Richard Martin Prater

Richard M. Prater, age 81, of Rome, Georgia passed away earlier at this residence.
Mr. Prater was born in Mount Clemens, Michigan on October 13th, 1930 the son of the late Arthur M. and Margaret Moore Prater. He had spent the greater part of his life in Rome and was a graduate of McHenry High School. Mr. Prater was a Korean War veteran having served in the United States Army and prior to his retirement was associated with and was a member of IBW Local #613 of Atlanta for 40 years as an electrician. Mr. Prater was a member of The Church At Northside. Mr. Prater was a charter member of the Sgt. Billy Freeman Post #1Korean War Association and was a charter member of East Floyd Masonic Lodge #728 F&AM. Mr. Prater was preceded in death by a daughter, Valerie Lynn Prater Benson on November 20th, 2006, by a granddaughter, Rachel Leann Prater and by a sister, Lila Jean Sherrill. Mr. Prater was married on December 25th, 1954 to Annie Ruth Duke Prater who preceded him in death on May 10th, 2000.

Survivors include 2 sons and daughters-in-law, Brad and Chrystial Prater of Rome and Mike and Donna Prater of Kingston; 3 grandchildren, Caleb Michael Prater, Rebekah Noel Prater and Jacob Martin Prater; a son-in-law, Barry Benson of Kingston; a sister, Mary Ann Blackstock and her husband, Jimmy of Rome. Nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral services for Richard M. Prater will be held on Saturday morning, June 2nd, 2012 at 11 o'clock at The Church At Northside with his son, Rev. Brad Prater officiating. Interment will follow in the family lot of Sunset Hill Memorial Gardens with the Georgia National Guard Honor Guard conducting military graveside rites.

The family will receive friends at the church on Saturday morning, June 2nd, 2012 from 9 until 11 o'clock A.M. At other hours they will be at the home of a son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Donna Prater.
The following will serve as active pallbearers, Spencer Everett, Lance Everett, Scott Everett, Martin Duke, Kevin Duke, Randy Sherrill, Brian Grogan and Corey Reece. Members of the Sgt. Billy Freeman Post #1Korean War Association will serve as honorary pallbearers. Active and honorary pallbearers are requested to meet at the church on Saturday morning by 10:30 A.M.

Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to a favorite charity.
Fred Talley's Parkview Chapel Funeral Home has charge of the funeral arrangements for Richard M. Prater .