Ricky Devoe Prater

Ricky Devoe Prater, 67, of Walnut Ridge, died Saturday, March 7, 2020, at Methodist University Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. Rick is survived by his wife and best friend, Lesha (Gilmore) Prater of the home, whom he married on January 18, 1975; his daughter and son-in-law, Shantelle (Prater) and Kyle Redden of Walnut Ridge; and granddaughter, Lexington Redden. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Carol and Herbert Robins of Powhatan, brother-in-law, Garland Gilmore of Walnut Ridge; sister, Debbie Workman of Portia; and many family members and friends. Born on August 11, 1952, he was the son of Burl Jr. and Virginia (Decker) Prater of Portia. He was a 1971 graduate of Black Rock High School and served in the United States Army from 1972 to 1974 at Camp William H. Colbert in Korea during the Vietnam War era. After serving in the Army, Ricky went to work on the river for Huffman Towing, Inc., in 1974 then transferred to Agri-Trans in 1984. In 1992, Agri-Trans was purchased by Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) where Rick continued as a captain for the American River Transportation Company (ARTCO) until his retirement on February 28, 2013. During his time with ADM, Rick trained numerous pilots and steered 24 different towboats throughout his career retiring from the M/V American Beauty. Rick was a devoted husband, a loving father and an exceptional grandfather. He was a member of the Free Street Church of Christ. He loved fishing, being on the river, swimming, classic rock music and collecting guns. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Jerry Prater of Pocahontas; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Hubert and Verna Gilmore of Walnut Ridge. Visitation will be held at Bryan Funeral Home on Friday, March 13, at 5 p.m. for family and at 6 p.m. for friends. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 14, at 2 p.m. at Bryan Funeral Home with Terry Spradlin and Lloyd Clark officiating. Burial will follow at Lawrence Memorial Cemetery in Walnut Ridge. Pallbearers are Randy Robins, Robert Robins, Richard Mitchell, Dennis Drury, Terry Matheny, Marcus Matheny, Owen Wilson and Rex Ennis. Honorary pallbearers include Joe Snodgrass, Adam Holland, Ty Matheny, Bryan Smith, Justin Robins, Bryan Robins, Mike Pinkston, the late Leroy Drury, the late Tommy Wayne Drury and the late Junior Faulkner.

Ricky Devoe Prater

August 11, 1952 - March 7, 2020