J.W. Woodward Funeral Home | Spartanburg, SC

Obituary For Claude Tidwell

Spartanburg, SC: Claude Tidwell passed on May 3, 2023.

Claude Tidwell, 81, of 10 Woodwind Dr., Spartanburg, SC passed away on Wednesday, May 3, 2023. Born in Columbia, SC he was the son of the late Louis Caroline and the late Ruby Tidwell Caroline. He was the husband of Doris Hamilton Tidwell.

Mr. Tidwell was a member of Cornerstone Baptist Church. He was chairman of the Trustee Ministry for many years where he actively served with efficiency and effectiveness. He was instrumental in the transfer from Thompson St. to our current location here at Cornerstone Baptist Church. He was later elected as a Deacon.

Mr. Tidwell received his early education in the public schools of Columbia, SC where he proudly graduated from Booker T. Washington High School, Class of 1959. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree from South Carolina State University. He continued his studies at NC A&T University where he received a Masters of Education in Biology in 1973; he pursued further studies at the University of South Carolina where he received a Masters of Education in 1976.

He began his educational career at Cummings Street Jr. High School where he taught science. After the closing of Cumming Street he moved to Jenkins Jr. High as a science teacher and coach. Later he moved to Cleveland Jr. High. His final move was from Cleveland to Spartanburg High School where he was asked to become Guidance Counselor until his retirement in 1991. He made a lasting impression on many of his students with proper dress and a demand for respect.

Mr. Tidwell's civic and social leadership included President of the South Spartanburg Sertoma Club, the Spartanburg Progressive Men's Club, a member of the South Carolina State Alumni, a life-time member of the National Education Association, a member of the Planning Commission, and a Connecting Link.

He enjoyed organic gardening, painting, drawing, playing Bridge and working in the yard.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by:his grandmother, Ruth Smith; three brothers, Robert Tidwell, Lucious and Earl Caroline; his mother and father-in-law, Eddie and Janie Hamilton; and two dear brothers-in-law, Samuel Watson and John Mack Kennedy.

He leaves to mourn his passing: his loving and devoted wife of more than 58 years, Doris Hamilton Tidwell; two sons, Rodney D. (Psyche) and Todd Tidwell of Spartanburg, SC; four grandchildren, Justin (Jasmine N.) Tidwell, Jasmine A. Tidwell, Josh (Tomorrow) Steadman and Tymesha Coleman of Spartanburg; five loving great-grandchildren, and a very special great-granddaughter Brylee Hall who spent a great deal of time in the home, along with Harlem, Harley, Jaden, and Maison; his two brothers, Antonio Caroline and William Carter both of Columbia, SC; five sisters, Vivian Abrams of Spring Valley, CA, Ruthine Tidwell of Charlotte, NC, Vickie Green of Columbia, SC, Valerie Caroline of Columbia, SC and Darlene Caroline of Columbia, SC; three brothers-in-law, Richard Hunter of Roosevelt, NY, Barry Hamilton of Hempstead, NY and Jonathan Hamilton of Greenwood, SC; two sisters-in-law, Eddie Mae Kennedy of Atlanta, GA and Barbara Covington of Greenwood, SC; three daughters he inherited along the way, Dr. Debora Shannon, LNCS Sheila D. Davis, JAGC, and Colonel Lillian Pitts; and a host of nieces, nephews, additional family members, and friends.

A Celebration of the Life of Claude Tidwell will be held on Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at 12:00 noon at Cornerstone Baptist Church, 700 S. Converse St., Spartanburg, SC. Entombment will be in the Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, 1300 Fernwood Glendale Rd., Spartanburg, SC.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to: The Claude and Doris Scholarship Fund at Spartanburg County Foundation, 424 E. Kennedy St., Spartanburg, SC 29302 or Cornerstone Baptist Church, 700 S. Converse St., Spartanburg, SC 29306.

J. W. Woodward Funeral Home

Guest Book

Doris, you have my deepest sympathy. My thoughts and prayers are with you. With fond memories of you at Park Hills. Maureen Burgess

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Thank you for being a great counselor Mr Tidwell. You are the reason that I went to NC A&T State University. My condolences to your family . Patsy Earle-Ridley

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Mrs. Tidwell and Family My Sincere thoughts and prayers are with you and your Family. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Mr. Tidwell has fought a good fight and has gained his wings, Soar like an Eagle and we will see him again some sweet day. Mark Cleveland

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Thanks.for allowing me to help take care of you doing your sickness. I use to always make you smile.Even when you didn't fell like it.I would always say.Hang in there Dec.You wow shake your head okay.With 😢 When I saw life was getting better I said God you got my friend I know you will take are of him better than me! Sleep on friend..I will see you on the other side. And Dec..I ate wsteaks for you.With deepest sythany to the Tidwell family..Love Bridgette Jeter.

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Mrs. Doris H. Tidwell,Rodney,Todd, And The Family 0f Cousin Claude Tidwell. "And When Our Days Are Past, And We From Time Remove,Oh, May We In Thy Bosom Rest,The Bosom Thy Love." I Am Assured That Cousin Claude Tidwell, Is Now In Bosom Of Our Blessed Lord,And Will Not Have To Wonder Anymore.For Now He Understands All Things. Farther Along We Too Will Understand In God's New Morning!! The Sustaining Grace, Of Jesus The Christ Will Undergird, And Keep You !!!! Rev. Booker T.Sears, Jr Goodwill Baptist Church Bronx, NY

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Mrs. Tidwell, I pray for you and your family during this challenging season. You and Mr. Tidwell were instrumental in guiding me throughout my career in education. Mr. Tidwell was my guidance counselor at Spartanburg High School in the mid to late 1980s. Shortly after I graduated from Limestone College in 1992, you offered me a teaching position at the former Park Hills Elementary School. Throughout the past 32 years, you attended my wedding and other graduations at the grad level. You were there when my children were born, and you were there to encourage me when my father and younger brother passed away. Thank you for always supporting and encouraging me to keep reaching for the stars regardless of the challenge. Dr. Patrick Suber

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Our sincere condolences to the Tidwell family. Mr. Tidwell was my science teacher at Cumming Street. He encouraged me to continue my education in the center of Excellence in Science at USCS. He taught us respect and love for authority. He will be missed. God's continued peace and love to Mrs. Doris Tidwell and family. Your students loved you Mr. Tidwell, but God loves you best.❤️ RIP

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Prayers 🙏🙏🙏 and condolences to the Tidwell family in their time of loss. Mr Tidwell was my homeroom teacher and science teacher at Cummings Street School. He cared dearly about his students and always kept you in line. He have fought a good fight and have finished his course. Mr.Claude Tidwell take your rest. Trudy Woodruff

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My heartfelt prayers and condolences go out to the Tidwell, Caroline, and Hamilton families. May GOD provide you with the necessary strength needed during your time of bereavement. GOD bless you. 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿♥️♥️♥️ Dr Lula Thompson Goodwine Columbia, South Carolina

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My sincere condolences to Doris and the entire Tidwell family . Claude was a colleague at Spartanburg High School. He was a gentleman and instilled his values with his students. Joe Clarke

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Doris, and the entire Tidwell family. We extend our sincere sympathy to you in this difficult time. May God continue to bless you. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Charles and Carolyn Ragin

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Doris, Please accept my sincere condolences in the loss of Claude

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Condolences to the family. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.

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Mrs. Tidwell I am praying for you and the family in the loss of Mr. Tidwell. He was a great Teacher and a kind person. I met you at Park Hills Elementary, and I had Mr. Tidwell at Jenkins Jr. High School. May His soul RIP in eternity. There is no more pain or suffering there so may this help comfort your family in this time of bereavement. Alethea Dendy

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- J.W. Woodward Funeral Home | Spartanburg, SC