Dr. Jerry Neal Tidwell

Dr. Jerry N. Tidwell, age 62, completed his race February 17, 2025 at his home in Humboldt, Tennessee.

Jerry was born July 26, 1962 in Florence, Alabama to the late Buck and Dixie Tidwell. Following in his grandfather’s footsteps, he accepted his call into the ministry at fourteen years of age. Jerry was a proud graduate and President of Lauderdale County High School, Rogersville Alabama, Class of 1980. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of North Alabama, Florence, Alabama, a Master of Divinity (Greek and Hebrew), and a Doctorate of Ministry (Biblical Languages and Administration) from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. Jerry served as Senior Pastor for multiple churches in the Southeastern United States. He walked in the footprints of his Lord as he guided private tours of the Holy Land . He spread the hope of salvation through evangelical mission trips to Asia, Brazil and Israel. Jerry proudly served as a past president of the Tennessee Baptist Convention and the Senior Vice President of University Relations and Athletics at Union University. Jerry authored "Outreach Teams That Win! G.R.O.W”. This program has been utilized by more than eight thousand churches.

In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by one brother, Ray Tidwell; sister, Donna Nix; and father-in-law, Butch Cotham.

He is survived by his wife, Julie Cotham Tidwell; three daughters, Christian "Chrissy" Tidwell, Cassidy "Cassy" Tidwell and Bailey "Saige" Jackson; two brothers, Terry Tidwell (Teri) and Barry Tidwell (Deanna); and granddaughter, Abigail.

Other survivors include nieces and nephews, Misty Dindlebeck, Marlon Dindlebeck, Matthew Tidwell, Blake Tidwell, Anna Tidwell, Grace Ryan, Tyler Tidwell, Chris Tidwell, Kristina Willenberg, Andrew Jeffers, Annalee Jeffers, Cade Milligan and Cooper Milligan; sister-in-law, Linda Tidwell; brother-in-law, Ralph Nix; mother-in-law, Marilyn Cotham; brother-in-law, Jimmy Cotham (Page); sister-in-law, Jill Milligan (Zack); and Jerry's loyal four-legged companion, Birdie.

A memorial service will be held at 11:45 A.M. on Monday, February 24, 2025 at Atwood Cornerstone Church,1350 N. Main St., Atwood, Tennessee. Dr. Howie Batson, Jerry’s seminary classmate and life long friend, will be officiating the service.

 A private graveside service will be held at White Rose Cemetery in Gibson.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us. And let us run with endurance the race that is set before us fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

~Hebrews 12:1-2~