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Ernest Prater Jr., affectionately known as “Potsy”, 77, was born on October 23, 1946 in Pineville, Louisiana to Earnest Pitts Prater and Gladys Lair Prater.

He was a lifelong resident of Port Arthur, TX. He peacefully departed this world into eternal rest on February 29, 2024 surrounded by his loving family.

Ernest was baptized and accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age. He was employed in the petroleum and construction industry until he retired.

He was a proud member of the 1965 graduating class of Abraham Lincoln High School in Port Arthur.

While attending high school, Ernest met his life-long partner, Eula “Theresa” Boswell, and they were united in holy matrimony on August 6, 1966.

To this union, they were blessed with four children.

Ernest was known for his larger than life personality. He was well loved and his fun-loving witty personality made him a friend to many.

He was full of energy and will be remembered for his laughter and fun spirit.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Earnest and Gladys Prater, son, Aaron “Joe” Prater, brothers, Joseph and Eddie Louis Prater, and sister, Deborah Prater-Clay.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his faithful wife Eula “Theresa” Prater; three children, Darrick (Nia) Prater, Penelope “Penny” Prater, and Deborah (Gary) Webster; five grandchildren, Courtney Moody, Lachelle Prater, Antrel Prater, Delanye Delaney, and Jayson Prater; two sisters, Bertha (Louis) Jackson and Brenda Young, one sister-in-law, Gladys Boswell, two sister/cousins Sheila Williams and Alma Newman, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 16, 2024 at Greater True Vine Church with a viewing from 8:00 a.m. until service time. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery under the direction of Sugarland Mortuary.