Born in Dickson, Jerry was the son of the late Houston and Bertie Mai Tidwell. He retired from the State of Tennessee Department of Transportation where he worked as an equipment operator in road maintenance. Jerry was a great family man and enjoyed spending time with his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids. A lover of nature and the outdoors, he enjoyed hunting and fishing as long as he was able. Jerry was a member of the House of the Lord Church where his father pastored for many years. He will be greatly missed by his family and his many friends. He was predeceased by a step-son, Marty Sylvis and by a grandson, Russell Carl Sylvis.
Survivors include his wife of 33 years, Nelda Hooks Tidwell, Lyles; daughters, Jessica Wise, Centerville, and Tracie Williams, Dickson; sister, Debbie Brooks (Stuart), Burns; eight grandchildren, Beth, Michael, Ashley, Kayla, Shukonia, Jessica, Lauren, and Nikki; 18 great-grandchildren, Skylar, Gavin, Trent, McKenlee, Cooper, Joseph, Jemma, Jaxon, Xavier, Bailey, Owen, Carley, Moss, Aiden, Jayla, Josh, Brooklyn, and Jazlyn.
Funeral services for Jerry Ray Tidwell, age 66 of Lyles, will begin at 3 p.m. Sunday, November 8, 2020 from the House of the Lord Church in Bon Aqua with Bro. Stuart Brooks officiating. Burial will be in the Tidwell Cemetery near the church. Visitation with the family will be on Sunday at the church from 1 p.m. until service time. Jerry died at his home Wednesday, November 4, 2020.