Judson "Jud" E. Prater

Jud was born to Edgar Milford Prater and Ruth Cannon Prater on Lookout Mountain, Alabama. He was a 1956 graduate of DeKalb County High School, Fort Payne, Alabama. At Auburn University he earned a Batchelor of Science degree in Entomology in 1960.

Shortly after graduation he married his college sweetheart, Carol Twiggs, in the First Baptist Church of Lafayette, Alabama. Immediately moving to Greater Birmingham, he began his first job in sales for International Harvester. Later hired by Lufkin Trailer Company, he eventually became Birmingham branch manager. After several years, he was recruited by Willings Detroit Diesel as its general manager.

In 1970 he served as the 29th president of the Birmingham Motor Truck Club.

Founding Truck Trailers of Alabama in 1972, decades later he sold the business and went into a well-deserved retirement.

A good golfer, every Thursday was spent with his favorite foursome at Vestavia Country Club, of which Jud was a member for more than fifty years.

He and Carol are members of the Samford Society of Auburn University. Jud was also a life member of the Auburn Alumni Association.

Jud is survived by his wife of 63 years, Carol, his son Judson (Jay) Edgar Prater Jr., granddaughter Ainsley Wade Prater, and grandson Judson Edgar Prater III.

Honoring his request, there will be a private family graveside service. Any charitable donations may be made to the Jimmie Hale Mission of Birmingham, Alabama.