Alan Hardy Prather

1949 - 2023

Alan Hardy Prather
January 28, 1949 - February 5, 2023
Bradenton, Florida - Alan Hardy Prather, Esquire, 74, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday, February 5, 2023. He was born January 28, 1949, in Gainesville, FL. He was the son of the late Hardy and Freda Prather. Alan was a true Gator! Raised in Florida and North Carolina, Alan attended High Point College. Upon graduation with a BA, he was commissioned in the U.S. Marine Corps and admitted to the University of Florida College of Law. After graduation he served four (4) years as a JAG Officer until returning to Florida and commencing his private practice. He has represented in one capacity or another Manatee County, the Cities of Bradenton, Bradenton Beach and Palmetto, as well as the Manatee County School Board and various special districts and corporations. He served the firm of Porges, Hamlin, Knowles & Hawk, P.A. in an "Of Counsel" capacity. Alan was board certified in City, County and Local Government Law and was appointed to the City, County & Local Government Law Certification Committee from 1998 to 2004 and again from 2009 to 2015, leaving as Chairman. He was a member of the Florida Bar Association, the Manatee County Bar Association and the U. S. Supreme Court. It was at his first job in Manatee County that he met his wife, Beverly. They have been happily married for 37 years. Alan proudly became father to Beverly's three children; Jennifer Sabo Taylor, Ben Sabo and Nathan Sabo. Alan attended Christ Episcopal Church, served on the Vestry and participated as a Reader/Chalice Bearer and Chancellor. Alan is survived by his wife, Beverly; his sister, Robyn Spangler and family; daughter, Jennifer (Mike) Taylor; sons; Ben (Jenny) Sabo and Nathan (Jen) Sabo. He is also survived by his grandchildren, the love and joy of his life; Christian Taylor, Kayleigh Sabo, Isabel Taylor, Chase Thornton, Orin Taylor, Christian Sabo, Amelia Sabo, Grady Sabo; nieces and nephews; cousins and friends. Funeral service will be 1:00 P.M., Saturday, February 25, 2023, at Christ Episcopal Church, 4030 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton, FL, with a reception to follow in the Church Parish Hall. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Special thanks to the ICU and Hospice staff of Blake Hospital who cared for Alan. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Alan's name to Christ Episcopal Church or the Salvation Army. Condolences may be made to www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.