Wesley Thomas Tidwell, 82, of Bascom died Saturday, July 8, 2023, at Jackson Hospital in Marianna.
Thomas was born January 21, 1941, to George Daniel and Mattie Jordan Tidwell. He was one of seven children who were raised on the family farm in Bascom.
Thomas was a real presence in Bascom especially after he went into business in 1967 at his auto repair shop on Basswood Road.
Everyone who lived in town or who passed through at some point in the day knew him and most saw him daily; at his shop, walking to the store for some small, needed item, or simply visiting at the front of his shop while cleaning his hands.
Most importantly, Thomas and his mechanical skills and warm personality were a godsend to many of the town’s residents, particularly the elderly who depended upon only one vehicle.
When a vehicle was inoperable, Thomas was quick to change his schedule, run to the nearest auto parts house, and work his mechanical magic to get the breadwinner going to his job again. Generous with his time, loyal to his friends, friendly to all, he extended his help even when he knew the recipient was not able to pay a routine charge.
Thomas was a simple, hardworking man who lived a quiet life and spent many hours using his talents to help others. This, he did quietly and kept it to himself gaining even more respect among his neighbors and friends. In Thomas’s spare time he liked to deer hunt and fish.
While in the Army, Thomas received numerous awards for excelling in sharp shooting competitions. He was a real presence in Bascom and the community at large and he will be sorely missed.
Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters Clara Klippstein, Anne McLean, sister-in-law Barbara Tidwell, Darlene Tidwell and nephew Rodney Hewett.
Thomas is survived by his son, Chris Tidwell; his brothers, George (Rhonda) Tidwell, Thurman Tidwell, Allan Tidwell and Robert (Lisa) Tidwell; granddaughter, Shelbi Tidwell; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Mark McLean, Jarrod Tidwell, Adam Tidwell, Tim Tidwell, Garrett Williams and Parker Williams.
Funeral Services will be at 10 AM Wednesday, July12, 2023 at Hickory Grove Free Will Baptist Church in Bascom with Pastor Steve Welch officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery with James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing. Serving as active pallbearers will be Mark McLean, Jarrod Tidwell, Adam Tidwell, Tim Tidwell, Garrett Williams, and Parker Williams.
Family will receive friends Tuesday, July 11, 2023 from 5-7 PM at James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hickory Grove Freewill Baptist Cemetery Fund.
