~~      Willie D Prather, 77, completed his earthly pilgrimage on Sunday, October 5, 2015. He was born in Ripley, MS on June 19, 1938, the son of the late Andy and Junnie Mae (nee: Alexander) Prather. Willie had been employed by J.I. Case, and later by Racine Steel Casting for over 25 years. He loved to sing and dance. He was an avid football fan and watched all the games he could. He leaves to cherish his memory, mother of his children Effie Prather-Lacey, his children, Lisa (Billy) Roe, Loretta Rutherford, Lynn Lother, Lance (Cynthia) Prather, Leslie Prather, and Lorna Prather, all of Racine; 15 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great grandchildren; sister, Elizabeth Crum of Faulkner, MS; and brother, Wallace (Mae) Prather, of Ripley, MS. His nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends also survive him. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers and sisters, Ula, Laurie, Siddie, Kenneth, Hugh, Andy Jr., Sula, and Christine. His Homegoing Service will be held at Saint Paul Baptist Missionary Church, 12th and Center, on Tuesday, October 13th, at 11:00 a.m., with Bishop L.L. Kirby officiating. Visitation will be in the church  on Tuesday, October 13th, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will follow in Graceland Cemetery.