Perry Dewitt Hope Sr.

Perry Dewitt Hope, 82, of Jonesboro, died Wednesday, January 30, 2019, at his home. He was born August 20, 1936, to Voy A. and Vera Waymack Hope of Pine Bluff. He had been a teacher, choir director, band director, school superintendent, and educational cooperative director. A 1954 graduate of Pine Bluff High School, he was a member of R.B. ‘Scrubby" Watson band, and was an All-State Band trombone selection in 1953 and 1954. Upon graduation from Arkansas Polytechnic College, he entered the Army Reserve Infantry, and served three tours in Vietnam, before separating from the Army as a Major in 1974. He received a Masters of Education from Georgia State, and a Doctor of Education in administration from the University of Arkansas (Fayetteville). He had served as public school band director in the Danville, Hamburg, Dollarway and Pine Bluff School Districts during the 1957-1969 school years. He served in many capacities in the education field before retiring. Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Barbara Anne Chalfant Hope of the home, two daughters, Lesli (Steve) Penny, Melissa (Mike) Capshaw; one son, Charles ‘Chuck' (Steffi) Hope; and seven grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one son, Perry D. (Pedy/Pete) Hope, Jr. Visitation will be from 9:30-0:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 2, 2019 at Emerson Memorial Chapel in Jonesboro, followed by a memorial service at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be private. For lasting memorials, please consider the FUMC Pastor's Fund, 801 W. Main St., Jonesboro, Arkansas 72401. To sign an online guestbook, go to emersonfuneralhome.com.