McDonald, Billy Smith, 88, November 5, 1920 – January 24, 2009. It is with a deep sense of sadness that the family of Billy S McDonald of Lusby, MD announces his passing Saturday night at Washington Adventist Hospital in Takoma Park, MD.

"Mac", as he was known by many throughout the community, was an avid aviation enthusiast. From 1961 to 1987, he owned and operated McDonald Flying Service, Southern Maryland's first FAA and VA approved flight school where countless numbers of men and women learned fly. During his days as a flight school owner, Mac inspired many, including his sons, to pursue aviation careers. After he sold the flight school, Mac served as manager of the Navy Flying Club at NAS Patuxent River until 1997. He once served as an Operations Officer for the local wing of the Civil Air Patrol. Mac learned to fly in 1939, and he remained a current pilot and flight instructor until he died at the age of 88.

Billy "Mac" McDonald, a WWII veteran, joined the United States Navy in 1939, and he retired in 1959 as a First Class Petty Officer. He served in the Navy as an AD1, Aircraft Reciprocating Engine Mechanic and Flight Engineer on PBY Catalinas, P5M Marlins, R5D Skymasters, and WV-2 Super Constellations, et al. He continued working for the government as a flight test photo technician and aircraft inspector at NAS Patuxent River until his retirement there in 1979.

Billy will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 65 years, Agnes McDonald, his two daughters Judy McDonald and Rita Dickson, his two surviving sons and their spouses: Douglas and Erika McDonald and Thomas and Kathleen McDonald. He is also survived by the following grandchildren (and their spouses): Lance and Elizabeth Gunderson, Jeff & Annemarie Dickson, Sean & Cathy Dickson, Melissa McDonald, Christine McDonald, Zachary McDonald, and Elise McDonald, his great-grandchildren, Robert "Neal" Gray, Jr., Faith Dickson, Steven Dickson, Ray Ortez Dickson, Gabriela Dickson, Alexander Dickson, Lance Gunderson, Jr.; Sarah Gunderson, and one great-great-grandchild, Ariana Marie Jackson. He is further survived by his brother, C. Ray McDonald of Stockbridge, GA, as well as many dear and devoted friends. He was predeceased in 1959 by his father Charles A McDonald; in 1979 by his mother Beulah S McDonald; in 1989 by his son Billy S McDonald, Jr.; in 2002 by his granddaughter Jennifer Gray and in 2004 by his son-in-law, David G Dickson.

A viewing will be held from 6:00PM – 8:00PM on Thursday, January 29 at Rausch Funeral Home, 20 American Lane, Lusby, MD 20657, and funeral services followed by a luncheon reception will begin at 11:00AM on Friday, January 29 at Southern Calvert Baptist Church in Lusby, MD. A private burial will be held at Arlington National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are preferred in Billy McDonald's name to: Civil Air Patrol, St Mary's Composite Squadron, PO Box 2293, Patuxent River, Maryland, 20670.

Arrangements provided by Rausch Funeral Home.