Bobby Dale Tidwell Sr.

Bobby Dale Tidwell, Sr. of Madison passed away Saturday, May 16, 2026 at the age of 94. Born in Nashville on Tuesday, August 25, 1931, Bob was the son of the late William Doyle Tidwell, Sr. and Ella Mai (Teems) Tidwell. He was preceded in death by his two sisters, Aileen Huffines and Wilda Newman, his two brothers, Doyle and Rex, and his daughter-in-law, Cindy Tidwell.

Bob graduated in 1949 from Goodlettsville High School and later entered the U.S. Army Reserve. As part of a family of grocers, Bob owned and operated the Bellshire Bi-Rite & Food Town on Dickerson Road from 1960 until he retired in 1988. Bob enjoyed fishing, golf, and going to estate sales, yard sales, and antiquing to gather treasures for his antique booth in Goodlettsville.

On June 3, 1956, Bob married the love of his life, Melva Billingsley, and together raised three children. Bob traveled the country and the world with his family. A dedicated Christian man, Bob was a lifelong member of the church of Christ. His wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren were the joy of his life. He was a dedicated family man and friend to all. All who knew him loved him.

He is survived by his wife, Melva (Billingsley) Tidwell; his sons, Bobby Dale Tidwell, Jr. and Jerry Michael Tidwell (Louann); his daughter, Karen Lynn Tidwell Farley (Ken); seven grandchildren, Ashley Tidwell Clemments (Daniel), Natalie Jane Tidwell, Shelby Elizabeth Farley, Paige Farley Fuller (Will), Launa Tidwell Smith (Kyndal), Rachel Tidwell Head (Cole), Holden Michael Tidwell; and two great grandchildren, Harrison Cole Head and Annie Jane Clemments.

A graveside service will be conducted Friday, May 22 at 1:00 PM at Forest Lawn Cemetery. All are welcome to attend.