Gary was born on March 20, 1964, to Anita (Pinion ) Tidwell and Emitt Tidwell, Jr, in Cordell, Oklahoma. He grew up alongside his sister, Gloria, in central Oklahoma and attended Mid-Del schools. He graduated from Del City High School in 1982. After high school Gary decided on a career path at Tinker Air Force Base, working in civil service. He was a longtime, faithful employee, whom after 30 years out at Tinker retired because of medical disability.
Gary was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan. He was also NOT an OU fan. He loved to say "Boomer Loser" any time they lost!
He enjoyed country music, specifically George Jones, Travis Tritt, Rhett Akins, Randy Houser, Garth Brooks and Alan Jackson, just to name a few. Gary was someone who truly loved his family. In his younger years he enjoyed traveling to Grand Lake to go camping and fishing alongside his Dad and other family. He accepted Christ as his Savior when he was a young teenager, and was baptized afterwards.
He was a loving uncle and a doting great-uncle to his great niece Emelia. He truly enjoyed the company of friends and family, and enjoyed sharing a laugh with those close to him.
Gary is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, maternal grandparents, his father Emitt Tidwell, Jr, and his nephew, Thomas Poolaw, along with several aunts and uncles.
He is survived by his mother Anita Tidwell, of Del City, one sister, Gloria Poolaw, of New Orleans, LA, one niece, Rachael Turberville and husband Erik Turberville of Midwest City, two great nieces, Emelia Turberville and Beatrice Poolaw, along with a multitude of friends, cousins, and extended family.
