Bill Tidwell

December 21, 1936 – July 30, 2025

Bill Tidwell (B.J. Tidwell), affectionately known by his family as Billy Joe, of San Antonio, Texas, passed away peacefully at home on July 30, 2025 at the age of 88. Bill was born to Henry Moses Tidwell and Sena Leigh Tidwell on December 21, 1936, as the last born of the “Magnificent Seven.”

Bill’s life began in Honobia, Oklahoma, a small, close-knit rural town nestled at the foot of the Kiamichi Mountains. Known for its dense forests, flowing creeks, and abundant wildlife, Honobia was an ideal setting to foster Bill’s deep love of nature and the outdoors. From an early age, he became an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing, and spending time in the woods—pastimes that would remain a cornerstone of Bill’s identity throughout his life.

Naturally drawn to South Texas, Bill spent his most memorable seasons quail hunting with his brothers and lifelong best friends, Ed and Bud Tidwell. You could find them piled into their self-designed “War Wagon”, built as much for the hunt as for the stories, laughter and bond it carried. Bill loved to fish and famously reeled in an impressive sailfish off the coast of Acapulco, Mexico. He found deep joy in life’s shared moments—big and small, from card games and dominoes with Dallas folks to years of bowling in San Antonio, both casually and competitively. He cherished holidays—especially Thanksgiving—and took pride in grilling the perfect steak or choosing just the right wine. Ever thoughtful, Bill never missed a birthday, anniversary, graduation, or one of his granddaughter’s many dance performances.

Bill loved to travel and experience the world with his devoted wife of 40 years, Barbara. Las Vegas became one of their favorite destinations, where they spent extended visits each year. True to his roots, there was no place on earth Bill loved more than South Texas, surrounded by family, friends and the pastimes he loved most.

Professionally, Bill was most renowned for his craft of woodworking and design. His career in cabinetry started as an employee at a small Dallas cabinet shop. Equipped with little more than a few years’ experience, and borrowed tools, money and determination, Bill went on to establish Oak Cliff Cabinets – a business venture that evolved into B.J. Tidwell Industries. Soon thereafter, Bill’s entrepreneurial drive led him to San Antonio and his acquisition of Cardell Cabinets, which became the flagship brand under the B.J. Tidwell Industries enterprise and Bill’s proudest professional achievement.

Bill credited every blessing in his life to God and responded to that grace with a spirit of generosity. He gave generously—supporting higher education, children’s medical research, faith-based recovery, and aid for wounded veterans and first responders.

His character and discipline were shaped by personal hardship, beginning with the early loss of his father. He was raised by his mother, Sena, alongside her “Magnificent Seven,” on a World War I pension and an all-hands-on-deck attitude.

Those who knew Bill will remember his kind heart, joyful spirit, and signature laugh and smile that could brighten any room. He could often be found with shined shoes, a No. 2 pencil, and a legal pad—endearing old-school habits that reflected his timeless approach to life. Bill cherished his family and took great pride in being a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle and great-grandfather.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Moses Tidwell and Sena Leigh Tidwell; six siblings, Lillian Warren, Lerah Warren, Edward “Ed” Tidwell, Curtis “Curt” Tidwell, Vera Linville, and Buddy “Bud” Tidwell; grandchildren Hattie Tidwell and Sophia Tidwell; nieces Kitty Rosewitz, Anna “June” Hinton, Rick Tidwell and Linda Miller; and first spouse and the mother of his sons, Peggy Jean Tidwell.

Bill is survived by Barbara Tidwell, his beloved wife of 40 years; his sons Bryan Tidwell (Christi) and Tony Tidwell (Betsy); grandchildren Lauren Clark (Taylor), Brady Tidwell, Taylor Tidwell (Mariluz), Greta Tidwell; great-grandchildren Charlotte Clark, Nathan Clark, Brooks Tidwell, Maddox Tidwell; nephews Stanley Tidwell, Rodney Tidwell, Andrew Tidwell, Jimmy Tidwell, Brandon Longest, Jeff Schrader; nieces Julee Vannest, Connie Floyd, Karen Johnson, Kathy Raines, Lisa White, Annie Zoll-Bookout; and many more treasured family members, friends, and colleagues.

A funeral service will be held at Calvary Temple Assembly of God, 14335 O’Connor Rd, San Antonio, TX 78247, on Tuesday, August 12, 2025. Welcome and visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the service at 11:00 a.m. A reception, welcome to all guests, will immediately follow the service. A private, family burial will follow the reception.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Memorial Fund at Calvary Temple Assembly of God:

https://ctagsa.churchcenter.com/giving/to/memorial-fund