Billy Prater

There are some people who don’t need to fill a room to be felt in it—and Bill was one of them.

Billy “Bill” Prater, a lifelong skilled carpenter by trade and a musician at heart, built more than just things with his hands—he built a life rooted in patience, purpose, and quiet strength. Whether he was shaping wood, strumming a tune, tending his garden, checking on his bees, or riding his tractor, he found joy in the simple things and reminded others to do the same.

Bill was a man who got lucky in love—not once, but twice. And now, he has found his way back to his first love, reunited with his first wife, Bonnie Prater, in heaven. We imagine there was a familiar smile waiting for him, and maybe even a gentle, “What took you so long?”

He loved the hum of bees, the feel of soil in his hands, and the steady rhythm of a tractor under an open sky. He didn’t need much—just honest work, a little music, his amazing cooking and the people he cared about.

Though he was quiet by nature, when he spoke, people listened. His words carried weight, wisdom, and a calm that could settle even the busiest mind. He was strong—not just in body, but in heart and spirit—facing life’s challenges with a steady resilience that never asked for recognition.

He was more than what titles could capture. To many, Bill became a father figure—offering guidance, support, and a kind of love that didn’t need to be loud to be deeply felt.

He leaves behind a legacy of strength, kindness, and the reminder that a simple life can be an extraordinary one.

He is survived by:

His wife, Carolyn Prater; his son, Bill Prater; his daughter, Cindy Carmen; five grandchildren- Christiaan,Nikki, Lauren, Mason and Avenlea ; and three great-grandchildren- Nayeli, Kace, and Ashton and a baby girl on the way.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 PM on April 17th, 2026, at

Eternal Hills Funeral Home

3594 Stone Mountain Highway

Snellville, GA 30039

We will follow this with a celebration of life at his home in Snellville, GA.

In true Bill fashion, we’d like to think he’d tell us not to fuss too much—but to maybe play a little music, plant something in the dirt, and take a quiet moment to remember him.