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Gary James Tidwell

About

University of Texas

FUNERAL HOME

Davis Greenlawn Funeral Chapels and Cemeteries

3900 B.F. Terry Boulevard

Rosenberg, Texas

Gary Tidwell Obituary

AMemorial service for Gary James Tidwell, 70, of Richmond, Texas will be held at 2:00 P.M., Tuesday, April 14, 2009 in the Chapel of Davis-Greenlawn Funeral Home in Rosenberg. Gary was born October 15, 1938 in Big Spring, Texas to Roy and Dorothy Nell (Quinn) Tidwell. He passed away April 8, 2009 in Richmond. He is preceded in death by his parents. Gary is survived by his childhood sweetheart and loving wife of 49 years, Helen Boyd Tidwell, known to everyone as Punkie; son, Jamey Tidwell; daughters, Jana Montgomery-McKee and husband, Gene, Chaille Wallace and husband, Shawn; grandchildren, Matthew Montgomery and Mason Montgomery, James Donovan Tidwell Wallace and Kendyll Wallace; mother-in-law, Nita Boyd; sisters, Helen Jane Tidwell and Pat Cosby; brother, John Tidwell; along with many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and special friends Rick, Kay and Lanie Montgomery. A forty four year veteran of radio/television/film broadcasting began at age fourteen as a disc jockey for KBST Radio in his home town of Big Spring, Texas. He graduated from Big Spring High School in 1956 with honors. He then went on to The University of Texas. He graduated with honors in 1960 with a degree in broadcast journalism and a minor in advertising. Upon graduating, he became the news director for station KRIC in Beaumont, Texas. In July of 1961, he was hired by Ray Miller as a news reporter for KPRC Channel 2 where he won numerous awards for his news reporting and later gained regional fame for his creative work as the executive producer of the award winning "Eyes of Texas" program. Gary James, as he was known at Channel 2, brought Texas history closer to the Texas people for over twenty five years. For his work on this show and other features he earned two regional "Emmys" and the prestigious "Peabody Award." Also while at Channel 2 he co-authored six successful "Eyes of Texas" travel guides, and "The Fault Does Not Lie With Your Set," a story of KPRC-TV. After more than 30 years and 750 shows, Gary retired from Channel 2. He has since produced numerous video's and authored the popular book "The Texas Guide" still available in book stores today. Honorary Pallbearers include Bill Springer, Bob Gordon, Jose Campos, Phil Archer, Dwain Newman, Jerry Cousins, Jim Hiett, Robert Clayton and Brad Basset. For those wishing, memorials in Gary's name may be made to the Chronic Disease Fund Attention: Resource Development, 10880 John W. Elliott Drive, Suite 400, Frisco, Texas 75034, (866) 619-5651. Condolences may be left for the Tidwell family at www.davisgreenlawnfh.com Davis-Greenlawn Funeral Home, 3900 B.F. Terry Blvd., Rosenberg, Texas 77471 (281) 341-8800

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Houston Chronicle on Apr. 11, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Gary Tidwell

17 Entries

Ervin Grafe

April 24, 2009

Dear Mrs. Tidwell and Chaille - and the rest of the family, who unfortunately, I'm not sure if I ever got to know !!
I was sad to hear that Gary has left you, and this Great State of Texas, for an even better place !! Chaille, I remember you well from the good old MCHS Days - Cheerleader, Class of '87 I think !!! I was on the Board then and was the lucky bidder (at a fundraiser auction) of one Gary's photos that he had donated - Our mascot, "Silver and Gold" in a a field of TEXAS bluebonnets - it still hangs on my wall !!! I treasure it, and the memories of all the wonderful people I met at MCHS !!!
May God continue to Bless You,
Ervin Grafe

Craig Berlin

April 22, 2009

Helen, I'm so sorry I couldn't make it down for the service. I'll drop you a note shortly. Gary was a joy to work with.

Elva Murphy-Fertsch

April 16, 2009

Punkie, Mother called to let me know about Gary,I know you will miss him so.
God hold you in his arms as we hold you in our prayers
Love you, Elva and Family

David and Linda Wallace

April 14, 2009

Gary was much loved and a wonderful addition to our family. He will be missed.

Susan Wright

April 13, 2009

During my Channel 2 years, I always wished Gary were around more; he was such a sunny presence. But he was, of course, usually out filming around the state. I was lucky to have his help on two video projects in the ‘90s. That was a great chance to admire the skill behind the results we all saw on the screen. Whether getting the company’s leaders to relax in front of a white-sheet backdrop at a Toronto location or bringing a deft touch to the editing, Gary’s real enjoyment of people was always on display. Gary James Tidwell was wonderful. There just wasn’t enough of him. My heart goes out to his family. Susan Wright

Richard Atkins

April 13, 2009

Punkie, what a shock to hear of Gary's passing. I always enjoyed your visits to Big Spring and your parents and getting to see the Eyes of Texas and knowing Gary. May God bless you and your children and strengten you in your time of loss. Richard

Paul Darst

April 13, 2009

As a proud Texan, "The Eyes of Texas" was one of my all time favorite shows. As such, it was a great thrill to one day be featured on the program because I happened to "run" the scoreboard at the Astrodome. It made my Mom so proud, even years later, as she would tell her friends about my being on the show. I know that Jamey, who ironically many years later came to work for me as part of my Astrodome Diamond Vision Crew, and the rest of the Tidwell family are rightfully just as proud of the impact Gary had on the people of our great state. It is astounding to think about the millios he inspired as he made such profound introductions to Texas landscapes, traditions, attractions and most importantly its people, both large and small. In the end, he quietely became one of the biggest little people in Texas. His work will live on as a testament forever.

Robin Stone Brown

April 13, 2009

Dear Helen and family,
Our hearts are breaking for you. Having lost Daddy so recently, we know how much you are hurting. Daddy loved Gary and the Eyes of Texas!

Hub Randel

April 12, 2009

I can remember on Saturday evenings my dad climbing up on the roof and pointing our TV antenna towards Houston just so we could watch "The Eyes Of Texas". That one show inspired me to learn more about Texas and television than any other influence. Little did I know I would ever get to meet the man, much less know him. Because of "The Eyes...", Gary is a true Texas hero. My sympathy to the entire Tidwell family in their time of loss. Gary is with yall always now.
Thank you Gary, Godspeed, and I know you are birdy-ing every hole now.

Cheri (Gage) Tamborello

April 12, 2009

We are so sorry to hear about Gary's passing... We will definately keep yall in our prayers... God Bless you all... Love, Cheri & Paul Tamborello

April 12, 2009

Bennie and I pray God's comfort for Helen, Jamey, Jana, Chaille, and all family members as you go through this time of sorrow. In Christ's love, Bennie and Anita Boles

JOHN TREADGOLD

April 12, 2009

GARY WAS A GREAT TEACHER AND REALLY MENTORED MANY PEOPLE AT CH 2 INCLUDING MYSELF. hE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED.

John Catsis

April 11, 2009

I consider Gary one of my best friends ever. We went hunting together and drink a little beer together. And we talked a lot about television and television reporting. He will always be with me. Thanks, Gary.

April 11, 2009

HELEN JAMIE JANNA CHEELE GOD BLESSE YOU ALL AT THIS VERY SAD and DIFFECULT TIME .WE TREASURE THE MEMORIES OF"THE EYES OF TEXAS". LOVE JAN DODSON.

Barb and Walt Arnold

April 11, 2009

Barbara and I were sadened to hear of Gary's passsing. We send our sympathy and prayers to Helen and the children.

Jim Bell

April 11, 2009

For many years, Gary James was one of the reasons KPRC TV had the finest and most respected TV news department ever assembled in this part of the country.

I remember Gary as a first rate reporter and photographer. He was also a decent gentleman and family man.

Gary always had a lot of fun doing what he did for a living, and that made him a lot of fun to be around.

I'm proud to say he and I worked in the same news department when we were both in our primes and I will miss him.

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