Willie Gean "Bill" Prater, of Red Jacket, W.Va. born July 12, 1933, a son to the late Wayne and Menda Elizabeth Hall Prater in Woodman KY departed this life on December 17, 2016, while a patient at the Williamson Memorial Hospital of Williamson, W.Va. at the age of 83. In addition to his parents his wife Rose Mary Green Prater and a daughter Donna Marie Donaldson, Sisters Emogene, Phyllis, Mary Alice, Lolita Gaye and an infant sister Virginia precede him in death.

Willie was a proud United States Army Veteran having served in the Korean War and continued to serve his country and community as a Lieutenant Firefighter having worked for Boilings Springs Fire District in Greeneville, SC, retiring after fighting his last fire at the age of 72. Willie was also a member of the American Legion, post #3 of Greeneville, SC.

Survivors include his beloved daughters Shannon Fowler and her husband Craig of Greer, SC and Darlene Scott and her husband Danny Scott of Taylors, SC; brothers Ross Prater, Terry Prater, Wayne Jr Prater and Bobby Prater; sister Lucita Faye "Kitty" of Red Jacket; grandchildren Charla Henderson and her husband Brian, Cara Blackwell and her husband Brody, Brandon Donaldson, and William "BJ" Weaver and great grandchildren Morgan Stokes and Kayden Donaldson.

Wednesday December 21, 2016, entombement will be held at 12:00 p.m. at Graceland East Memorial Park 2206 Woodruff Road, Simpsonville, SC 29681