Aug. 26, 1927 – Feb. 2, 2013

NATCHEZ — Services for Jim Prater Sr., 85, of Natchez, who died Saturday, Feb. 2, 2013, at his residence, will be at 11 a.m. today at New Zion Baptist Church No. 1 with the Rev. Earnest Ford Jr. officiating.

Burial will follow at East Cedar Rest Cemetery in Woodville under the direction of Webb Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until service time today at the church.

Mr. Prater was born Aug. 26, 1927, in Wilkinson County, the son of Charlie Prater and Emma C. Prater. He was retired.

Survivors include his spouse, Eddie Smith Prater and her family; five sons, Jim Prater Jr. of Natchez, Joseph L. Prater of Florida City, Fla., Melvin A. Prater of Los Angeles, Rogers W. Prater of Little Rock, Ark., and Sturgis M. Prater of Biloxi; three daughters, Dora P. Hawkins, Diane P. Smith, both of Natchez, and Carrie P. Bailey of Los Angeles; 15 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.