SOUTH PORTLAND — John J. Cray Jr., 84, of South Portland, died July 30 after a brief illness.

Born in New York City, a son of John James Cray, Sr., and Margaret (Belford) Cray, he was a graduate of Bay Shore High School in New York.
 
During World War II he served in the U.S. Navy.

For many years he worked as a tug boat captain and pilot in New York Harbor with Moran Towing & Transportation.

He moved to Maine to manage the Moran operation in Portland Harbor, and lived with his family in Cape Elizabeth and later in South Portland.
 
A devoted father, grandfather and dear friend to many, he was an avid world traveler, reader and enjoyed time at the gym. He was a true Celt at heart, and enjoyed sharing stories of his travels as a pilot and his many adventures in life.
 
He was predeceased by his wife, Ann Maguire, a sister, Margaret Raven, and a daughter, Nancy M. Cray.

Surviving are his beloved companion, Diane Smith of Cape Elizabeth; brothers, Tom Cray of New York City and Charles Cray of Florida; a daughter, Ann-Louise Chambers of California, and two sons, William Cray of New Jersey and Edward of Florida; a son-in-law, Dr. John Scamman of Falmouth; a niece, Moria Lachance of Falmouth; nine grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
 
Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, Aug. 7, from 2-5 p.m. at the Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. A graveside service will be held on Monday, Aug. 8, at 11 a.m. at the Laurel Hill Cemetery in Saco.
 
Memorial donations may be made to Maine Medical Center Breast Care Center, 100 Campus Dr., Scarborough, ME 04071-7171.

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