Gary Raymond Prather was born to Buford and Margaret (Wurfel) Prather on April 5, 1948, and died peacefully, surrounded by family, on November 25, 2022. He was a man of many paths, but most importantly, a loving husband to his wife, Brenda, of 52 years, father to his children Justin (Sara) and Jenny (Heath), grandfather of four-- Ben, Gracie, Alder, and Isabella-- brother to two surviving sisters, Donna Poe and Mary Ann Sachkowsky, uncle, cousin, neighbor, and friend.
Gary was a decorated Vietnam veteran who served as part of the 196th Light Infantry Brigade. He earned several medals during his service, including a bronze star for carrying a wounded soldier to safety during a firefight.
It was with the same ardor as he served his country, that he lived his life. Gary saved lives as an EMS worker, and firefighter, and also served his community as a talented carpenter and kind mail carrier in Louisville.
To his family, Gary was the founder of "Naturday" and dad jokes... the epitome of hard work, commitment, and bravery. He will be remembered by all who had the pleasure of his company.
Life Celebration Services for Gary will be held at 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, November 30, 2022, at the Grayson Funeral Home in Charlestown with burial in Charlestown Cemetery. Visitation will begin Tuesday from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M. and Wednesday after 9:00 A.M.
The gates are open. Go on in calling, "Hootie hoo!"