Music has always been the spice of life for late-blooming sexagenarian Bill Prather
- Ebony and Ivory
MARK STOKES | Illustrator
mark@markdrawsfunny.com
Name and age: Bill Prather, 70
Profession: Accounting
Spotted at: Lemmonwood Shopping Center
Mathematics to music: Bill Prather has had a unique life and career. Mathematics has always held a grip on this Aquarius, which led to a career in accounting as well as a life-long love of music. Born in Donna, Texas, near McAllen along the Mexican border, Bill worked at Amarillo College for 32 years, and was the organist at Paramount Terrace Christian Church for 30.
Formerly married for 26 years, Bill is the proud father of two grown daughters, and has four grandchildren. “I was so happy to come out, I came flying out of the closet!”
Activities and activism: Bill was always taught to count his blessings, and never to discriminate. Bill spent many years on the governing committee of the Federal Club, he served on the HRC steering committee, and was co-chair of Lambda Legal leadership team. He has been a Black Tie sponsor for the last 15 years, and he also volunteers for Supper Club, preparing meals for Hillcrest House.
Travel is another great love of this finely-tuned septuagenarian, and his adventures have lead him to visit 45 states and five continents (Asia and Africa are on his agenda; New York is his all-time favorite city). His latest trip was a 16-day cruise to Antarctica. “It was heck to pack for!” His voyage took him from the balmy breezes of Chile to the sub-zero temperature of Antarctica and back again, relaxing all the way.
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition January 7, 2011.
