Ralph Herbert Sprague, Jr., 83, of Waldoboro, died April 24 at Miles Memorial Hospital in Damariscotta. He was born Jan. 11, 1925 in Waldoboro along with his twin brother, Frederick, a son of the late Ralph and Thelma Cornish Sprague. He was the oldest of eleven children. He grew up in Newcastle and attended local schools. He was employed at the Harding Plant prior to enlisting in the U.S. Navy.
On July 7, 1943 he enlisted in the Seabees part of the U.S. Navy. He had basic training at Camp Perry, Va. He left for overseas from Gulfport, Miss. on the U.S.S. Azalea City to Nouhea, New Hebrides in the South Pacific. He participated in battles on Guadalcanal, Russell Islands, New Guinea, Manus a part of the Admiralty Islands. This is where he received all of his injuries when the U.S.S. Mount Hood exploded on Nov. 10, 1944. He was very nearby unloading the ships ammunition and received many pieces of shrapnel from the explosion that had to be removed from his chest, face and neck. For many years after, the shrapnel would work its way to the surface. After recovering from his injuries he was honorably discharged and returned home where he married the love of his life, the girl he had been dating and writing to, Dorothy Shuman.
He worked as a truck driver for many years before starting his own company, D & R Trucking in Gray in the 70 s. In the 80 s he retired and began working for his brother, Neil Sprague. In 1996 he moved back to Waldoboro and worked for Ferraiolo s in Rockland. Jr. was especially grateful to his special family, Jody and Leisa Sprague, who were always willing to help.
He was a lifetime member of Soule-Shuman Memorial VFW Post 4524 and was a member of the Senior Citizens. He was a Boy Scout Leader. He helped establish the Gray Rescue and helped as a driver. He played Santa for many years in both Gray and Waldoboro. In January he received long overdue medals and awards for his combat service on the Admiralty Islands.
He loved camping and traveling with Dot.
He was predeceased by his son, Frederick Sprague, three sisters and three brothers.
Survivors include his loving wife of 62 years, Dorothy Shuman Sprague of Waldoboro; children, Larry Sprague of New Gloucester, Martha Lamb and husband Dennis of Gray, Vicki Darling and husband Glen of New Gloucester, and Jennifer York and husband George of Gray; brothers, Anthony Sprague of Oregon, and Alvah Sprague of Damariscotta; sisters, Thelma House of Bristol, and Virginia Berry of Damariscotta; grandchildren, Jason Sprague of Bath, Kim Sprague of Portland, Ralph Lamb of Poland, Angela Brown of Poland, Brice and Tonya Darling of New Gloucester, Brian and Shane York of Gray, and Jarid York of Portland; and great-grandchildren, Dylan Brown of Poland, Hailee Darling of New Gloucester, Oliver Sprague of Portland, and Riley Lamb of Poland.
Visiting hours 6-8 p.m., Mon., April 28 at Hall Funeral Home, 949 Main St., Waldoboro.
Celebration of Ralph s (Jr.) life 2 p.m., Tues., April 29 at the North Waldoboro Nazarene Church, 1640 Old August Rd., Waldoboro with Pastor Mark Holden officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Ralph s memory to the Waldoboro Nazarene Church, 1640 Old Augusta Rd., Waldoboro, ME 04572; to the Soule Shuman VFW Post 4525, c/o John Blamey, 75 Ledges Circle, Waldoboro, ME 04572 or to the Charles Lilly American Legion, Post 149, P.O. Box 366, Waldoboro, ME 04572.
Arrangements are entrusted to Hall Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 949 Main St., Waldoboro.
