LEWISTON — Merrill Thomas Givens, 76, of Leeds, died on May 29, at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston, after a brief illness.

He was born on May 24, 1934, in Georgetown, Del., to Raymond T. Givens and Ethel Conaway Givens. He was very devoted to his family and worked hard all of his life. He retired from Phillips Lighting after 30 plus years at the age of 66. He also worked for Morin Brickyard and Hillcrest.

He enjoyed watching all kinds of sports and was an avid fan of the Celtics, the Red Sox, the Patriots, the Dolphins and the Orioles. He was also a fan of Dale Earnhardt. He loved to bowl and play pool, horseshoes and cribbage. He was good at everything he tried and was a very positive, strong person. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his five children, Gary T. Givens, Thomas M. Givens, Lisa Givens-Rivers, Charles E. Givens and Cherie L. Givens; his sister, Thelma “Toby” McClure; his brother, Ralph Givens; his sisters-in-law, Gloria Bedard, Anita Heckbert and Carol Givens; his brothers-in-law, Blackie Doustou, Charles Heckbert and Ron Bedard; ten grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife of 48 years, Elizabeth E. Givens; his father, Raymond T. Givens; his mother, Ethel Conaway Givens; his stepmother, Maggy Pusey; his sisters, Marie Givens, Kathlenn Givens and Pearl Givens; his brothers-in-law, Leon Dill, Sammy Maxim and Joseph Atkins; his sister-in-law, Eleanor Perkins and his nephew, Donald Atkins.