Paul was born in Fayetteville, NC to William and Karen (Wells) Tidwell on August 26, 1977. He graduated high school in 1996 from Hilltop Christian School. He married Kay Tidwell on November 13, 2004 at Midway Baptist Church in Raleigh.
Paul never met a stranger. He was a very loving and caring husband and father. Family meant everything to Paul and God gave him a passion to help people. He was a fighter and a true hero to many. He could make you laugh no matter what mood you were in. He was a very adventurous person. He was one of the strongest men in the world and he was loved by many.
Paul was in the fire service for a total of 19 years. He worked as a career Firefighter for Holly Springs Fire Department for 8 years and volunteered at Fairview Rural Fire Department for 17 years where he held the position of Lieutenant, Safety Officer, and is a lifetime honorary member.
He was involved in Red Knights International Firefighters Motorcycle Club where he was the President of NC Chapter 11 in Erwin, NC. He was a certified NC Firefighter and had various other certifications such as his Fire Instructor in which he was very proud of. He was the founder of the North Carolina Fallen Firefighter Red Helmet ride and was a Christian of the Baptist denomination.
Paul is survived by wife, Kay Tidwell; daughter, Amber “Precious” Tidwell (14) and son, Christopher “Buddy” Tidwell (13); mother, Karen Tidwell; paternal grandmother, Evelyn Tidwell; in-laws Mike and Pam Wetherington, sister-in-law Becca and husband, Michael, Fidler.
Paul is preceded in death by a father, William Terry Tidwell; brother, Thomas Scott Tidwell; maternal grandmother, Helen Dyches Wells; maternal grandfather, Burnell Wells and paternal grandfather, Mabry Louis Tidwell.
Pallbearers will be Fairview FD Drew Craver, Scott Walker, Gerald Atkins Jr. and Holly Springs FD Jason Parrish, Nick Richmond, Robbie Wilkins.
Memorials may be given to the North Carolina Fallen Firefighter Foundation or the American Cancer Society. A GoFundMe page has also been set up.
The family of Paul wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Dr.Olsen, Dr. Zanation, UNC Chapel Hill Cancer Hospital, Johnston County Hospice, and Midway Baptist Church.
Visitation will be 5-9pm on Thursday, March 14, 2019 at Mid-Way Baptist Church, 6910 Fayetteville Rd. Raleigh, NC 27603. Funeral services will be held at 12 pm on Friday, March 15, 2019 at Mid-Way Baptist Church 6910 Fayetteville Rd. Raleigh NC 27603 with Kevin Hinton of Mid-Way Baptist Church officiating. Burial will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park, 12830 US 70 Business Hwy, West Clayton, NC 27520. Arrangements are by McLaurin Funeral Home.
