William Joseph Prater, age 88, of Clipper Mills, CA, passed away Saturday, May 4, 2024.
William, son of Myrtle Prater and Ralph Prater Sr., was born in St. Paul, AR, on August 11, 1935.

William attended elementary school in Clipper Mills, CA, and graduated from Oroville High School and Yuba College.

William was on the Yuba College track team where he met and married the love of his life, Maryette Kunde Prater. Their union was blessed with three wonderful children, Rosemary Prater, Nancy Prater Santana and Maribeth Prater Miller.

William started working at the young age of 12 years old in the woods beside his father and brother Ralph Prater Jr. He went on to work at the Merry Mountain Shingle Mill at age 13.

Then at Sacramento Box and Lumber Co., which was in Woodleaf, CA. William Prater was resilient and went on working one of the most dangerous occupations globally as a Timber Faller, skidder, and loader operator for over 70 years. He was still logging at 82 years old.

William Praters three businesses; Prater Tree Farm. Prater Logging Co. His family Christmas Tree Lot called Sierra Christmas Trees located at Danna and Danna Brothers on Bridge St. and downtown on Colusa Hwy. in Yuba City.

William was an avid fisherman. He started his love for fishing at the age of 4 years old, in St. Paul, AR. He was still fishing the rivers and little Grass Valley Lake at 87 years old.

William was proud of his work ethic, faith, family, friends, and his country. William Prater leaves a legacy of respect, honor, bravery, and love, that will continue to inspire generations to come.

He will be deeply missed by his children, Rosemary Prater, Nancy Prater Santana (Shelby Reynolds), Maribeth Prater Miller (Andrew Devine); grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and friends.

William was preceded in death by his parents, Myrtle and Ralph Prater Sr; his brother, Ralph Prater Jr; his sisters, Willadene and Lorraine.

A celebration of life will be held to honor William Prater's life, on Friday, May 31, 2024, at 11am, at Calvary Foothills Church, 6349 Marysville, Road, Browns Valley, CA, with graveside services to follow at Peoria Cemetery, Browns Valley, CA.
Flowers may be sent May 29th and May 30th to Lipp and Sullivan, 629 D Street, Marysville, CA.