Billy Ray McDaniel, 78, beloved husband and father, died of lung cancer at his home in Lompoc on Monday, January 18, 2010. Bill was a retired engineer, rocket fuels specialist for Martin Marietta on VAFB. He was on the original Hughes Aerospace team that put Surveyor, the first soft landing vehicle on the moon. Prior to that, he was an aircraft mechanic for Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach, CA, and an aircraft mechanic in the Navy for two years. Bill was born and raised in Jonesboro, AR, and went through the local schools there and attended junior college in Fullerton, CA and Abilene Christian College in Texas.

He and his cherished wife of 54 years, Jolita Penn McDaniel, met and married in Fullerton, CA, in 1955. They moved to Lompoc in 1962 and have resided there for the past 48 years.

He is survived by three children and five grandsons: daughter Malia M. Mosby, her husband Dr. Steve M. Mosby of Brentwood, CA; grandson Evan M. Mosby of Yucaipa, CA; grandson Shea M Mosby and his wife Michelle of Lansing, MI; daughter Melanie McDaniel of Lompoc, CA and her son, grandson Joshua H. Forster; son Mitchell R. McDaniel of Denair, CA, and his sons, grandson Michael R. McDaniel of Los Angeles, CA, and Matthew R. McDaniel of Denair, CA; one half-brother, Tom McDaniel, AR; a sister, Patsy McDaniel Williams, OK; and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

Predeceasing Bill were his parents James Walter McDaniel of Jonesboro, AR; Mary Fisher Williams of OK; many aunts, uncles, five half-sisters, and one brother.

He was known as that little feisty Irishman, "Billy Mac" by his coworkers, a softy "Uncle Bill" by nieces and nephews, adored "Daddoe" by his children, doting "Grumpaw" by his grandchildren, and "My prince" and "Billy Boy" by his devoted wife. His friends and coworkers remember him for his "can do" attitude and untiring work ethic. He loved gardening and friends, neighbors and family were recipients of beautiful rose bouquets or bushes. Many will remember him opening his home and his wallet time after time whenever there was need. He was a faithful member of the Church of Christ, and an unflinching patriot. Our world was better because of Bill McDaniel.

A memorial service will be held at the chapel of Starbuck-Lind Mortuary on Saturday, January 23, 2010 at 2pm with Clemmie Smith of the Church of Christ presiding. Military honors will be provided by the U.S. Navy Honor Guard.