Dr. Oscar L. Prater was born in Sylacauga, Ala., on Feb. 13, 1939. He was one of five children born to the union of Ollie and Margie Prater.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Talladega College in 1961; a Master of Arts from Hampton University; and a Master of Science and Doctorate in Education from the College of William and Mary. He was a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. and Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity (The Boulé).
A renowned educator and administrator, Dr. Prater was known for his unwavering commitment to historically Black colleges and universities. Highlights of his long and distinguished career include serving as the sixth president of Fort Valley State College from 1990 to 2001 and as the 19th president of Talladega College from 2005 to 2007. He also had diverse leadership roles at Hampton University, including vice president and special assistant to President William R. Harvey. Dr. Harvey and Dr. Prater, who were classmates and basketball teammates at Talladega College, are among the institution’s 17 graduates who went on to become college presidents. Dr. Prater was a dedicated educator and a contributing author of “The Status of Blacks in Higher Education” (1989). During his tenure as president of Talladega College, he established the Talladega Walk of Fame outside historic Swayne Hall and helped increase the institution’s stability.
His extensive experience in academia included teaching at Rappahannock Community College, Talladega College and Hampton University. He also taught and served as a member of the Board of Education in the Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools, Williamsburg.
Dr. Prater had an active love of athletics and the discipline to participate. He remained close to them throughout his academic and administrative career. He was a state champion quarterback at Sylacauga High School. He coached football and basketball in Williamsburg/James City County while teaching Mathematics. He was also close to athletics at Hampton University as an administrator. He enjoyed playing tennis and golf in his spare time. Playing tennis required him to keep his eye on the ball and anticipate his opponent’s next shot. Playing golf facilitated life-long relationships. His support of athletics allowed him to nurture many student athletes in their academic careers.
Dr. Prater was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, Jacqueline Polson Prater; sisters, Dorothy Pater Carson and Betty Prater Davis; and brother, Ollie Dean Prater.
He leaves to cherish precious memories his current wife, Brenda Pollard Prater; sons, Oscar Lamar Prater and Marcus Lee Prater; stepdaughter, Brenetta Nicole Smith (Kofi); two grandchildren, Kole and Kyler; brother, Wallace Dale Prater; and a host of other relatives, colleagues, and friends.
A celebration of life service was conducted 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 17 at the Historic First Baptist Church. Livestream was available at the beginning of the service. Interment followed in Windsor Gardens Cemetery, Matthews. Dr. Prater’s viewing was Friday, Dec. 16 from 2 until 6 p.m. The Omega Psi Phi Omega Memorial Service was at 6 p.m. in the funeral home.
Professional services were entrusted to the staff of Whiting’s Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, 757-229-3011, whitingsfuneralhome.com.
