07/28/2026
Roy Kim Prater
On Thursday, July 23 2026, Roy Kim Prater, 69, loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully surrounded by his sister, daughters, son and grandchildren after battling prostate cancer for 11 years with remarkable strength, courage, and grace.
Kim was born on July 25, 1956, in Dumas, Texas, where he spent his childhood before attending Oklahoma State Tech, earning a degree in Diesel Mechanics. In 1976, he moved to Terrytown, where he began what would become a remarkable 41-year career with the same company through its many transitions, from Red Circle to Midland and eventually Ingram Barge Company, where he retired, as a Port Engineer. A gifted mechanic and handyman, Kim had an extraordinary ability to fix anything. He was known for his generosity, his selflessness and his ability to make people feel cared for. Whether it was a neighbor, a coworker, a stranger, or someone he loved, he was always the first to lend a hand, expecting nothing in return. His generosity wasn't a choice; It was simply who he was.
On November 26, 1977, Kim married the love of his life, Denise Patricia McGillicuddy, at St. Louis Cathedral. Together they shared 45 wonderful years of marriage and built a home centered on love, laughter and family raising four children: Katie, Mary, Bridget, and Douglas. While he enjoyed Westerns, Star Trek, and tinkering with just about anything mechanical, nothing brought him more joy than spending time with his children and grandchildren. He is known as Paw Paw to the grandchildren, and being their grandfather was one of the greatest joys of his life.
He is survived by his daughters, Kathryn “Katie” Prater, Bridget Prater-Smith (Frank III); his son, Douglas Prater; his sister, Mahota Lynn Prater; his brother, Douglas Drew Prater (Joyce); and his grandchildren, Frank “Kett” Burkette Smith IV, Birdie Mae Smith and Levi Roy Smith.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Denise Patricia McGillicuddy Prater; his daughter, Mary Kimberly Prater Sisk; his grandchildren, Grayson Kane Sisk, Aurora Grace Sisk, Colson Bane Sisk, and Marigold Mahota Smith; his mother, Cubina Mahota Prater (née Ham); and his father, Douglas Walter Prater.
A memorial service will be held on August 8th, 2026 at Terrytown Playground - Room 101, 641 Heritage Ave, with visitation from 1pm to 4pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that live plants be sent instead, which they will lovingly care for in Kim's memory.
Charitable donations in honor of Kim Prater can be sent to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
Kim's legacy will not be measured by the things he owned, but by the people he loved, the lives he quietly touched, and the family who will carry his kindness forward. He showed us what unconditional love looks like, and that gift will remain with us forever.
MOTHE Funeral Home has been entrusted with funeral arrangements. The family kindly invites you to share thoughts, fondest memories, and condolences online at www.MotheFunerals.com.
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