Billy "Boxer" Justin Prater

Billy Justin “Boxer” Prater, 36, of Beech Creek, WV went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 from his home after a courageous battle with cancer.  Born June 7, 1988 in South Williamson, KY, he was the son of Billy and Janet Hatfield Prater of Beech Creek, WV. 

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Willie and Wanda Prater, his maternal grandparents, Ira and Betty Lou Hatfield, and a niece, Ashton Collins.

Boxer was the life of the party and never met a stranger.  Everyone that knew or met Boxer loved him.  His outgoing personality, love of people, and sense of humor touched the hearts and lives of many.  He always had a smile, a kind word, and always would try to help anyone any way possible.  Music was a big part of Boxer’s life, and he was well known throughout the area as a talented musician and singer.  Prior to his illness, he worked as a machine operator for the N&S Railroad.  Boxer loved and was devoted to his family.  More importantly, he was a Christian and loved the Lord with all his heart.  He was a member of the Devon Church of Christ.  He kept the faith till the end and even said “cancer may take my life, but it saved my soul”. 

2 Timothy 4:7-8 “I have fought a good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith:  Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing”. 

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife and love of his life, Katie Blankenship Prater of Beech Creek, WV, his parents, Billy and Janet Prater of Beech Creek, WV, his sister, Tracy (Timmy) Collins of Beech Creek, WV, his father and mother-in-law, Archie Kevin and Cynthia Blankenship of Beech Creek, WV, several nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, his family of in-laws, his fur babies, Tickle Prater and Honey Prater aka Pup Pup, a host of other family, and a multitude of friends. 

Boxer didn’t want sad, somber services.  He wanted a happy celebration of his life.  A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, June 22, 2024 at 1:00 pm at the Mingo Central High School Gymnasium with Archie Kevin Blankenship, Travis Simpkins, David Blankenship, David Ferguson, and Heath Alley speaking.  Burial will follow in the Blankenship Cemetery at Devon, WV.  Active pallbearers will be Bogdan Komajda, Timmy Collins, Ethan Collins, Hunter Collins, Alex Daniels, Eric Sipple, Travis Muncy, Teddy Simpkins, Randy Baldwin, Thomas Simpkins, Thomas Taylor, Paul McCoy, and Aaron Graley.  Honorary pallbearers will be Kyle Sipple and Gerald Pack Jr.

Visitation will be after 6:00 pm Friday evening at the Mingo Central High School Gymnasium with a special service at 7:00 pm.

The family would like to say thank you for the overwhelming support, kind words, and prayers extended to them during Boxer’s sickness, his passing, and in the coming days as his life is celebrated.

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