Don was born August 25, 1933 in Holly Pond. He passed away Friday, April 1, 2016, 2:06 a.m. at his residence, 1035 Edwardian Way, Cullman. He was preceded in death by his mother, Maudie Crutchfield Tidwell; sister, Dot Tidwell Sims; and brother, Trevor Tidwell.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Jewell; sister-in-laws: Brenda Lovell (Larry) Holly Pond, Charlotte Pugh (Ray) Arley, Beverly Horton (Junior) Eva and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
He has been a member of First Presbyterian Church for many years. He attended school at Holly Pond School and was an avid basketball player. After graduation from high school he joined the Army and served his country. After his service in the military he attended and graduated from Saint Bernard College majoring in education. He taught school at Dowling Junior High School and worked as a basketball coach and then held the position of principal. After his stint in education he ventured into the floor covering business and established a very successful business in Cullman, Tidwell Carpets.
During all of these years he was active in playing fast-pitch softball with a local independent league. He and his brother-in-law, Larry, became quite a duo with Don pitching and Larry playing the hind-catcher position. He was also a big, I mean big, fan of the Alabama Crimson Tide. He and Jewell even spent their honeymoon in New Orleans, LA in 1963 watching the Sugar Bowl game (IN THE SNOW!) She knew then what she was up against – The Tide! So she joined with him wearing the crimson and white proudly. When he was not attending or watching a live game, he was watching the re-runs over and over. Again he loved the Tide! Another favorite past time was spending time on the water at Smith Lake or Orange Beach, Gulf Shores. He was even given the nickname "The Captain." Don also loved Jewell and would be very involved in her "remodeling projects." She would spend money and he got "involved."
They never had any children of their own, however Jewell's sisters made sure they were "exposed" to the child raising adventures. The sisters' children became their children and then the race was on to see the end results of those years. The results were love, love and more love for family. He always wanted to know how things were going with each one and how he might encourage them to succeed. He has left us with many, many treasures but most of all his unending smiles, hugs, trips taken together and love.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. Monday, April 4, at First Presbyterian Church in Cullman with funeral services immediately following. Burial will be at Holly Pond Cemetery following the service. Officiating the service will be David Palmer and Ted Cramer.
In lieu of flowers make contributions to: First Presbyterian Church, 615 3rd Ave., SE, Cullman, AL 35055 or St Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105
We want to take this time to extend a very special thanks to so many people especially the Folsom Center (2nd Floor), Southern Care Hospice, the home care givers who immediately fell in love with Don and all of those who have prayed, sent cards, food and calls during this time. May God bless all of you.
Moss Service Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
