Gerald Houston Tidwell

Gerald Houston Tidwell, 85,  of Newbern, Tennessee died on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital in Jackson, Tennessee.

Born Monday, October 16, 1939, in Dyersburg, Tennessee, he was the son of the late James Thelmer "J.T." Tidwell and the late Virginia Wheeler Tidwell.  Gerald was raised in nearby Finley, where the values of hard work, faith, and friendship first took root and remained the guiding principles of his life.

He attended Memphis State University, returning to his hometown to serve as a teacher and coach, at the Finley School, roles that reflected his deep care for others and his natural leadership. He later transitioned to a position with Monsanto, where he worked diligently for twelve years.

Gerald ultimately found his life’s true calling in farming. Over the years, he poured his heart into building and operating a dairy, a cotton gin, and G. Tidwell Trucking. His entrepreneurial spirit and relentless work ethic continued into his later years as he managed rental properties and owned and operated the NAPA Auto Parts store in Newbern for over two decades. The store became more than a business—it became a gathering place where Gerald hosted Saturday morning breakfasts filled with good food and warm fellowship.

Above all else, Gerald loved his family. He was a devoted father, and his daughters considered him “the best dad ever.” He often said, “God first, family second, and friends third,” a motto by which he lived—and in doing so, he lived a rich life, full of blessings and cherished connections.

Gerald was a generous soul and a true friend to many. He had a remarkable ability to form bonds with people from all walks of life, and he treasured those relationships deeply. He was also a passionate sports fan, cheering faithfully for Memphis State basketball, the St. Louis Cardinals, and Dyer County High School Choctaw basketball team.

He will be remembered not only for his achievements and contributions, but for his kind heart, unwavering values, and the joy he brought to those around him. His life was a testament to faith, family, friendship, and hard work. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and purpose that will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Funeral services for Mr. Tidwell will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, May 25, 2025, at the Newbern Methodist Church. Officiating the service will be Rev. William T. Jowers and Rev. Tyler Neely. Entombment will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Newbern, Tennessee. Visitation will be held on Saturday from 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM at the Newbern Methodist Church and on Sunday from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM at the Newbern Methodist Church.

He leaves to cherish his memory, three daughters, Elizabeth Tidwell Cathey of Rossville, Tennessee; Ginger Tidwell Emerson (Jody) of Bells, Tennessee and Patti Lynn Matson (Nick) of Huntsville, Texas; his fiancée, Joan Mills Lanier of Dyersburg, Tennessee; adopted family member, Luanne Sammons of Newbern, Tennessee and he was "Granddaddy" to his ten grandchildren, Peyton Cathey (Madison),Gerald Parker Cathey, Pierce Cathey,  Callie Houston Jaggers, Claire Jaggers, J. D. Jaggers, Nicholas Matson (Elizabeth), Lauren Davis (Jacob), Kayley Jones (Colton) and Silas Emerson (Abbie) and nine great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wives, Nancy Boatright Tidwell and Patsy Jane Tidwell; a son-in-law, Eddie Cathey and one brother, Joe Allen Tidwell.

Honoring Mr. Tidwell as pallbearers will be John Murray, Keith Jones, Ernie Watson, Chris Tidwell, Caleb Tidwell, Jody Emerson, Van Simpson and Dale Dykes. Honorary pallbearers will be David Tidwell, Daniel Watson, James Harrell Smith, Neal Wall, Darrell Rutledge, Don Layman, Charles Maxey and Jerry Chandler.

The family that memorial contributions to the Newbern Methodist Church, 103 West Main Street, Newbern, Tennessee 38059 or the charity of the donor's choice.

Online condolences may be made to the family at johnson-williamsfuneralhome.com. Johnson-Williams Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Gerald Houston Tidwell.

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