Obituary: Billy Darrell Prater

Memorial services for Billy Darrell Prater, 91, a longtime resident of Dora, will be held at a later date.

Billy was born Feb. 25, 1932, at the family home in Dora. Dora remained his home until recent years when he moved to Heartland House Assisted Living in Lubbock. He passed from this life on Sept. 5, 2023. Billy graduated from the Dora High School in 1949 and continued to live in Dora farming and running a dairy along with his father. On Feb. 15, 1950, in Farwell, he was married to Peggy Shackleford. They were married for a little over 71 years before her death on Mar. 6, 2021.

For a number of years, Billy worked at a variety of jobs. For a time, he worked in construction building houses for Nub Burke. Another time he was employed at Herbert Lumber Co. in Portales. After that he worked for Southern Union Gas Co doing office work and reading and installing meters. At night and in his off time he was taking classes at ENMU to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Education. When that was completed in Dec. 1969, he immediately went to work teaching in the Spring semester of 1970 in Clovis at La Casita. In the fall semester of that year, he began teaching 5th grade in Dora, and continued there until 1996. By 1975, he had completed his Master's Degree. Billy was a beloved mentor and teacher for countless students during those years.

In his retirement years, he and Peggy managed to tour all 50 states, mostly in their RV or on bus tours. He also oversaw the Mount Zion Cemetery for many years. Billy was a devout Christian all his life and a faithful member of the Dora Church of Christ. He always had a ready smile and loved visiting with the countless friends and acquaintances. Since living at Heartland House in Lubbock, Billy had enjoyed the fellowship of many new friends.

He is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Stan and Cindy Prater of Milwaukee, WI and Benny Jack and Dorenda Prater of Nixa, MO; a daughter and son-in-law, Judy and Russell Campbell of Wichita Falls, TX; 11 grandchildren, Brandi (Brent) Hodges, Chris (Lauren) Burke, Bobby (Kate) Sowder, Justin (Lesya) Sowder, Jaclyn (Brenden)Schneider, Emily (Michael) Robinson, Nathan (Janiece) Campbell, Ryan Campbell, Daniel (Shannon) Toler, David (Jenny) Toler, and Tabatha (Jeff) Chan; 26 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. Besides his wife, Peggy, Billy was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Dorothy Allen.

Arrangements are under the direction of Wheeler Mortuary of Portales. 575-356-4455, wheelermortuary.net