THE DAYTONA BEACH NEWS-JOURNAL
Daytona Beach, Florida
Thursday, November 19, 2009

MEMORIAL SERVICE PLANNED FOR RETIRED CAPT. GRADY PRATHER, 57
By Kari Cobham
Staff Writer

The Flagler County Sheriff's Office has lost a legendary lawman and the longest serving deputy in its history.

Retired Capt. Grady Prather died Tuesday at his home in west Flagler County, surrounded by his family. He was 57.

Before his retirement on Jan. 31, 2008 -- after more than three decades on the force -- Prather headed up the Sheriff's Office marine patrol and dive division, which he also created. For many years, he was the agency's only certified diver.

Prather began his law enforcement career as a dispatcher with the Sheriff's Office in 1975, later transferring to road patrol and working his way up the ranks to become captain.

"This is a very sad time for everyone in this agency and this community," Sheriff Don Fleming said Wednesday. "Capt. Prather touched thousands of lives in his 32 years of law enforcement service in Flagler County."

A memorial service will be Friday at 10 a.m. at Herschel King Park, 1000 S. Park Drive, off of Colbert Lane in Palm Coast.

The park was a special place for Prather. He got married, docked his patrol boat and held his retirement party there.

Due to limited space, the boating and fishing public are asked to avoid the park Friday morning.

Prather's family requested donations be made in his name toward a scholarship fund. Checks can be made payable to the FCSO Sunshine Fund, c/o Flagler County Sheriff's Office, 1001 Justice Lane, Bunnell, FL

OBITUARY:

A Memorial service celebrating the life of Grady Prather Jr., 57, who died Tuesday, November 17, 2009 at his home will be Friday, November 20, 2009 at 10 a.m. at Hershel King Park.

Grady was born in Jasper, GA and moved to this area in 1954 from there. He was a Captain with the Flagler County Sheriffs Department for 33 years. He was commander of the sheriffs office dive team and Marine units and was the recipient of multiple awards and commendations throughout his career.
He enjoyed motorcycles & loved to give parties. Family and friends and his community were very important to him and he was always there to help whomever was in need. He will be greatly missed by all.

Grady is survived by his wife of 20 years, Caryn; sons, Jason Prather, Bunnell, Grady Prather III, DeLand, FL; daughters, Jana Greer and her husband, Brandon, Boone, NC, Amy Rodriguez and her husband, Daniel, New York, NY & Angela Quilen, St. Augustine; grandchildren, PJ and Curtis; sister, Gloria Dawson, Palm Coast; nephew, Ken Dawson Jr.; great niece, Tatia Hansen.

Donations may be made in Grady Prather's name to the Flagler County Sheriffs Department Sunshine Fund, 1001 Justice Lane, Bunnell, FL 32110.

The family of Mr. Prather entrusted the arrangements to Clymer Funeral Home & Cremations.