SPRINGVALE – Leslie “Finn” Pray Jr., 63, of Springvale, died recently at his home in Springvale.

He was born on Oct. 30, 1941, in Lewiston to Leslie and Ellen (Purington) Pray Sr. He was a 1961 graduate of Mechanic Falls High School.

He served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam era, aboard the USS Antietam, one of the ships involved in the recovery on the space capsule for Project Mercury. He was later assigned to the 1st Marine Division in Okinawa. Following his enlistment in the Navy, he served for a time in the Merchant Marines.

He was an avid sports fan; he especially loved watching his favorite teams, the Cleveland Browns, the Cleveland Indians, the Philadelphia 76ers and the Chicago Blackhawks. He was an active member of the American Legion Post 150 in Mechanic Falls and the Springvale Social Club, where he enjoyed spending time with his many friends.

He loved spending time with his family, especially his nieces and nephews. Family gatherings were always a very special time for him. He enjoyed going to his sister’s house and feeding his two pet goats, Ube and Nube, and had a great love for music, especially jazz. He will be remembered for his outgoing and friendly spirit as well as his generosity toward all who knew him.

Surviving are his stepfather, James P. Melvin Sr., and his companion, Lillian Purington, of Mechanic Falls; three brothers, James B. and Suzanne Pray of Greene, William and Naomi Pray of Mechanic Falls and David P. and Sharon Pray of Springvale; two sisters, Patrice A. and John Loughran of Springvale and Susan M. and Gene Fecteau of Windham; special friends, Roy and Jan Biardi; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.

He was predeceased by his parents; and by one brother, James P. Melvin Jr.