Ronald Eugene Prater

Ronald Eugene Prater passed away peacefully on the morning of Sunday, November 8, 2015, at the age of 79 years and 60 days, surrounded by family and friends at Magnolia Regional Hospital. He was born September 9, 1936, Muenster, TX, the son of the late Velma Hoffman Prater and Raymond Prater. Ronald was united in marriage to Janet Shelton Prater, June 19, 1955. He was a member of First Baptist Church, Michie, TN. He was a loving husband, devoted father, doting papa, and playful great-papa. He participated in sports of all types from playing in an over-40 softball team to golf. His hobbies included team roping and raising horses and livestock, but his greatest love was spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Ron had a story for every occasion. Every child, grandchild, and great-grandchild was taught how to be competitive by racing with Papa from eating ice cream to shooting basketballs.

After retiring at ITT in Corinth, MS, he opened JIT Tooling in Michie, TN. He has worked since he was 10-years-old in a variety of interesting jobs such as delivering groceries on a bicycle,
working on an off-shore drilling rig, and working on space industry hardware at North American
Aviation in Tulsa, OK.

Survivors include Janet of the home, daughters Ronda Sturdivant (Bill), Walton, KY, Terrie McAnally (Chris), Florence, AL, Kathy Young (David), Michie, TN, and Rae Ann Austin (Donald), Ripley, MS. Grandchildren are Shandal Maxedon (Blake), Joanna Tatum, Darrell Tatum (Brittney), Scott Sturdivant (Cait), Andrea Whitten (Clark), Bradley Sturdivant, Kyle McAnally, Rachel Sturdivant, Caleb Austin (Amber). Great­ Grandchildren are Brooks Terry, Samuel and Aubrey Maxedon, Ty and Ryder Whitten, and Gavin and Jase Austin; a brother, Dale Prater and wife Betty of Morris, OK; five nephews, Bryson and Clint Prater, Chuck, Mike, and Robbie Boone.

Visitation will be held at Shackleford Funeral Directors of Acton, TN, on Tuesday, November 10, 2015, from 5pm-8pm and on Wednesday, November 11, 2015, at 10 am until the funeral Services at 11 am. Funeral services will be officiated by Brother Ben Martin, Clark Whitten and W. L. Clayton. Interment will be at Lebanon Cemetery in Michie, TN.