Jerry Lee Prater Sr.

Jerry Lee Prater, Sr., age 65 of Bluefield, WV passed away Wednesday, November 10, 2021 at Raleigh General Hospital in Beckley, WV at 12:15 p.m. He was born on November 21, 1955 in Yukon, WV and was a son of the late Christopher Columbus Prater and Mollie Payne Prater. He was of the Christian faith and his religion was Pentecostal Holiness. He loved to play the guitar and sing every chance he got. He loved to sing, play and preach in Church; his favorite verse in the Bible was John 3:16. Jerry served in the United States Army National Guard from March 8, 1973 to March 8, 1979. He served as an E-4 in the 150th Armored Calvary. His favorite color was purple and his flower was roses. He had worked for the city of War, WV for sixteen years and enjoyed it very much. One of his fondest memories was the day he met his beautiful wife, on September 3, 1972 and shared forty-seven years of marriage. His greatest inspiration was his love for gospel music and playing his guitar. He said his only regret in life was not finishing school. Jerry loved each and every one of his family members, friends and never met a stranger; he prayed daily for everyone. Jerry will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one daughter, Crystal Gail Prater; special brother in-law, Charlie White. Survivors include his loving wife, Virginia Marie Prater, to whom he was married for forty-seven years, but shared forty-nine years of their lives together. They were married on June 10, 1974. He is survived by five children, Virginia Lynn Prater Atwell and husband, Charles of Lex, WV, Jerry Lee Prater, Jr. and fiancée, Donna Brewster of Newhall, WV, Mollie Jo Justice and husband, Earnie of Bluefield, WV, Jessica Ann Prater and fiancée, Valerie Davila-Perez of Newton, NC, and Ruth Ellen McCrary and fiancé, Corey Brown of Catawba, NC; two brothers, Chris Prater of Raleigh, NC and Gerald Prater and wife, Denise of Kimball, WV; three sisters, Ellen Prater and fiancé, David Robinson of Tazewell, VA, Marie Grose and fiancé, Rodger Baldwin of War, WV and Gaynell Walker and fiancé, Danny Stinson of Avondale, WV; eighteen special grandkids and twenty-two special great-grandkids that he loved dearly. He had a special friend, Anthony Wallace of War, WV and a very special brother in-law, Doug White and wife, Christina of Marion, VA; a host of nieces, nephews and other family members and friends also survive. Funeral Services for Mr. Prater will be conducted at 3:00 p.m. Monday, November 15, 2021 at the Bartley Church of God in Bartley, WV with Rev. Melvin Muncy officiating. In keeping with Jerry’s wishes, his earthly body will be cremated and burial will be private. The family will receive friends at the Church after 6:00 p.m. Sunday, November 14, 2021. The family of Mr. Prater is being served by Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Tazewell, VA and those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com.

Jerry Lee Prater Sr.

November 21, 1955 - November 10, 2021