Richard Joel Tidwell

Affectionately known as PaPa, Sweetheart, RJ, Dad, Dick, Dickie, Rich, Little Brother, Uncle, Papa Richard, Grandpa Richard, and simply Richard—passed away on Saturday morning, February 14, 2026, with his wife, son and sister-in-law beside him as he entered the presence of the Lord.

A fifth-generation Texan, he was born on May 23, 1943, in Corsicana, Navarro County, Texas, to Richard Wheeler Tidwell and Jonnie Evelyn Arnett. He grew up in Texas, attending Stephen F. Austin High School in Houston and later the University of Houston. On May 3, 1963, he married the love of his life, Carol Jean (Jeanie) Bullard, beginning a beautiful sixty-two-year marriage.

Richard will be remembered as one of the kindest and most genuine men many have ever known. He never met a stranger and had a rare gift for making every person feel seen, valued, and important. He truly listened, remembering details about jobs, family, school, and future plans and always followed up with sincere interest. A natural encourager and peacekeeper, he was quick to tell others how proud he was of them and often asked, “What can I do to help?” He faithfully served those around him with a steady, giving heart.

He built a successful career in management and sales in the reprographics industry, where he formed lifelong friendships and took great pride in mentoring and encouraging others. In retirement, he began a second career working alongside his son and daughter-in-law at LakeHouse.com, proudly serving as the company’s biggest fan.

He was a born-again believer in Jesus Christ and worshiped and served faithfully alongside his church family at Walnut Ridge Baptist Church. He loved his job in the Parking Ministry where he was able to greet people before they got to the front door and was able to assist in the handicap parking area. He was a strong supporter of the Heart & Hope 4 South Sudan ministry where he along with his wife served the refugees of South Sudan together in various ways.

He loved spending time at the deer lease with friends and was deeply proud of his family, often sharing stories of their accomplishments and adventures. Whether greeting someone with “There’s my girl,” laughing that he “got tickled,” or saying, “Hey, I got an idee,” Richard brought warmth and joy wherever he went.

He was preceded in death by his son, Joel Garland Tidwell; his brother, Gene Gilliam; brother, TD (Thomas) Neal and his parents, Richard Wheeler Tidwell and Jonnie Evelyn Arnett.

He is survived by his beloved wife of sixty-two years, Carol Jean (Jeanie) Bullard Tidwell; his son, Richard Kirk Tidwell and wife Wren Tidwell; his grandsons, Troy Tidwell (Megan) and Tyler Tidwell (Carrie); brother, Gerry Neal (Beverly) and numerous loving extended family members, along with many “adopted” sons, daughters, granddaughters, and grandsons in the USA and in Africa, they know who they are.

A Celebration of Life honoring Richard, officiated by our Sunday School teacher and Pastor David Groves of Walnut Ridge Baptist Church, Mansfield, Tx will be held in the chapel at the Madisonville Funeral Home on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 10 A.M. An inurnment will follow in the Jozye Cemetery followed by lunch at the Woodbine Hotel.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be either mailed to Heart & Hope 4 South Sudan 1613 Chateau Ln., Mansfield, Texas, 76063 or made online at MercyShips.org.

Richard’s life was a gift to all who knew him, and he will forever hold a special place in our hearts.

Arrangements are under the compassionate care and direction of Madisonville Funeral Home, Madisonville, Texas.

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