Marlin Christopher Prater, 54, of Woodbury, Tennessee passed away on February 16, 2026, after an extended illness with his family at his side. He was born on October 26, 1971, in Smithville, Tennessee.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Kimberly Smith Prater.

He is survived by his parents, David Prater and Pam Arnold Prater, sons, Justin Prater and Chris Warrick, daughter, Brittany Merriman, sister, Angela (Rodney) Young of all of Woodbury, six grandchildren, several aunts and uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Friday, February 20, 2026, from 12-2 pm.  A service in celebration of his life will follow in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel at 2 pm.  Greg Mitchell will officiate.  His wish was to be cremated.  His family will lay him to rest with his wife at a  later date. Honorary pallbearers will be Justin Prater, Buddy Johnson, Marvin Gilley, Johnny Mitchell, Jimmy Wilson, and Jeff Foster. 

Due to his lengthy illness the family requests memorial donations to assist with funeral expenses.  Share condolences and stories at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com.  Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337.  Because every life has a story.