James Thomas "Tom" Tidwell

James Thomas “Tom” Tidwell died on April 15, 2024, at the age of 73. Tom was born on March 23, 1951, in Winfield, Alabama to Willie and Harold Tidwell. The oldest of three boys, he spent his childhood playing sports, particularly football. He graduated from the University of Alabama in 1974 where he met Julie Thompson. They wed in 1975 and moved to Kingsport, Tennessee, where they have resided since. Tom was an avid golfer, playing in wind, rain, sleet, and snow. A lifelong Alabama football fan, he was thrilled to have witnessed 13 Alabama National Championships. He enjoyed traveling with his wife, family and beloved dog, Winnie. He loved singing in the choir and Sounds of Faith at First Baptist Church Kingsport, where he had been a member since 1975.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Willie Tidwell; his brothers Steve Tidwell and Mitch Tidwell. 

Tom is survived by his wife, Julie Tidwell; daughters, Jenny Tidwell and Melissa Tidwell; aunt, Laurene Hunt; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, sisters-in-law and a brother-in-law.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Sunday, April 21, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Kingsport with Dr. Marvin Cameron officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Young Life, giving.younglife.org, University of Alabama College of Engineering, give.ua.edu (select engineering, select college of engineering scholarship fund), or First Baptist Church of Kingsport, 200 W. Church Circle, Kingsport, TN 37660.