Stephen Louis Prather

Stephen Louis Prather, 74, of Orlando, Florida passed away on Tuesday, January 11, 2022, following a valiant battle with cancer. Steve was born on February 21, 1947 in Knoxville, Tennessee to Clarence Louis and Pearl Prather and was the youngest, and only boy, of their four children. Steve received a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering from the University of Tennessee. His early career spent as a pipeline engineer led him to big cities, including New York, (where he met the love of his life, Ginny Pettengill), and also Houston, where Ginny and Steve were married. Working in the oil and gas industry for Dravoe led to a wonderful opportunity to live and work in Scotland (where their son, Alan was born,) and France. Once back in the United States, Steve earned his MBA from The University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business. A new career in banking and financial project management gave Steve opportunities to work with a variety of companies, including Carmeuse, Carnegie Mellon Bank, and Sun Trust Bank. Later in life, Steve became a licensed real estate agent, enjoying many years of helping people find the best place to live. Steve lived his life with a humble kindness that touched the lives of those with whom he worked or associated. He inspired those around him with the attention he paid to them, and with his strong faith that sustained him during his lifelong management of Crohn’s Disease, and his cancer battle. He acted on his faith through his church, Presbyterian Church of the Lakes in Orlando, FL, serving as an Elder and a governing officer during his years as a congregant. He also served on the Personnel Committee and helped to implement a Child Protection program. Steve was predeceased by his parents, Clarence Louis and Pearl Prather, and nieces: Beverly Murphy, Karen Robertson, Jan Evans and Jeannie Keller. Steve was survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Virginia Ann (nee Pettengill) Prather and their son, Alan Louis Prather, 44. Sadly, both Alan (March 1, 2022) and Virginia (April 24, 2022) have both recently passed on from separate causes. Steve is survived by his sisters: Jean Pellegrino, Milton, GA; Laverne May, Knoxville, TN; and Gaynelle Edwards, Keller, TX, and nieces: Sharon Hess, Milton, GA; Colleen Case, Keller, TX; and Rhetta Hudson, Knoxville, TN. Steve is also survived by his mother-in-law Helen M. Pettengill, West Chester, PA, and his wife, Ginny’s siblings: Suzanne (Dave) McKinney, Hoschton, GA, Marion (Marv) Murdoch, Hopatcong, NJ, Helen Fachet, Hampton Cove, AL, Myles (Linda) Pettengill, Lafayette Hills, PA, Patrick (Barb)Pettengill, Rock Hill, SC, Michael (Colleen) Pettengill, Londonderry, NH, Olivia (Rob) Maple, Galena, IL, Christine (Dan) McDevitt, Glen Mills, PA, and Barbara Jean (Bruce) Foster, Laconia, NH and numerous nieces and nephews of his wife, Virginia (nee Pettengill) Prather’s extended family. A memorial service is scheduled at 11:00 am on Saturday, July 30, 2022 at Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, PA. Those wishing to honor Steve’s memory are encouraged to make a donation to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation (www.mycrohnsandcolitisteam.com). The family of Stephen L. Prather invites you to leave a message of condolence on the Tribute Wall created in his loving memory.

Stephen Louis Prather

February 21, 1947 - January 11, 2022