WINTHROP - Kenneth W. Pray Jr., 76, longtime resident of Winthrop, died Tuesday, March 22, 2005, at his home with his wife and daughters by his side. He was born in Belgrade on Sept. 20, 1928, the son of Eunice (Copp) and Kenneth W. Pray Sr. Ken graduated from Belgrade High School, class of 1948, and shortly thereafter enlisted in the Army. Serving during the Korean War in the 40th Infantry Division, 140th Tank Battalion, B Company and attaining the rank of staff sergeant, he was a tank operator and sharpshooter and was awarded the distinguished Bronze Star medal. Ken and Janet House were married on June 18, 1955, by Gordon Buzzer at the Winthrop United Methodist Church, where they remained members throughout their lives. Ken was employed over the years in various capacities. He first worked for Goodheart Cleaners in Augusta and later Inmont of Winthrop. While employed at Inmont, Ken graduated from Andover Institute with a degree in computer science. He also worked for many years at Maxim's in Winthrop and Maine Tile in Westbrook, but eventually went back to what he liked best, mixing paint at Mattson's in Augusta until his retirement in 1998. A true Maine outdoorsman, Ken was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was devoted to his family as well as his country, and his passion was the game of golf. He enjoyed his golf buddies, especially at Cobbossee Colony where he worked in the pro shop, and at Springbrook, where he was given the nickname 'Boomer' by longtime golf friend Roland LaVallee. He had two holes-in-one over the years and received many trophies and cups for his tournament play. He also enjoyed volunteering with his grandson, Nicholas, with the Winthrop Special Olympians, watching his grandson, Joshua, playing Winthrop football, and always looked forward to granddaughter Michelle's songs and funny jokes. Ken was predeceased by his sister and his two brothers. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Janet Pray of Winthrop; his two daughters, Cheryl Neptune and husband, Abraham, of East Winthrop, and Lisa Stevens and husband, Donald, of Winthrop; his three grandchildren, Joshua, Michelle and Nicholas Neptune, all of Winthrop; uncle John Pray and wife, Natalie, of Belgrade; several cousins; many dear friends and his cat, Su-ling. A celebration of Ken's life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at Winthrop United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Heidi Chamberland officiating. A reception will follow at the church. A committal service with full military honors will be held at noon Monday in the chapel at the new Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Mount Vernon Road, Augusta. For those who wish, contributions in Ken's memory may be made to the American Diabetes Association, Maine Office, 163 Lancaster St., Portland 04101; or the American Lung Association, 122 State St., Augusta 04330-5615. Arrangements are in the care of Roberts Funeral Home, 62 Bowdoin St., Winthrop.