Bobby Tidwell

Jackson Bobby Tidwell

Smithville – Jackson Bobby Tidwell, 81, became totally healed and met his Savior face to face on Tuesday, June 4, 2024. He was born on November 28, 1942, in Eldridge, Alabama to the late Andrew Jackson Tidwell and Louise Jones Tidwell.

Bobby grew up in both Alabama and Florida and graduated from Dunnellon High School in Florida. A young man with a drive to learn, he furthered his education at the Trade School Northwest Shoals where he learned the trade of repairing electronics. A Patriot who loved America, he served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. He was always very proud of serving the United States and always respected his fellow military brothers and sisters. He was blessed during his lifetime with a loving wife as well as a large family. His wife, RuthAnn Picone, was his best friend and they were married on June 24, 1990. Bobby was blessed with children, grandchildren and one great granddaughter as well as a large extended family.

A man who provided for his family, he owned and operated his business, Bob’s T.V. located in Ocala, FL many years. He served the community and was a witty man who was compassionate and loved his neighbors as himself. Bobby was a Christian and a longtime member of Smithville Baptist Church where his church family was his extended family. He served as a leader for the Young at Heart Group, the Director of Recovery and Jail Ministry and he also was part of the nursing home visitation group of Smithville Baptist. Bobby loved to share the gift of grace he received from the Lord by telling anyone who would listen to his salvation testimony. He liked to just worship God, love family dearly, and enjoyed showing others that love of Christ he had received.

In his downtime, he would travel just about anywhere. He and his wife, along with Pat and Buddy McKissick would often take trips. He had a green thumb and loved gardening, growing both flowers and vegetables. Bobby really enjoyed fishing and he enjoyed being outside just soaking up the peace of the moment on the water. Should one try to tell him how to do something, he would often correct you with a polite explanation “I’ve got my own way of doing things” as he would show his preferred way. With his Salvation as his prized possession in life, and his family coming in at a close second, Bobby was a very happy man, content and thankful for all the God had given him. The loved ones who know him so well feel blessed that he left behind such a grand legacy of faith and love.

He survived by his wife, RuthAnn Picone Tidwell, Fulton, MS; daughter, Laken Barnes (Jared), Winfield, AL, sons, Zachary Tidwell (Brittani), Winfield, AL, and Darrell Tidwell; step-son, John Ortiz, Ocala, FL; step-daughter, Lisa Pollard, Deland, FL; grandchildren, Avery Kate Butler, Kaiden Tidwell, Caitlyn Battersby (Brian) and Joshua Pollard; great-granddaughter, Nola Battersby; brother, Phillip Tidwell, Guin, Alabama; special friends, Pat and Buddy McKissick; and a host of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Rhonda Barnes; infant grandson, Legend Barnes; sister, Glynda Long; and his brother, Roy Tidwell.
A Celebration of Life Service with Military Honors will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2024 at Smithville Baptist Church at 12:00 pm with Bro. Drew Gardner officiating. Burial will follow in Young Memorial Garden, Smithville, MS with Pallbearers being Buddy McKissick, Zachary Tidwell, Jared Barnes, Drew Long, Jacob Handley, and John Ortiz. Honorary Pallbearers will be Kaiden Tidwell and Avery Kate Butler.

Visitation for family and friends will be held at the Church in Smithville from 10:00-10:30 for family, and friends, 10:30 am until the service hour.

Donations may be made in his honor to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN.

Memories and condolences may be made at EEPickleFuneralHome.com