Jimmy Dale Tidwell Sr.

Jimmy Dale Tidwell Sr., 83, of Haughton, Louisiana, passed away May 17, 2026. Born June 27, 1942, Jimmy lived a life marked by steady devotion to those he loved and a selfless concern for others that quietly shaped his days and the lives around him.

Jimmy retired from the Coca Cola Bottling Company of Shreveport, a chapter of his life that reflected the same dependability and grounded integrity for which he was known. He was a 50-year member of the First Baptist Church of Haughton, and he happily served at the Haughton Food Bank, offering practical help with a humble spirit and a heart that consistently placed others first.

He found joy in the simple, lasting pleasures of home and family—never missing an LSU football game, enjoying family reunions and gatherings, and making homemade ice-cream. He was known as a pro at growing purple hull peas, and he shared that harvest generously with friends and family. In earlier years, he was a great basketball player in high school, and throughout life he carried the same steady discipline and warmth into all he did.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; brothers, J.E., Ellis, Wayne, Mearl; and sister, Jean.

He is survived by his sons, Jimmy Dale Tidwell Jr and wife Lois, and Howard Len Tidwell and wife Michelle; daughter, Shannon Elizabeth Shipman; sisters, Martha Moss, Rachel Antley and husband Marion, and Betty Neal; along with 6 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

A visitation will be held at Hill Crest Memorial Chapel on Friday, May 22, 2026 beginning at 1:00 pm. A Celebration of Life at 2:00 pm will follow with Dr. Gevan Spinney officiating. Interment at Hill Crest Memorial Park.

Honoring Jimmy as pallbearers will be Cody Tidwell, Ethan Tidwell, Bryan Elliott, Hunter Vaughn, Cody Grisham, Trey Tyndall and Greg Tyndall. Honorary pallbearers are his nephews.

With deep gratitude, the family acknowledges Pastor Gevan Spinney and the First Baptist Church of Haughton family, the Christus Highland Team, and the Hospice Nurses for their care, kindness, and support.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society in Jimmy's memory.