Billy Prather

1935 - 2021

Funeral services for Billy Ross Prather are set for 11 a.m.Friday at Shackleford Funeral Directors in Selmer. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 5 until 7 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. until service time at the funeral home. Burial will follow in the Prospect Cemetery at Selmer.

Mr. Prather departed this life on Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2021 in Selmer, at the age of 85. He was born Dec. 18, 1935 in Selmer, the son of the late Billy Clyde Prather and Jewel Evans Prather. He was united in marriage to Phoebe Murray on Aug. 17, 1957. Mrs. Prather preceded him in death on Oct. 22, 2008. He served proudly in the United States Army and received his service cross, good conduct medal and the rank of Corporal before being honorably discharged in 1957. He continued in the Army reserves until 1962. Mr. Prather was a retired professional Truck Driver. He drove for Aqua Glass for 22 years with no accidents. He was a member of the Falcon Baptist Church in Selmer. Mr. Prather took pride and was very active in helping hold elections in the Purdy Community for many years. He was a hardworking, no nonsense, stranger to complaining and family loving type of man. He enjoyed working outside, gardening, riding on his tractor, eating a catfish dinner, "breaking the crest on a buffet", and nothing more than a big breakfast.

Survivors are two daughters, Regina Jackson of Selmer and Lori Prather of Debary, Fla.; a son, Ronald Prather of Selmer; eight grandchildren: Brad Prather (Brittni), Barry Prather (Krystina), Cole Prather, Wesley Prather, Ian McKewen, Kevin McKewen, Jessica Sue Inman, Karli Elizabeth Inman; three great grandchildren: Adyson Payge Prather, Timothy Todd Prather, Andrew Ryder Prather; three sisters: Louise Locke (Kenneth) of Selmer, Martha Hardin (Larry) of Michie and Margaret King (Martin) of Corinth; four brothers: Tommy Prather (June) of Gilchrist, Tenn, Dr. John Prather (Barbara) of Corinth, Dave Prather (Karen) of Murfreesboro, Tenn. and Jerry Prather (Linda) of Michie; and a host of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife and parents, Mr. Prather was preceded in death by a sister, Willie Rachel Black; and a brother, Bobby Gene Prather.

Randy Smith will officiate the service.