1943 – 2024

Services for Ronnie Tidwell, 80, formerly of Canton, were held Sunday, May 19, 2024, at Dickie Allen Funeral Home Chapel in Cushing with Rev. Nicholas M. Tidwell and Dr. Brian A. Nichols officiating with the opening prayer given by his Pastor, Sally Couvillion. Ronnie passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, May 17.2024 in Nacogdoches.

Pallbearers were Terry Nichols, Mike Nichols, Noah Grant, Aiden Long, Jerry Lynn Tidwell, and Justin Nichols. Honorary Pallbearers were Carson Tidwell, Knox Tidwell, Larry Davis, Ricky Tidwell, Garner Spring, Dicky Gresham, and Sammy Knox.

Ronnie Tidwell was born on December 29, 1943, in Canton to Ewell and Atrell Tidwell. He graduated from Canton High School in 1962 and worked in Canton and Dallas before graduating from Dallas Baptist University, then later earning his Master of Education degree, as well as his School Administration Certification from Stephen F. Austin State University.

For more than 40 years, Ronnie served as a coach, teacher, principal, and superintendent at various schools throughout East Texas, including Apple Springs ISD, Hudson ISD, Cushing ISD, and Laneville ISD. Whether coaching basketball, teaching history, helping students navigate life, or running a school district, it was always the people that mattered most to Ronnie. While he appreciated the importance and stressed the value of an excellent education, admittedly, it was the basketball gym that he loved. While superintendent, he was thankful to be part of four state championship teams, including one in baseball from Apple Springs, and three in basketball from Laneville. He had many happy memories of exciting moments during basketball games and relived them time and time again with family and friends. Be it in the classroom or in the gym, he influenced thousands of lives through his investment in public education.

Ronnie was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Cushing.

Ronnie is preceded in death by his parents and other members of his immediate family.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Jackie; his son, Nick, and wife, Kristin, of Hendersonville, Tennessee; his daughter, Kristie, and husband, Steve Rasmussen, of Cushing; five grandchildren: Noah Grant, Aiden Long, Carson Tidwell, Knox Tidwell, and Ansley Tidwell. He is also survived by sisters, Lavoise Perkins and Wyvonne Pitts of Canton; brothers, Ricky, and wife, Jan Tidwell, of Wimberly, and Jerry Lynn and wife, Theresa Tidwell, of Canton. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and a host of other family and many friends.