Sydney Smith McMath Jr.

Mr. Sydney Smith McMath, Jr, age 81 of Hope, passed away, Sunday, November 15, 2015 in a Texarkana hospital. An only child, Mr. McMath was born July 30, 1934, in Julia Chester Hospital in Hope to Sydney Smith and Merle Vick McMath. He received his early education in Hope, a graduate of Hope High School with the class of 1952. He completed his undergraduate work at Hendrix College in 1956, after which he received his MBA from LSU in 1958. In 1959, Mr. McMath embarked on a 50 year career in business in Boston, Massachusetts, with United Business Service which was later acquired by Babson Reports. He served as an investments counselor, security analyst, consultant, and as managing editor for United and Babson Investment Reports for 15 years. After retirement, he returned to Hope to devotedly assist in the care of his mother during her long illness. He was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church of Hope and attended services faithfully, as long as he was able to do so. He was a member of the Century Bible Class and Primetimers. An avid sports fan, he closely followed the Boston Celtics, New England Patriots, and Boston Red Sox. His favorite hobby was baseball statistics in which his knowledge was legendary. Bridge was a pleasure to him and he was an accomplished player. Preceded in death by his parents, he is survived by several cousins on both the McMath and Vick sides of the family, as well as by numerous friends from his life in Boston, Hope, and college days. Memorial contributions can be made to First United Methodist Church of Hope or to a charity of the donor's choice. Visitation for Mr. McMath will be in the Fellowship Hall of First United Methodist Church at 1 p.m., Thursday, November 19, 2015. A funeral service will be conducted on Thursday, November 19, 2015 at First United Methodist Church of Hope at 2 p.m. by Reverend Steve Johnson, followed by burial at Rose Hill Cemetery in Hope, Arkansas. Arrangements by Brazzel/Oakcrest The Funeral Home of Hope, Eddie Brazzel, Director. Sign online guestbook: www.brazzelfuneralhomes.com