A remarkable human being and true patriot who stood unconditionally for his country and instilled in his children the meaning of integrity, honor and goodness, Sammy “Sam” Colvin Prather I passed away on January 12, 2023. Born on December 18, 1942, in Maysville, KY, Sam was raised by his paternal grandparents in a humble, wood slatted home. He grew into the quintessential leader, a fearless and fiercely intelligent young man who took charge and always did the right thing. Knowing his number was coming up for Vietnam, he dropped out of high school and enlisted in the U.S. Army at age 17, launching a storied career that took him all over the world. He was incredibly self-motivated and driven, teaching himself to code and then traveling to instruct his Army counterparts. Sam rose through the Army’s ranks over 30 years to E9. During his recruiting days, he was the number one recruiter in the U.S. and received countless honors throughout his life and career including Ligonier of the Year, The Legion of Merit and Honorary Lieutenant Governor for the state of Kentucky. He was also a Mason, a member of the Scottish Rite and a Shriner. At one point he passed up a promotion to Command Sgt. Maj. because he knew the real power was in staying where he was, serving under the legendary Gen. Dennis Reimer. He was able to stand his ground and from then on was honorarily known as “Command” Sgt. Maj. In addition to being a senior advisor to Gen. Reimer, he served as a senior advisor to Gen. Colin Powell, Gen. John Johnston and Gen. Max Barret throughout his three decade enlistment in the U.S. Army. He was also instrumental in getting the land donated for the U.S. Army Reserve station in Richmond, IN, as well as helping launch the Rose Parade in the same city. When the Olympics were held in Atlanta, GA, he was again largely responsible for developing the housing and training centers for the athletes. With a dry sense of humor and a Clint Eastwood-esque, quiet charisma, he ruled every room he walked into. He had a unique gift for making people feel good about themselves, and goodness was part of his famous motto: “look good, feel good, do good.” Sam was not only a hero to his fellow Americans, but also to his children. As a father of four Sam was the consummate provider. He found a strength in family togetherness that he never found elsewhere. Though he was a tough disciplinarian, he was always fair — and showed his soft side with a wink and a smile. He believed in teaching his children the importance of taking pride in their work and their community, but most importantly, themselves. Sam was passionate about having a pristine lawn and mowed on his beloved John Deere until his final days. He loved dogs, and they loved him right back. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing. He was not only a soldier in his career but also in his life. He faced his grim health diagnosis with unparalleled courage and strength and kept a watchful eye on those around him even in his final days. Sam was predeceased by his estranged of nearly 40 years, Leticia O. Prather, and his father, Norman Monroe Colvin Prather. He is survived by his children in order of birth: Paul M. Prather of Lexington, KY; Carolyn J. Crowe of Tampa, FL; Anne E. Prather of Richmond, IN; Sam Colvin Prather II of Richmond, IN; and his grandchildren Alyssa Crowe, Ayla Bales, Silas Colvin Prather and Maya Prather. Sam’s dedication to his country and legacy of service will live on always. In the words of Adlai Stevenson, former governor of Illinois: “Patriotism is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime.”