Phillip Oscar Tidwell

April 24, 1961 – September 3, 2026

Phillip Oscar Tidwell, age 65, passed away on September 3, 2026.

Phillip was a hardworking man who loved his family deeply. Early in his adult years, he began working in road construction alongside his brother-in-law, Steve. He continued working hard throughout his life, later spending many years in the woods logging alongside his dad and brothers, where hard work became a way of life. He was a talented mechanic who could work on just about anything and was never afraid to take on a new challenge or figure something out.

One of Phillip’s favorite hobbies was buying old tractors and bringing them back to life. He enjoyed working on them, fixing what was broken, and seeing them run again. His love of mechanics was something he shared with his nephew, Shane Capes. The two of them spent many special hours working on things together, creating memories that will always be treasured. It brings comfort to know that Phillip and Shane are now together in Heaven, reunited and working on things side by side once again.

If someone needed Phillip, they knew they could count on him. He was always just a phone call away and willing to lend a hand whenever he could. He especially loved his grandchildren and took great pride in teaching them how to work on things and passing along the knowledge he had gained throughout his life. Phillip showed his love through the things he did every day—helping, fixing, teaching, providing, and simply being there. His hardworking hands, generous heart, and dependable presence will be deeply missed by the family he loved so much.

He leaves behind his wife, Dena Tidwell; his children, Christopher (Leann) Tidwell, Susan (Mitchell) McElroy, Jacob Tidwell, and Keeley Roberts; and his grandchildren, Jaken Lindsey, Logen Tidwell, Jastyn McElroy,Shaina & Davi.

He is also survived by his two brothers, David Tidwell and Tim Tidwell; four sisters, Betty (Ray) Barksdale, Becky (Steve) Ledlow, Marlene Jenkins, and Debra (Donnie) Kirby; his special cousin, Steve Pruitt; and special friends, Jerry Higdon and Johnny Bates, along with many other family members and friends who loved him dearly.

Phillip was preceded in death by his parents, Doc Jackson Tidwell and Willie Sue Tidwell; his brother and sister-in-law, Randy and Cathy Tidwell; his nephews, Shane Capes and Jamie Jenkins; and his brother-in-law, Albert Jenkins.

A memorial service honoring Phillip’s life will be held on September 10, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at New Harmony Baptist Church in Crudup, with Bro. George Lankford officiating. The family will receive friends beginning at 4:00 p.m. at the church.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Gadsden Regional Medical Center Emergency Room team and the EMTs for their care, compassion, and efforts during Phillip’s final moments. Your kindness and dedication will never be forgotten.