It is with incredible sadness that we share with you the news of the passing of retired Judge Charles N. Prather yesterday morning.
Judge Prather was born and raised in Orlando, Florida. He attended Boone High School and, following his graduation, enlisted in the Army and spent most of his years in the Reserve. He served as a judge advocate general and received many awards. Judge Prather graduated from Stetson University before completing his juris doctor at the Stetson University College of Law. After graduating in 1963, he served as the executive director for the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association. Two years later, he took on the role of the town attorney for the Town of Windermere. However, it was in 1983 when he made the life-changing decision to run for the bench. After a successful campaign for an Orange County seat, he became a county judge serving for seven years before being appointed by former Governor Bob Martinez to the circuit bench.
During his 18 years as a judge, he served in the criminal and juvenile divisions as well as on local and statewide committees, including the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, the Orange County Correctional Planning Committee, and the Criminal Rules and Law Committee of the Conference of County Court Judges. He retired in 2001 and continued to serve the court as a senior judge.
Judge Prather dedicated his life to serving his community through the law. He was admired for his knowledge, fairness, and patience, and ensured everyone was treated with respect in his courtroom. He was a friend and mentor to many in our circuit, and his memory will live on through their service to the law and our community.
Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers at this time.