William K. Prather

William K. (Bill) Prather
William K. (Bill) Prather, passed away December 18, 2008, two days before his 98th birthday. Bill was born in Carroll County, Virginia on December 20, 1910. He came to Akron on May 30, 1929 and was employed as a tire builder for General Tire & Rubber Co. for 32 years, then went on leave to manage the General Tire Employees Federal Credit Union, later named GenFed Federal Credit Union, that he had managed on a part time basis for 13 years. His service continued with General Tire until he took retirement with 43 years of service. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the Credit Union from 1938 through 1997, with the exception of one year, 1947. He served as Treasurer and Manager of the Credit Union for 34 years and continued as Treasurer for an additional 14 years after retirement as Manager. He was active in the Summit Chapter of Credit Unions and the Ohio Credit Union League. For many years, he was a member of Margaret Park United Presbyterian Church and served in several official positions, including Treasurer. He was a member of Arlington Memorial Baptist Church where he volunteered his services in the food cupboard. Bill was preceded in death by his daughter, Joann Khoenle (Donald A.). He is survived by his wife of 76 years, Lula; sons, Charles of Cuyahoga Falls and Harold of Cleveland; special family friend, Sol (Bill) Guren; nieces, Irene Blythe and Jean Farmer; nephews, William Bolt and Terry Sims; and many grand nieces and nephews going to five generations.
"Fill your hearts with pain and sorrow,
But remember me in every tomorrow,
Remember the joy, the laughter, the smiles,
I've only gone to rest a little while.
Although my leaving causes pain and grief,
My going has eased my hurt and given me relief.
So dry your eyes and remember me,
Not as I am now, but as I used to be.
Because I will remember you all and look on with a smile,
Understand, in your hearts, I've only gone to rest a little while.
As long as I have the love of each of you
I can live my life in the hearts of all of you."
Family and friends may call on Sunday from 2 4 and 6 8 p.m. at NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME, 131 N. Canton Rd., where funeral services will be held Monday at 10 a.m., Pastor Don Davies officiating. Interment at Greenlawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Arlington Memorial Baptist Church Food Cupboard, 2330 E. Market St., Akron, OH 44312.
NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME (330) 784 3334