Honoring Lawrence Prater’s Legacy with a Proper Farewell

Dear friends, family, and kind-hearted supporters,

My name is Emily Silvey Begley, and I’m reaching out with a heavy heart to ask for your help in giving my former brother-in-law, Lawrence Prater of Southside, Alabama, the dignified funeral he deserves. Lawrence, a devoted father in his fifties, is currently on life support, and his sons—my precious nephews Christian, Casey, and Andrew—have shared this heartbreaking update: “Our father, Lawrence Prater, is on life support, and we expect him to pass on in the next few days to come.”

No one expects to lose a parent so young, and this sudden tragedy has left our family reeling. Lawrence was unmarried, and his sons, though strong in faith, are facing this loss without the financial resources to cover funeral costs. I’m asking our community to unite to ease their burden and honor a man who poured his heart into raising amazing, God-loving young men.

Lawrence was the kind of dad who showed up. He was present for every moment that mattered—teaching his boys to love deeply and trust in God. From attending their games to sharing quiet wisdom, he helped their mother, Angela Silvey Ramiscal, shape Christian, Casey, and Andrew into the remarkable men they are today. Now, we want to celebrate Lawerence’s life by giving him a proper burial, a final act of love to reflect all the times he was there for them.

Funerals are costly, and we desperately need your support. According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the average funeral in the U.S. costs around $8,300, not including cemetery fees or other expenses like flowers or an obituary. We’re aiming to raise $9,000 to cover everything, a service to celebrate Lawrence’s life with his funeral needs in Etowah County, where he called home.

We’re turning to you because we can’t do this alone. Christian, Casey, and Andrew are grieving, and the weight of these expenses is overwhelming for them. Any contribution, no matter how small, will make a difference—whether it’s $5, $20, or more, every dollar brings us closer to giving Lawrence the farewell he deserves. Please share this fundraiser with others who knew Lawrence or might want to support our family if you can't donate.

I invite you to join me in praying for my nephews during this painful time. Their faith is strong, but losing their dad so unexpectedly is a wound that will take time to heal. Let’s rally around them, showing them love and that good people model every day.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for anything you can give. Your support will help us honor a father who loved his sons and ensure his legacy lives on in a meaningful farewell.

With gratitude and prayers,

Emily Silvey Begley

For Christian, Casey, and Andrew Prater

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Other Ways to Help:

• Share this fundraiser on social media or with your church community in Southside, Gadsden, or beyond.

• Through the donation comments, send words of encouragement or memories of Lawrence to Christian, Casey, and Andrew—they’ll cherish your support.

• Keep our family in your prayers as we navigate this loss.