Roper Funeral Home and Crematory 206 Holly St Jasper, GA 30143 (706) 253-7500 (706) 253-0040 www.roperfuneralhome.com Edward Eugene (Gene) Prather, age 88, of Jasper, Georgia, passed away Sunday, December 24, 2023 at Grandview Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Jasper, Georgia. Gene was born July 31, 1935 to Edd and Irene Prather in Jasper, Georgia. Gene grew up in Jasper and graduated from Pickens County High School. Gene also served his country as a member of the United States National Guard. Gene was a dedicated worker in his years as a security guard for the Bent Tree Community. Gene then went on to work as a dedicated employee for Lockheed Martin. Gene was a member of Refuge Baptist Church for 72 years and a member of Pickens Star Lodge #220 for 65 years. Gene is survived by his two loving sisters, Barbara P. Wood of Jasper, Ethelene Nix of Monroe; nephew, Ken Wood of Jasper; niece, Jan and Jody Dowda of Jasper; great-niece and nephew Kimsey and Connor Head and Joe Dowda of Jasper; nephew, Ted and Sandy Thacker of Roswell, Georgia. Several cousins and friends also survive. Gene was preceded in death by his father and mother, Edd and Irene Prather; sisters, Lula Little, Lorene Batson and Carolyn O'Neal. Gene was a kind-hearted and fun loving person. He was a great friend to all he met, as he truly never met a stranger. Gene was loved so dearly by his family and friends. He will be greatly missed. The funeral service will be held Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Roper Funeral Home with Reverend Larry Johnson officiating. Bobby Mullinax, a special friend of Gene's and the family will also speak. Visitation is from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. prior to the funeral hour. Interment will follow in the Refuge Baptist Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Refuge Baptist Church Cemetery Fund in care of Leonard Owens; 79 Thomason Farms Drive; Talking Rock, GA 30175. Pallbearers will be Tony Aaron, Justin Dean, Connor Head, Jason Richards, Tony Weaver and Ted Thacker Honorary Pallbearers will be Mike Mosley, Ronnie Weaver, and Bobby Joe Williams. Arrangements are entrusted to the Staff of Roper Funeral Home and Crematory.