Christopher A Tidwell (July 03, 1965 - November 18, 2015)

In loving memory of
Christopher A Tidwell
  • July 03, 1965
  • -
  • November 18, 2015

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Obituary

Dr. Christopher Alden Tidwell passed away in his apartment after numerous health issues and was found on Wednesday, November 18, 2015.  He was born July 3, 1965 in Clarksville, Tennessee of Douglas and Anita Tidwell.  Chris had a life-long love of literature and determined early to follow his parents’ footsteps in collegiate education.  Chris was a tenured professor at Hillsborough Community College where he taught English Literature and Poetry, and was an Honors Instructor for the last 4 years.  He received his Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of the South at Sewanee in Sewanee, Tennessee.  His Master of Arts in English was from the University of  Florida in Gainesville, Florida, and his Ph.D. in English was awarded in 2006 from the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida.

 

Chris was an avid grower of succulents (cacti) and has served as President of the Central Florida Cactus and Succulent Society.  He was also very involved in the ministry of St. Catherine of Alexandria Episcopal Church in Temple Terrace, Florida, where he was a Lay Eucharistic Minister responsible for reading scripture and helping administer Communion during services.  He worked with many other ministries of the church, and was always willing to step in where needed.

 

Chris loved strategy games  and built many lifelong friendships over various gameboards.  Some of his favorite memories were of all night gaming sessions with good friends.  He also loved writing poetry, often giving original works to friends and family.

 

Chris is preceded in death by his father, Douglas Tidwell. Chris is survived by his mother,  Anita Ryall, stepfather Anthony, sister Alycia McKinney, and nieces and nephew. In addition,  his Aunt Jeannine Oakes and cousins Ken and David Oakes reside in Tennessee.  Memorial services will be held at First Baptist Church of Pine Castle in Orlando, Florida at 2:00 PM on Thursday, December 10th.  In lieu of flowers, contributions should be made to St. Catherine of Alexandria Episcopal Church at 502 Druid Hills Rd., Temple Terrace, Fl  33617 (www.stcathtt.org).


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  1. Ellen Siegmund says:
    20 Nov 2015
    Dr. Tidwell inspired a thirst for theater in me. I am glad I had the pleasure of taking part in his short story. He will forever be enscribed in mine.

  2. Shelly Stein says:
    20 Nov 2015
    An honest man here lies at rest,
    As e'er God with his Image blest:
    A friend of man, the friend of truth,
    The friend of age and guide of youth;
    Few hearts like his-with virtue warm'd,
    Few heads with knowledge so informed:
    If there's another world, he lives in bliss;
    If there is none, he made the best of this.
    Robert Burns

  3. John Reffue says:
    20 Nov 2015
    Chris was a valued colleague and friend at HCC and I miss him so much already. Chris and I worked together on the TYCA convention and he gave tirelessly of himself to make sure the convention was a success. He was a brilliant professor and a wonderful man and I was blessed to know him.

  4. Anthony Buonaquisti says:
    20 Nov 2015
    Such a wonderful coworker. I will miss his enthusiasm and insights. Such a loss for us all.

  5. Cynthia Hewett says:
    20 Nov 2015
    Chris will be sorely missed. His laugh was infectious! A kind, good man has left us.

  6. Joanne Nelson lit a candle:
    20 Nov 2015
    Lit since November 20, 2015 at 11:18:50 PM

  7. Joanne Nelson says:
    20 Nov 2015
    I LOVED overhearing Chris's enthusiastic dialogue and vibrant laughter in the hallways of the Humanities building near my office -- you always knew when Chris was in the house! Like Jana, I still remember and appreciate the way Chris cared so much to guide me with essential tips for surviving the tenure process. His abundant joy was infectious, cherished by all blessed to know him as a colleague and friend.

  8. Gary Larkin says:
    20 Nov 2015
    I never knew how much I'd miss your impromptu office visits and literary discussions. Your enthusiasm made all of us better. When I think of you, I will continue to smile. Say hello to Rilke for me!

  9. Jana Bielecki says:
    20 Nov 2015
    I worked with Chris at HCC, and he was always such a wonderful, caring, friendly person. When I was a new, untenured instructor, he took me under his wing, offering advice and making sure I would have no problem in earning tenure. He will be missed.

  10. Dexter Brock says:
    20 Nov 2015
    I will miss you and your sense of humor at our meetings with the college. You made a lot situations "bearable" for your students and colleagues. Rest in peace my friend.

  11. Teresa Galloway says:
    20 Nov 2015
    "Because I could not stop for Death, He kindly stopped for me."
    Emily Dickinson:1890

  12. Teresa Galloway says:
    20 Nov 2015
    He was a jubilant instructor and a dear colleague. It is with deep sorry that I say my "goodbye".

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