Robert James Prater, age 67, Joliet, IL, was born December 12, 1947, in Piedmont, AL, passed away on February 4, 20185 in Joliet, IL., son of the late Guy Buck and the late Lucille Wilson Prater. Also preceding him in death are two sisters, Joan Pierce, and Edna Eskridge; one brother, Butler Prater; son, James C. Blalock and niece, Tina Moran.

He is survived by his wife, Gwendolyn Prater; daughters, Cassandra L. Padilla, Yvonne R. Prater-Sanders (O’Shea), Nina J. Prater, and Kim Blalock-Wright (Billy); three sisters, Helen Morgan, Virginia Prater Morgan, and Earlene Prater; two brothers, Radford Prater, and Guy Prater, Jr.; eight grandchildren; three great granddaughters; a host of beloved nieces, nephews cousins, and long-time friends.

Robert will be laid to rest in Joliet, IL. Funeral services and burial will be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2015, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John Missionary Baptist Church, 104 East Zarley Blvd., Joliet IL 60433. The family will receive family and friends to celebrate and remember the Life of James Robert Prater on Saturday, February 14, 2015 at 1 PM (CST), at Piedmont Civic Center, 500 Mill Street, Piedmont, AL 36272. Repast and fellowship to follow.

Wright Memorial Mortuary, Inc., Rome, Georgia, makes the announcement for the family of Robert James Prater.