman C. Prather on January 22nd, 2022.

Visitation will be Friday 28th from 4 to 7 PM at Sewell Mortuary.

Funeral service will be Saturday the 29th, at Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church at 2 PM.

Layman Charles Prather “Sap” was born in Greenville Ga. On October 26, 1955 at 6:00 pm to the late George Lee Prather and Virginia Bernice Prather. He was the first born of five children. He attended Greenville High School he graduated with the class of 1973. He was very active in 4H since he was a young boy. During his camp visits at Rock Eagle 4H center, he met the love of his life, Beverly Jean Ford. This young love continued and they married on March 29, 1980. Through this union they were blessed with a son Christopher Adam Prather.

Layman joined Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church at an early age. Later on, Rev. McArthur Blount ordained him as a deacon where he served for thirty years. He was elected as a chairman and also on the building committee. If Layman heard someone was sick, he was sure to visit or call. Plus follow up to make sure they were ok. The song “May The Work I’ve Done Speak For Me” says a lot about his dedication towards his family, church and the community.

Layman had a successful career at Tredegar Industries (Bonnell) located in Newnan Ga. for 30 plus yrs. until retirement. Louis Bell, Timmy McGruder, Kimberly Walmack, Laneesha Reeves, and Gloria Bailey were some of his notable colleagues during his career at Tredegar Industries plus many others.

Layman was preceded in death by his wife Beverly Jean Ford Prather, Father George Lee Prather, Sister Joanne Prather Ferguson, and Mother- in-law Emily Ruth Barron Ford.

He leaves to cherish in his memory his one and only son Christopher A. Prather (Amy Walker), two grandchildren, Cashis and Amerie, His mother, Virginia Bernice Prather, two sisters Vivian (Eric) Byrd and Juanita (Mitchell) Strozier, one brother, Earnest (Shorana) Prather and Auntie Cathrine Gates. And a host of nieces and nephews, neighbors and friends.