March 2023

Veteran of the Month, March 2023

Arthur Prather

Arthur Prather was born August 7, 1940, in Manchester, GA. After graduating high school, he moved to Atlanta, GA, to work for General Motors.

 Specialist 4 Arthur Prather began his active-duty military career in US Army in January 1964 station in Augsburg, Germany. He spent 18 months as a tank driver. He received an honorable discharge in January 1966.  

 Mr. Arthur Prather worked for General Motors as an inspector and welder; after 26 years, he retired in June 1991; he later retired a 2nd time from Kroger after six working years.  Mr. Prather loves helping people in his community.

 Years ago, Mr. Prather, his wife, and two other married couples returned to his hometown in Manchester, GA. The small group started helping disabled residents, older adults, low-income, and veterans repair their homes all out of their pockets. With that success, they partnered with a very small church in Manchester. One Saturday out of the month, the group was able to do more major repairs. Like installing windows, roof repairs, reframing houses, laying floods, hanging sheetrock, and whatever was needed interior and externally to keep people in their homes.  

 One of the many repairs he is very proud of, the group found a widow with her granddaughter and three children. She was living in a house in disrepair with no insurance, a large hole in the roof, and lots of interior and external damages. Mr. Prather’s group completed all the repairs at no cost to the widow, and she could now get insurance on the home. Mr. Prather stated we did not have any money, just faith in God to do the repairs. Their motto is to two fish, five loads of bread, and trust in God.

 Men of Honor MOH- Here in Clayton County, meet on the 2nd Tuesday of each month; a group of about 30 men meet at Old Time Country Buffet to fellowship. This group was started to help disabled men get out of the house to give their wives a break. Now the MOH share what’s going on in their lives and community to help each other to be successful and healthy. MOH has resulted in life-changing events just by coming together to help, share and give back within their community.

 When Mrs. Prather went to be with the Lord, Mr. Prather requested monetary donations instead of flowers. He used the donations to help more people with needs in his community.

Mr. Prather is a member of Griswell Senior Center, where he takes part in many activities and volunteers for several service organizations in the local area.