William
C. Tidwell was born on May 15, 1927 in Gurdon, Arkansas to the late
Benjamin and Maggie Tidwell and was the oldest of three sons.
“Bill”, as he was called by family and friends, professed a hope in
Christ at an early age.
On September 25, 1945, Bill entered the United States Army. During
his tour of duty, he received World War II Victory and Army of
Occupation Medals and was Honorably Discharged on February 9, 1947.
He later relocated to Cleveland, Ohio and was joined with Gloria
Jean Williams. On August 22, 1952, Bill entered the United States
Army for a second time and received Army of Occupation and National
Defense Service Medals before being Honorably Discharged on July 15,
1954.
Bill returned to Cleveland where he gained employment at Republic
Steel. He later retired from there after 30 years of service.
Bill was a quiet, soft spoken man who loved children. He was a very
patient and loving grandfather and anytime any of his grandchildren
were around, he’d have a big loving smile on his face.
Although “Bill” was born on May 15, 1927, “His New Life Began on
April 4, 1980.”
On Wednesday, December 23, 2009, Bill departed this life at the
Veterans Medical Center after a lengthy illness.
Those left to cherish his memory include one son, Robert (Bernice);
two grandsons, Robert and Brian; one granddaughter, Lashone; seven
great-grandchildren, Na’Tasha, Diamond, Gevonne, Melvin, Deshawn,
Na’shawn and Ernest; sisters-in-law, Faye Tidwell and Francine
Locke; as well as a host of cousins and friends.
