James Delbert "Doc" Prater's Obituary
James Delbert “Doc” Prater, age 79, of Fayetteville, AR, passed away Monday, July 29, 2024. He was born July 7, 1945, in Strickler, AR, a son of the late Oscar Delbert Prater and Ethel Louise Sargent Prater. Also preceding him in death was a sister, Juanita Gibson. James was retired from Campbell’s Soup Company and a U.S. army veteran of the Vietnam War receiving the Army Commendation Medal for Heroism, Army commendation Medal with “V”, Presidential Unit Citation, Army Good Conduct Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Bronze Star, Republic of Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars, Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Honor Medal First Class Unit Citation, Sharpshooter Qualification Bade with Rifle Bar, and Marksman Qualification Badge with Pistol Bar.
Survivors are his wife, Aliena Joyce Prater; a daughter, Alesha Tyson; brothers, Billy Prater, Jimmy Prater; a sister, Norma Stocker; grandchildren, Sidney Ellison, Bailey Tyson, Taylor Reece; great-grandchildren, Lainey Ellison, Kinley Ellison, and Tyson Bright.
Graveside services with military honors will be held 11:30 a.m. Friday, August 2, at Fayetteville National Cemetery with CDR Richard “Sam” Samson, USN Ret. officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be Ken Eskins and Ken Howell.
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