William Howard Small, Jr.

William "Bill" Howard Small, Jr. of Huntington Beach passed away January 21, 2020 at Sunrise Senior Center in Huntington Beach, California.

Born in Washington, DC on September 04, 1931, he was the son of the late William Howard Small and Linnie Isabelle Walker. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. In 1950 he enrolled in the NROTC program at the University of South Carolina in Columbia majoring in Electrical Engineering. On April 20, 1950, he met the love of his life, Zella Merlene Langley, who was attending Business College in Columbia, South Carolina. After graduation on June 4, 1954, Bill became an officer and Naval Aviator in the U.S. Navy. Bill and Zella married 4 days later on June 8, 1954. Bill and Zella moved to California in 1956. Bill worked for the Douglas Aircraft/McDonnell Douglas/Boeing Company for 44 years. He also received a Master's Degree in Business Administration at UCLA in 1969. Bill had a strong faith in God and served as a Deacon at MidCities Baptist Church for 54 years. He loved all types of sports and was an avid LA Dodger fan. He enjoyed cruising, stamp, coin and baseball card collecting, playing cards and spending time with family.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife of 64 years, Zella.

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Patti and Malcom Patterson, daughter and son-in-law Cindy and Mike Mailes, son and daughter-in-law Bill and Jodi Small, daughter and son-in-law Julie and Jim Lyle; grandchildren Autumn Mailes, Matt (Giang) Patterson, Arianne (Michael) Fiebig, Andy Mailes, Brittanie (David) Cutkosky, Malcom Patterson Jr, Will (Bailey) Small, Jordan Lyle, Mallorie Small (fiancé, Adam Bedard), Justin (Pamela) Lyle and Natalie Small; and great-grandchildren Cindy Fiebig, Zeke Fiebig, Declan Cutkosky, Zella Fiebig, and Keenan Cutkosky. Levi William Small and Baby Boy Lyle are expected.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., Thursday, February 6, 2020 at Forest Lawn - Cypress - Hope Chapel, 4471 Lincoln Avenue Cypress, California 90630.

Funeral services will be conducted Friday, February 7, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. at MidCities Baptist Church in Westminster with a reception following. A graveside service will follow at 3:00 p.m. at Forest Lawn in Cypress, California.