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).
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
Emily Dickinson:1890