Norwood Doval "Buddy" Tisdale

1947 - 2025

Norwood Doval "Buddy" Tisdale, age 77, of Memphis, Tennessee, passed away on Thursday, June 26, 2025.

Born on November 3, 1947, in Columbia, South Carolina, Buddy was the son of Doval Cleveland Tisdale and Louise Jones Tisdale. He was raised in Jackson, Tennessee, surrounded by a large and loving extended family. After the early loss of his mother, he was profoundly shaped by the care and guidance of his aunt and uncle, Imogene Jones Tisdale and Frank Tisdale. Growing up he spent many fun weekends at the Jones family farm with a host of cousins.

Buddy began his career as a sportswriter for The Jackson Sun while attending college. He earned his bachelor's degree from Union University and later a master's degree from Rollins College. Buddy's dorm mother at Union introduced him to a girl she thought was perfect for him, and the rest is history. In December 1969, he married the love of his life, Pamela Hope Walls, and the couple settled in Orlando, Florida, building a life rooted in love and faith.

Passionate about education, Buddy began teaching at Jackson Middle School before becoming assistant principal at Ocoee High School-at just 27 years old, the youngest in the Orange County School System at the time.

Buddy and Hope were blessed with two daughters, Cherisa and Stephanie. In 1977, the family returned to Memphis to be near aging parents and extended relatives. There, Buddy transitioned into a successful career in the household moving industry, working as a salesman until 2001. One of the great joys of that time was working side-by-side with his father.

A survivor of metastatic melanoma, Buddy and Hope later returned to the Orlando area to be closer to the ocean and lifelong friends. In 2003, he joined Hunters Creek Middle School as dean of students and was quickly promoted to assistant principal. He retired from education in 2013, and in 2016, the couple moved back to Memphis to be near their daughters and grandchildren.

Buddy had a deep love for sports, particularly tennis and golf, and was a classic car enthusiast. He especially cherished his 1967 Chevrolet Corvette convertible and 1969 Pontiac GTO convertible. He and Hope were longtime members of Leawood Baptist Church. His family takes great comfort in the assurance of his faith and the lasting legacy of his life.

Buddy was preceded in death by his parents and his son-in-law, Mark Lewis. He is survived by his devoted wife, Hope; his daughters, Cherisa Tisdale Lewis and Stephanie Tisdale Rice (Hartwell); and his beloved grandchildren, Seraiah, Evan, and Christiana. He also leaves behind a host of extended family members and dear friends.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 3, from 10:00 AM until the funeral service at 11:00 AM at Family Funeral Care, 4925 Summer Avenue, Memphis, TN 38122.
Burial will follow at Spring Hill Baptist Church Cemetery, 78 TN-188, Trenton, TN 38382.