Photo courtesy of Woodfin Funeral Chapel - Murfreesboro
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
May 25, 1941 – Sep 28, 2021 (Age 80)
Mr. James Blake Tidwell, Jr, age 80, of Murfreesboro, TN passed away in the afternoon of Tuesday, September 28, 2021 at Adams Place. Blake was born May 25, 1941 in Cincinnati, OH to the late Mr & Mrs James Blake Tidwell, Sr. He was a member of St Paul’s Episcopal Church in Murfreesboro and Resurrection Church in Destin, FL.
Blake is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Mary Lee McKenzie Tidwell; children, Lisa Carol Halliburton and her husband Ken, James Gregory Tidwell and his wife Dee Dee; five grandchildren, McKenzie Reid Halliburton, Taylor Carmine Halliburton, James Trevor Tidwell, Maggie Kathleen Tidwell, and Reese Elizabeth Tidwell all of Murfreesboro; twin sister, Trudy Holder of Nashville, TN; and siblings, Harry Tidwell and his wife Ann of Huntsville, AL, Caroline Miller and her husband Bill of Nashville, John Tidwell and his wife Diane of Orlando, FL and Kathryn Weinacker and her husband Ted of Saraland, AL.
Blake and Lee owned Bell Jewelers and sold their family business to their children Lisa Tidwell Halliburton and James Gregory Tidwell in 2007.
Blake’s first love was his family. He and Lee loved golfing together, making memories with his grandchildren, traveling and meeting people. He had a passion of giving back to the community, helping people repair & build things. He was past president of Tennessee Jewelers Association, Murfreesboro Sportsman Club & Murfreesboro Morning Rotary Club, recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow Award, and co-founder of Tennessee School for the Blind Golf Tournament. He helped start the Main Street Revitalization Program, past director of First Tennessee Bank, Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce Business Man of the Year Award & Leadership Rutherford Graduate. Member of Stones River Country Club & Burnt Pine Golf Club (he and son Greg were Overall Grand Champions of 2016 Men’s Member Guest).
For those who wish, memorials may be made to Alive Hospice Murfreesboro, Tennessee School for the Blind, Boys’ and Girls’ Club of Rutherford County, or the charity of your choice.
The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and medical staff of St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital and Adams Place for their care of Blake.
Visitation with the family will be Friday, October 8, 2021 from 3:00pm until 7:00pm at Woodfin Memorial Chapel. Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 9, 2021 at 11:00am at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.
Read MoreI just recently heard that Mr. Tidwell had passed on. I always enjoyed it when Mr. Tidwell walked in the room. I remember that he was always smiling, and without fail, would always ask about how my mom and dad were doing. Mr. Tidwell is up there will Mr. Bubba Woodfin, both Great Men of Murfreesboro, as far as I'm concerned.
Richard Hunt
December 30, 2021 | Murfreesboro, TN | Family
Enjoyed talking with Mr.Blake sharp memory..good man
Donald Bush
December 08, 2021 | Murfreesboro, TN | Acquaintance
He did so much for so many. He will be very missed.
Ted and Erin Johnson
October 21, 2021 | Murfreesboro, TN | Friend
I had the pleasure of taking business advice from Blake. Even more important, I had the pleasure of spending time with him, Greg and Trevor on the golf course. He was definitely part of the greatest generation ever. Rest in peace knowing you left a mark on many people.
Robert Diffin
October 11, 2021 | Mendham, NJ | Friend
Blake - Through our eyes
One of God's Finest. A true Christian. A loving Husband and Father, totally dedicated to his family. A leader in the
Community, a philanthropist, a Hero for many. A true American. Perfect Friend and Host, so many great
memories over the years. Always good natured, always smiling, always stepping up to the plate when needed.
And on top of it all, a wonderful golfer, always fun to play with. Our prayers and sympathy are with Lee and...
Caroline and Michael Clifton
October 08, 2021 | Scottsdale, AZ | Friend
Blake was a friend to all. He was always willing to help. Lee and the family are in my prayers! Rest In Peace.
Bill Knox
October 06, 2021 | Duluth, GA | Friend
Lee, Blake will be missed by many, such a giver, always willing to help. Prayers for your family.
Kevin Perry
October 05, 2021 | Humboldt, TN | Friend
What a privilege it has been to have known Blake and call him friend !
But he was so much more than that.
A gentleman beyond measure - who was kind - giving - and truly cared for others -lived life to the fullest and his integrity is unmeasurable. When I asked for “help” Blake was there — with a smile on his face ready to do whatever was needed — I have yet to think of anything he could not fix. Lots of good times - with happy and fun memories !
We are saddened that he is...
Monte & Penny Causey
October 04, 2021 | Miramar Beach, FL | Friend
Blake was always a gentleman's gentleman. His kindness and great sense of humor separated him as a guy everyone sought out for friendship. His smile and personality will be truly missed.
Larry and Natalie Kunkel
October 04, 2021 | Miramar Beach, FL | Friend