Lt. Col. Virgil Drew Tidwell, Jr., Usaf (Ret.)

On the morning of Wednesday, September 1, 2021, Virgil Drew Tidwell, Jr., 79, passed away at his residence.

Born in Bay City, Texas, on March 24, 1942, Mr. Tidwell was the son of the late Virgil Drew Tidwell, Sr. and Eva Rose Gilmore. He was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force where he served for a number of years. During his time in the Air Force, Mr. Tidwell served tours overseas and was stationed at McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey and Robins Air Force Base. He earned numerous medals, ribbons, and awards to include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Air Force Overseas Service Long Tour Ribbon, Air Force Training Ribbon, and the Air Force Longevity Service Award. After Mr. Tidwell retired from the military his commitment to the United States continued as a civilian on Robins Air Force Base. He worked as a Planner for many years before his second and final retirement.

Mr. Tidwell earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Economics. He loved economics and enjoyed teaching others how to manage their finances. He also loved to camp with his wife and their two beloved dogs. They first started camping in a tent and through the years, they would make “Camping Upgrades.” They sat around several campfires at many state and national parks while traveling around the states, but their favorite place to visit was F.D. Roosevelt State Park Campgrounds. Mr. Tidwell had a sweet spirit and everyone loved him. He will be deeply missed.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Tidwell was preceded in death by his stepmother, Marion Tidwell.
His memory will forever be treasured by his adoring wife of 34 years, Renee Terese Broschart Tidwell; son, Drew Tidwell of Texas; stepson, Terry Jendon (Kerry); stepdaughter, Haley Stevens; grandchildren, Cassandra May (Brian); and great-granddaughter, Rosie May.

A memorial service celebrating Mr. Tidwell’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 7, 2021, in the chapel of McCullough Funeral Home with Reverend Marty Watson officiating. Mr. Tidwell’s inurnment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests memorial donations be given in memory of Lt. Col. Virgil Drew Tidwell, Jr., USAF (Ret.) to an animal welfare shelter or rescue of your choice.

Learn more about the measures McCullough Funeral Home is taking to ensure the health and safety of our guests at www.mcculloughfh.com. There you can also sign an Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.