Serving Barnwell County and its neighbors since 1852
WILLISTON - Marshal Philip Prater, 69 years old, of Williston, S.C., passed away on September 13, 2025.
He graduated from Barnwell High School at age 17 and went on to further his studies at the University of South Carolina Salkehatchie and then later at USC’s main campus in Columbia where he earned a Bachelor of Science and a Master’s in Public Health and Epidemiology.
Mr. Prater began his career in the public health sector as an administrator for Bamberg County, before joining the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. He then began his 35-year career at the U.S. Department of Energy where he served as a Senior Physical Scientist, managing the environmental impact of the Savannah River Site, where his efforts were instrumental in protecting both the citizens and wildlife of South Carolina for future generations.
An avid outdoorsman, Philip loved nothing more than hiking the trails of his beloved home state, and just as his Cherokee ancestors did, he found spirituality, strength and beauty in nature. Philip was a talented and accomplished woodcarver, armorer, and auto mechanic, from ornate staves and Native American weaponry, to classic cars, there was nothing he couldn't fix, improve, or lend his own unique charm.
Philip was predeceased by his parents, Homer and Geneva Prater, and is survived by his beloved wife of 43 years, Margaret Caroline Prater of Williston, S.C., and his children, Eleanor Margaret Prater (Kaden Jacobs) of Augusta, GA, and William Philip Madison Prater, also of Williston, and his sisters, Marsha Renee Stephens (Todd), of Irmo, S.C., and Louise Bates of N. Augusta, S.C.
The family would like to express their deepest thanks to everyone who loved Philip for their support and comfort during this time.
The family will be receiving family and friends at the Mole Funeral Home on Wednesday, September 17 at 2 p.m. Services will follow at 3 p.m. in the Mole Funeral Home Chapel, with Dr. T. Bart Kelley officiating. Graveside services will be held in the Barnwell County Memorial Cemetery.
Mole Funeral Home of Barnwell is assisting the family with arrangements. Sign the online guestbook at molefh.com.
