John Wesley Prater

John was a commercial truck driver for Old-Dominion Trucking in Conover. When he was not working, he enjoyed gaming, collectibles, and playing Magic the Gathering. An avid college football fan, his favorite team was The University of Alabama – ROLL TIDE! A devout family man, John stepped up into the role of dad and granddad to his girlfriend’s children and grandchildren. They loved to call him “Papa John.” You could always count on him to lend a hand or help any way he could. John loved animals and had several dogs, cats, and chickens.

John was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, JP and Margaret Puckett of Gaylesville, Alabama.

John is survived by his paternal grandmother, Ms. Peggy Reed of Reynoldsburg, Ohio; his mother, Lisa (Tim) Dumire of Newton; his father, Richard Prater of Albertville, Alabama; brother, J. Prater of Newton; step sister, Brittnee (David) Poore of Asheville; step brother, Timothy Dumire of Newton; John’s companion of 13 plus years, Renae Walker; stepson, Lathan Walker, and daughter Kailey all of the home; stepson, Brandon (Brittany) Blackburn and grandsons, Bryson and Braxton of Cherryville; and special nieces and a nephew. John had a special relationship with his second cousin, Helen Gibbs of Maiden.

A celebration of John’s life will be held on Friday, May 15, 2026 from 5 pm to 8 pm at Drum Funeral Home, 509 1st Ave South Conover, NC 28613.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The American Heart Association at heart.org or to a charity of your choice.

Condolences may be sent to the the Dumire and Walker families at www.drumfh-conover.com