J. BASIL SMITH

Joseph Basil Smith Melbourne J. Basil Smith (J.B.), a pio neer of the early missile and manned space flight programs, died May 29, 2011 at the age of 78. He was born and grew up in Melbourne, Florida. After U.S. Air Force serv ice time, and acquiring a Mechanical Engineering Degree at the University of Florida. He spent his career time at Cape Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Center. His professional years spanned early mis sile engineering with Boe ing, Convair, Douglas companies and then NASA, through the Mercu ry, Gemini, Apollo Pro grams, and on into the Space Shuttle Program. After retirement from NASA, he worked for a period of years with Lockheed. His early achievements included being the lead Propulsion Engineer for the ATLAS- MERCURY Flights of Astronauts John Glenn and Scott Carpenter. He was preceded in death by his son, Douglas Basil; and is survived by his son, Daniel James of Jack sonville, FL; his daughter, Kathryn Baxley (Keith); and three grandsons, Austin, Nicholas and Benjamin of Acworth, GA; sister, Johnise Sappundjieff and his wife Marilyn Sue of Merritt Island, FL. There are no calling hours or services planned. Donations may be made to Juvenile Diabetes Asso ciation or the American Lung Cancer Society. Arrangements by East Coast Cremation Rock ledge, FL 321-632-1350. Please share memories and sign the family guestbook at www. affuneral.com.