Claude Tidwell

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

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