Edward Licus Prater

Edward "Ed" Licus Prater, 78, of Clemson, South Carolina, passed away on September 6, 2026.

Ed was the son of Leo Clifton Prater and Ruth Ila Ballenger Prater Galbreath. He was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force, where he served for four years as a missile launch officer. Following his military service, he enjoyed a distinguished 32-year career with Michelin Tire Company, working in quality control and research.

Ed was a devoted member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Clemson. He was passionate about sharing his love of the shooting sports with others. He taught the first shotgun class at Clemson University, established a 4-H shotgun club for the Pendleton/Clemson area, and dedicated countless hours to mentoring women and youth. He was a Level II Sporting Clays Instructor and a nationally certified 4-H shotgun instructor whose enthusiasm and encouragement inspired generations of shooters.

An avid sporting clays competitor and instructor, Ed found great joy on the range with family, friends, and students. His favorite saying, "Just one more shot," captured both his love of the sport and his appreciation for life's simple pleasures.

Ed is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Ann Mason Prater; his stepmother, Gloria Richey Prater; his brothers, Johnny Prater and Richard Prater; his sister, Amanda Prater Pope; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and cherished friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Leo Clifton Prater; his mother, Ruth Ila Ballenger Prater Galbreath; and his brother, Marion Prater.

Ed will be remembered for his generous spirit, his dedication to teaching, his service to his country, and the lasting impact he had on everyone fortunate enough to know him. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched, both on and off the shooting field.

A Celebration of Ed's Life will be held at 1 pm, Friday, September 11, 2026 at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church,in Central, SC.  The family will greet friends immediately following the service at the church..

A private committal service will take place in Woodland Cemetery, formerly known as Cemetery Hill on the campus of Clemson University.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Tamassee Hope Village, P.O. Box 8, Tamassee, SC 29686.

Visit RobinsonFuneralHomes.com or Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home & Cremations, 108 Cross Creek Road, Central, SC 29630.

As we remember Ed, we can almost hear him smiling and saying, "Just one more shot."