Harlie Edward Prater was born June 1, 1938 in Clifton, TN to the union of the late Will and Lella Hurley Prater. Mr. Harlie was united in marriage to Lillian Stafford Prater on March 25, 1976. He worked as the manager for Prater’s Furniture Store on the square and then went to work for Wayne County Bank, where he retired. He enjoyed coon hunting, rabbit hunting, and keeping his yard mowed. Mr. Harlie was a lifetime member of the Wayne County Bridle and Saddle Club and a member of Calvary Baptist Church. He departed this life at Wayne Medical Center on Friday, March 1, 2024 making his stay in this life 85 years, 9 months, and 1 day.
Those left behind to cherish his memory include his wife of almost 48 years, Lillian Stafford Prater of Waynesboro, TN; three sons, Randy Prater (Tricia) of Jacksonville, NC; Kent Prater (Sub) of Lumberton, NC; Jeffery Prater of Santa Monica, CA; four grandchildren, Kelly, R.K., Pasinee, and Ched as well as 7 great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his nieces, nephews, and a host of loving friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his step-daughter, Brenda Duncan Douglass, two brothers, W.L. “Dugan” Prater, J.D. “Buck” Prater; and one sister, Mary Frances Thompson.
Visitation with the Prater family will be on Wednesday, March 6th from 9:00 AM until 10:30 AM at Bates-Love Funeral and Cremation Chapel.
Graveside services will begin at 11:00 AM at Waynesboro Memorial Gardens on Wednesday, March 6th, 2024 with Casey Jones and Jacob Kitchens officiating.
Bates-Love Funeral and Cremation, LLC are honored to assist the family.
