Joseph P. Tidwell

Joseph Paul Tidwell, age 93, of Jacksonville, Florida passed away peacefully Sunday evening, March 3, 2013 at home surrounded by his family. Mr. Tidwell was born September 25, 1919 in Athens, Louisiana to the late Robert Thurman and Carrie (Hodnett) Tidwell. Master Chief Petty Officer Tidwell retired from the United States Navy after 22 years of service to his country. He then shared his military experience and knowledge of diesel mechanics with his students while teaching for 24 years in the Duval County School System. Mr. Tidwell was an active member of Normandy Park Baptist Church for over 45 years and served as a deacon during those years of service. He was an avid gardener, and a remarkable handyman. His greatest joy was to guide his family to strive for excellence and succeed at all we inspired to achieve. He was unselfish, determined, and always willing to help anyone in need. He instilled in all of us a sense of personal and civic responsibility, and lead by example in doing any task the right way even if it wasn’t easy. For these lessons, we are forever grateful.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 68 years, Jeanette (Steinwinder) Tidwell. Mr. Tidwell is survived by three children; Joseph Paul Jr. and (Susie) Tidwell of Mesa, Arizona, James Thurman and (Kathy) Tidwell of Limestone, Tennessee, and Janet Tidwell (Hal) Hill of Middleburg, Florida, 15 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and a sister Amanda Paige.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Hardage-Giddens Town and Country Funeral Home located at 7242 Normandy Blvd., Jax., FL 32205. The family will receive friends at a viewing Thursday, March 7th 2013 from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Memorial services for Mr. Tidwell will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, March 8th, 2013 at Normandy Park Baptist Church located at 7050 Normandy Boulevard Jacksonville, Florida 32205. Graveside services and burial will follow at Riverside Memorial Park located at 7242 Normandy Blvd., FL 32205. Dr. Troy Dixon will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Northeast Florida Community Hospice at 266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32257, Attn: Community Hospice Foundation. The family would like to express our gratitude to the nursing staff of Northeast Florida Community Hospice and Baptist Home Healthcare for their compassion and excellent care of our loved one during his final days.