* William Prater; Pan Am Pilot

William Prater, a retired pilot, died Wednesday at Los Robles Regional Medical Center in Thousand Oaks. He was 81.

He was born July 3, 1918, in Knoxville, Tenn., and attended school there. Later, he graduated from the University of Tennessee.

From 1942 to 1946, he served in the Air Force in transportation.

After he finished his military service, Prater began a career as an airline pilot.

He retired from Pan American Airlines in 1964.

His son, George Prater, said that his father enjoyed gardening and also had an avocado grove that he loved to work in. His favorite pets were his two dogs.

Prater enjoyed traveling, camping, boating, jogging at the beach and playing tennis.

The younger Prater said his dad was a private man who was a dedicated father and grandfather.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Marjorie Mosby.

In addition to his son, who lives in San Diego, Prater is survived by daughters, Connie Newland of Costa Mesa; Jane Muse of Albany, Calif.; Linda Donigian of Jerusalem; Pamela Coker of Covina; 13 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

A funeral service was held Thursday. Burial services are set for today at 11:15 a.m. at the Riverside National Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Pierce Bros. Griffin Mortuary in Thousand Oaks.