Val Vance Prather was born on November 15, 1949, in Natchez, Mississippi, to Jude Henry and Virginia Lee“Williams” Prather. He grew up in Louisiana, Texas, and New Mexico, cherishing fond memories of living on the Sandia Crest Mountains near Albuquerque. Val graduated from Arlington Sam Houston High School in 1968 and earned a degree in Accounting from the University of Texas at Arlington in 1979. While in college, he was a member of the Sam Houston Rifle Club.
In 1978, Val began a nearly 30-year career as an Industrial Engineer at General Dynamics, later Lockheed Martin, retiring in 2008.
He met the first great love of his life, Bonnie “Ann” Powers, in 1979 at a singles function at First Baptist Church in Arlington. They married on May 8, 1980. Ann brought her daughter, Sara, into the marriage, and the couple later welcomed sons Jude (JT) and Joe. After 30 years of marriage, Ann went home to heaven.
Two years later, God brought Beverly into Val’s life. She, too, had lost her husband of 30 years. Val was deeply active in church throughout his life. At Lake Arlington Baptist Church, he sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, and led Royal Ambassadors for many years. After marrying Beverly, they made TurningPoint Church their home, where they both served extensively in children’s ministry and Beach Club.
Val was especially known as a gifted storyteller who dressed children in costumes to bring Bible stories to life. He often wore Roman armor to teach about the full armor of God and shared stories of Roman centurions in Scripture. He also served with the Texas Baptist Men Disaster Relief Team—working on the chainsaw squad and feeder unit—and participated in prison ministries across Texas, leading many to Christ.
In the neighborhood where they lived in Arlington, Val was beloved for dressing in Roman armor or historical uniforms to spark the interest of children. The neighborhood kids would stop by on their walk home from school for Val’s curbside preaching and history lessons.
Val lived his entire life sharing the gospel with everyone whose path God caused to cross his own. He strived to help as many as he could who faced unfortunate life difficulties and tragedies. He truly heard,“Well done, my good and faithful servant,” as Jesus took his hand to welcome him into his eternal home.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.“
-2 Timothy 4:7
Val was preceded in death by his beloved wife Ann, his parents Jude and Virginia Prather, his brother Jude Norman Prather, father-in-laws John F. Powers and Herman Talley, Uncle Brooks and Aunt Connie Taylor, and grandson Clay Sims.
He is survived by his wife Beverly; children Jude (JT) Prather and wife Kathy, Joseph Prather and wife Raquel, and Sara Chiles Hess and husband Mitch; Beverly’s children John Sims and wife Karen, Stephen and wife Sarah; grandchildren Bonnie Rose Prather, Mikaela Hess, Malee Sims, Kellen Donovan, Ruben Sims and wife Lauren, and Isaac Donovan and wife Leticia; his mother-in-law Bonnie Neal Powers Talley; brother Kerry and wife Karen; sister-in-law Judy Prather; brother- and sister-in-law Bill and Rochelle Powers; and Beverly’s siblings Ed Long and wife Sherene, Fred Long, Barbara and husband Don, and Cindy Long. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
A private interment will be held at Evergreen Cemetery in Paris, Texas. The service will be officiated by Val’s nephew, Brian Powers. Funeral services will be conducted under the direction of Bright-Holland Funeral Home.
A memorial service honoring Val’s life will be held on Saturday, June 13, 11:00 a.m. at Turning Point Church, 10700 Old Burleson Rd, Ft Worth, TX 76140
Following the service, family and friends are invited to join us for a light reception. We welcome you to stay, share memories, and celebrate the lasting impact Val had on all who knew and loved him.
The Prather family extends deep appreciation for the many comforting messages, prayers, and acts of kindness shown during this time. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Turning Point Church (Children’s Ministry), 10700 Old Burleson Road, Fort Worth, TX 76140, or to the Texas Baptist Men Disaster Relief Team.
