December 29, 1943 ~ May 17, 2024
80 Years Old
Obituary
Albert Ronald Tidwell, “Ronnie,” was born on December 29, 1943, in Canton, Texas to Ewell E. and Fannie Atrell Tidwell. He graduated from Canton High School in 1962 and worked in Canton and Dallas before graduating from Dallas Baptist University. Later, after moving and working in East Texas, he would also earn 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. Even more than his love for his schools, he loved his family. Ronnie met his future wife, Jackie, in Apple Springs in 1973, where they both worked as
educators. They were married on November 23, 1978, in Cushing, where they made their home for more than 45 years. The funny stories, memories, jokes, and silly antics are too many to count, but each one is treasured by those who experienced them with him. Ronnie was a member of First United Methodist Church in Cushing. He enjoyed questioning Nick about the Bible and other matters of faith. His family takes joy in knowing that because Ronnie trusted Jesus for his salvation, he is now at peace with Christ. Ronnie is predeceased by his parents. 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, Texas. Five grandchildren: Noah Grant, Aiden Long, Carson Tidwell, Knox Tidwell, and Ansley Tidwell. He is also survived by sisters, LaVoise Perkins and Wyvonne Pitts; brothers, Ricky and wife, Jan Tidwell, and Jerry and wife,Theresa Tidwell. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.
Pallbearers include Terry Nichols, Mike Nichols, Noah Grant, Aiden Long, Jerry Tidwell, and Justin Nichols. Honorary pallbearers include Carson Tidwell, Knox Tidwell, Ricky Tidwell, Larry Davis, Garner Spring, Dicky Gresham, and Sammy Knox.
The family extends their deepest appreciation to the doctors, nurses, and staff of Nacogdoches Medical Center for their compassionate care, as well
all the expressions of kindness from family and friends during these difficult
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