Staff Sgt. Terry William Prater Mary Lou Sheckles Thomas Staff Sgt. Terry William Prater, 25 (Picture on Website) Speedwell, Tenn. - Staff Sgt. Terry William Prater, 25, born Aug. 13, 1981, died Thursday, March 15, 2007, while honorably serving his country. A 1999 graduate of Powell Valley High School, he was of the Baptist faith and was a member of Centex Bass Hunters. He was awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart for service during his first tour of duty. He was a loving husband and father. Survivors include his mother, Cheryl Hurley; father, Terry Darrell Prater; wife of 6 years, Amy Prater; son, Bryson Prater, his fishing buddy; daughter, Madisen Prater, daddy's little girl; brothers, Shane Prater and Ilas Hurley; parents, step-father Bruce Hurley, and step-mother Elizabeth Prater; special friends, Tom Yester, Josh Heard, Roy Pena, Albert Hernandez and Todd Miller; and the soldiers of B CO, 1-8 CAV and C CO, 1-9 CAV of the First Cavalry Division. The family will receive friends Sunday, March 25, from 3 until 7 p.m. at Claiborne Funeral Home. Memorial services will follow at 7 p.m. in the Claiborne Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Jimmy Hagerman officiating. A funeral procession will depart Claiborne Funeral Home Monday, March 26, at 11a.m. and travel to Norris Lake for the scattering of ashes. Claiborne Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Mary Lou Sheckles Thomas, 69 (Picture on website) New Tazewell, Tenn. - Mary Lou Sheckles Thomas, 69, formerly of Middlesboro, passed away Saturday, March 17, 2007, at her home. Born Aug. 8, 1937, she professed her faith in Christ at an early age and was a member of the Hensley's Chapel Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, Milas and Ester Minton Shackles; infant son, Rodney Thomas; brothers and sisters; and a grandson, Johnathon Pridemore. Survivors include her husband, Willard Thomas of New Tazewell; sons and daughters-in-law, James David and Shannon Thomas, Shannon and Tina Thomas, all of New Tazewell, Bobby Thomas of Clewiston, Fla.; daughters and sons-in-law, JoAnn and James Thacker of Harrogate, Tenn., Vonna Sue and David Pridemore of New Tazewell, Sandy and Ronnie Mangrum of Mt. Juliet, Tenn., Teresa Land, Donna Evans, and Patty Thomas, all of New Tazewell; 19 grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 20, at Coffey Funeral Home, Tazewell Chapel, with the Rev. Clayton Dunsmore presiding. Music will be by the Dyer Family. Burial in the Green Hills Memorial Gardens, Middlesboro. Pallbearers are Matthew Pridemore, Tim Pridemore, Kenny Davis, John Wilson, Colby Thomas, and Travis Beason. The family will receive friends from 6 until 9 p.m. Monday, March 19, at Coffey Funeral Home, Tazewell , Tenn., which is in charge of arrangements. ************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com.