Notes:

Obituary:

WILLIAM "Bill" HOUSTON McMATH, passed away April 23, 2014.

He was predeceased by his parents, Fannie Lou McMath and Henry Grady McMath, Sr. of Strong, AR, and his brother, Henry Grady "Sonny" McMath, Jr. of Bryan, TX.

Bill's music career spanned several decades beginning at an early age in Strong, AR, learning to play piano and guitar. He earned Bachelor and Master degrees in music from the University of North Texas in Denton, TX. Bill moved to Memphis in 1969, where he worked at William B. Tanner Company as a staff music writer, arranger, singer and recording session guitarist. Bill worked with several country music recording artists while living in Nashville in the mid 70's. Beginning in the early 80's, he worked as a freelance music writer and arranger, as well as teaching private music lessons and teaching Music Appreciation at Shelby State Community College in Memphis, TN. As head of the Instrumental Music Department at Presbyterian Day School since 2001, Bill was known as "Mr. Mac" to all his students and colleagues. These years at PDS were the highlight of his career. Outside of music, Bill loved to follow the St. Louis Cardinals and Memphis Redbirds baseball. Family vacation trips to Destin, FL over the past 30 years were always memorable. Bill died from complications of pneumonia in the ICU at Baptist Memorial Hospital, where he was in the care of wonderful, compassionate groups of nurses and doctors.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Kathy Wilkins McMath; daughters, Rachel Easley and Cecily McMath; son, Mitchell Redd; granddaughter, Emily; grandsons, Will and Drew.

There will be a visitation from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. on Sunday April 27 in the Sanctuary of Christ United Methodist Church followed by the service from 3:30-4:30 p.m. A graveside service will follow on Monday, April 28 in Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Presbyterian Day School Music Department, The Memphis Chapter of the American Federation of Musicians or the donor's choice.

(Published in The Commercial Appeal on April 26, 2014)

William married M.A. Mitchell [Group Sheet]

William — K.M. Wilkins. [Group Sheet]

R.L. — M.T. Easley. [Group Sheet]