Frank Ray Neal Jr.

Frank Ray Neal, Jr., 79, Damariscotta, died early on the morning of September 11, at Miles Memorial Hospital

Born July 20, 1912, DATE : [ 07/20/1912 ]in Portland, he was the only child of Frank R. and Mildred (Clary) Neal, Sr. he attended Portland schools.He was a graduate of Deering High School, in the Class of 1939, where he played varsity football.He went on to attend the University of Maine, Orono, majoring in agriculture.He also played football and was the team co-caption of the Orono team.A member of the Kappa-Sigma Fraternity at Orono, he remained active with them for many years.

He married Frances Chapman, in Portland, March 20, 1943, and was inducted into he US Army in June of that year.He served with the 20th Armored Division, in Germany, during WWII, until his discharge in 1945.

As a young man Ray operated his farm where he raised chicken and cattle.In 1959, he entered the insurance field and after moving to Portland he operated as an independent agent.In 1972, he moved to Manassas, VA, where he continued with insurance, until reluctantly retiring in 1992.He was a Charter member of the Marsh River Lodge of Masons in Brooks, Maine and was a member of the American Legion.

He leaves his wife of 57 years, of Damariscotta, six children, F. Ray Neal III, of Nokesville, VA, Robert C. Neal of Purcellville, VA, Samuel W. Neal of Freeport, Brent E. Neal of Manassas, VA, Birchard James Neal of Damariscotta, Nancy Weber of Edgewood, KY, 14 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

Visiting hours will be 6-8 p.m., Thursday, at the Strong Funeral Home, 612 Upper Main Street, Damariscotta.