Charles Tidwell

LCDR (Ret.) Charles William Tidwell, 85, of Fort Smith, Arkansas, passed away peacefully in the presence of his family on December 29, 2025. He was born December 27, 1940, on the family farm in Point, Louisiana to Carlis and Ava Tidwell.

Charles earned his “Wings of Gold” in 1967 and proudly served his country in the United States Navy for 21 years as a Naval Aviator , holding commands at multiple duty stations across his career. During his distinguished career, he flew multiple types of Navy aircraft as a “tail hooker” landing and catapulting off 8 different Aircraft Carriers — a testament to both his skill and dedication.

He was married to his college sweetheart for 61 years. A small town girl from Oklahoma, Reba was the love of his life and they had amazing adventures together traveling the world from Europe to Australia and countless places in between.

Together they raised 3 boys, who followed their father into military service, deploying extensively across multiple continents. Both as a veteran and as a dad, his sons’ decisions to follow in his footsteps was a great source of pride. A man of deep and unwavering Christian faith, Charles lived by the words of Joshua 24:15: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” His faith guided every part of his life and was evident in the love, leadership, and integrity he showed to his family and all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carlis and Ava Tidwell; his siblings Bobby, Marjorie, Emma Cecil and his beloved granddaughter Isabella.

Charles is survived by his devoted wife, Reba C. Tidwell; his sons Chad (Heather), Chris (Beth), and Chay Tidwell; and his cherished grandchildren Caleb, Charleston, Jonathan, Melody, Colton, Castion, and Emerald Tidwell. He is also survived by his siblings Fermon, Fern, Paul, Gladys, Wilma and Rosia.

Charles found his greatest joy in time spent with family — coaching baseball , camping in the great outdoors, running a chainsaw and splitting wood alongside his sons and grandchildren, and sharing the warmth of family around the fireplace. And like a true southern boy, his favorite simple treat was enjoying an RC Cola and a Moon Pie, something he enjoyed since childhood when his father would take him to the old general store down the road from the Tidwell family home place. A special treat he continued to share and enjoy with his family throughout his life.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held Thursday, January 1, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at Connect (Cliff Terrace) Church, 3301 South 66th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72903, followed by a time of food and fellowship at the church. There will be a visitation Wednesday evening at Edwards Funeral Home between 4-6 p.m.

He leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, hard work, and deep family love that will continue to guide and inspire all who were blessed to know him.