Rayford Prater

Rayford Prater was a life-long resident of Alabama. He was born in Lamar County to Arthur and Myrtle (Gill) Prater. He worked along with his entire family on a farm his father share-cropped until he left home to join the U.S. Army at age 18. He served in both World War II and Korea. After his time in Korea, Mr. Prater worked as a welder in the fabrication shop of US Steel for over 30 years. During this time, he served as President of the United Steelworkers Local 1013 for several terms. Rayford was a dedicated member of the Fairfield Highlands Church of Christ for many decades before moving to Hoover in 2007. At that time, he became active with the Vestavia Church of Christ where he remained a faithful servant until his death.
Preceding him in death after 19 years of marriage was wife, Bernice (Gamble) Prater in 1970. In 1971 Rayford married Doris (Higdon) Prater. They were married almost 43 years until Doris’ death in 2014.
Survivors include children Denise (Mark) Qualls, Debra (Paul) Cavender, Buster (Sandy) Prater, Donna (Bob) Parimore, Zane (Emi) Prater and Dawn (Andy) Davis. Rayford is also survived by 17 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren and 4 sisters.
The family will receive friends Sunday, August 16, 2015 from 1-2 PM at Currie-Jefferson Funeral Home. Funeral service will follow at 2 PM in the chapel.

Visitation

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM ,Sunday, August 16, 2015
Jefferson Memorial Gardens, South
2701 John Hawkins Parkway Hoover, AL 35244

Chapel

2:00 PM ,Sunday, August 16, 2015
Currie-Jefferson Funeral Home Chapel
2701 John Hawkins Parkway Hoover, AL 35244