Donald Willard Ater

Published 4:06 pm Thursday, December 12, 2024

Feb. 3, 1947 – Dec. 10, 2024

FERRIDAY – Donald Willard Ater, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on Dec. 10, 2024, surrounded by family. He went to be with his Lord and Savior, leaving behind a legacy of love, service, and dedication to his family, faith, and community.

Don was born on Feb. 3, 1947, in Cisco, IL, to Donald Edward Ater and Ruth LeVonne Chapman Ater. He spent his early years in Cisco before his family moved to Tallulah, LA, where he graduated from Tallulah High School. Throughout his school years, Don excelled in academics and sports, particularly basketball, where he earned All-State First Team honors. Don continued his love for basketball at Louisiana College on a scholarship before transferring to Northwestern State College. There, he became an integral part of his father’s land development business while also engaging in campus life as a member of the Kappa Alpha fraternity, where he served as Sergeant at Arms. Don was a natural leader, elected class treasurer in his senior year, and also voted “Most Handsome” by his peers.

After completing his education, Don went on to a successful career as an entrepreneur and community leader. He managed and operated Don Ater Chevrolet, Ater Warehouse, and Ater Farms with skill and dedication. His business acumen earned him the Wilson Trailer Dealer Service Award and Salesman of Honor, and he served on the board of Delta Bank for 41 years. He also held a 40-plus year tenure as General Manager of Ater Warehouse, where he received a 30-year service award for his exemplary leadership.

In addition to his professional achievements, Don was deeply involved in his community and church. He served as Chairman of the Board of the Ferriday Methodist Church until recently when declining health led him to step down from this position. Don was also an active member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce (JCs), where he made lasting contributions to his community.
Don’s love for family was unwavering. He cherished spending time on his pier with his wife, Carol, and their dog, Bama, watching the stunning sunsets of Lake Concordia. He was a passionate LSU Tigers fan and an avid Corvette enthusiast, having owned several throughout his life. He was a devoted husband to Carol Bennett Ater, with whom he shared many joyful years.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Donald Edward and Ruth LaVonne Ater; his sister, Kay Ater Goeggle; and his brother, Alan Ray Ater.

Don leaves behind his beloved wife, Carol, children, Sharon Williams (Ken), Natalie Quimby (Bryan), Audra James (Trae), and stepchildren, April Blaney (Ryan), and Matt Dillon (Donna). He is also survived by his sister, Susan Lynette Tanner, and his brother, Edward William Ater (Mignonne). His memory will live on through his grandchildren, Richard Burnell Sharp III, Donald Chapman Sharp, Davis Sevier Sharp, Olivia LaVonne Edgin, Whitney Elizabeth Butter, Emily Reneé Pearson, Michael Garrett Vinson, Brooke Landis Magee, Glaston Wyatt Magee, Joseph Roarke Dillon, Tucker Hollis Blaney, and Tinley Marie Blaney. As well as a number of great-grandchildren.

Those honoring him as pallbearers will be his grandsons, Burn Sharp, Chapman Sharp, Davis Sharp, Garrett Vinson, Glaston Magee, and Tucker Blaney.

Don was known for his generosity, wisdom, and commitment to those he loved. His financial expertise was a source of guidance for his family, and his devotion to others left a lasting impact on all who knew him. Above all, Don’s faith in the Lord and his role as a faithful servant set him apart as a man of integrity and compassion.

The family is grateful for the outpouring of love and support they have received during this time. A celebration of Don’s life will be held at Sevier United Methodist Church on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, at 2 p.m.; a visitation will be held from 1 until 2 p.m. where friends and family are invited to honor and remember the remarkable man he was. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Sevier United Methodist Church or another charitable cause of your choosing.