Mr. Don Tidwell

Mr. Donald W. Tidwell, Sr., age 74, passed away July 18, 2025. The son of William and Lillian Tidwell, Don was a lifelong Dallas resident with deep roots in the community and the land of Paulding County. A descendent of Cherokee native Young Deer, Don had a signifcant connection and respect for nature and his heritage. Don was a man of quiet strength and good humor, with a strong work ethic, a lifelong passion for music, and an infinite love for his wife Sheila, his family, and his friends.
He began working as a young man with hammer in hand building homes in Paulding County. A talented builder, he was capable of constructing anything he envisioned. He met Sheila in the early 80's, and they have been married for 40 years. Don and Sheila have managed many successes throughout their union such as their entrepreneurship in the construction industry and an event center. Don had incredible musical talent, and always enjoyed playing his guitar and singing since he was just a child - catching rides to Atlanta to perform with some of the big names at that time such as Billy Joe Royal, Paul Revere and the Raiders, and Sam the Sham and The Pharaohs. Don also toured with the gospel groups The Lancers and The Deep South Quartet. After playing with a local band called Georgia, he formed a band with his brother called The Tidwell Brothers and the Crossroads Band. He most recently enjoyed his band, The Southern Classic Band, where he and his bandmates performed regularly for the community, including monthly entertainment at our local senior citizens dances. Don had a legendary guitar style - and his family continues to and stories of his skills and performances over the years.
Don and Sheila have been most proud of their biggest success - the blending of their families as they raised their five children together. Children are Tina (Ray) Thomason, Stacey (Kelly) Kirksey, Brannon (Shelly) Kirksey, Tonya (Don) Cole, and Donnie (Karen) Tidwell. Grandchildren are Scott (Autumn) Littlefield, Krista (Jeremy) Mitchell, Mary Kate Kirksey (Alex), Mia and Ashlyn Governale, Zach (Regan) Kirksey, Gavin Kirksey (Savanna), Ali Kirksey, Haley (Josh) Arrowood, Jacob (Chandler) Cole, Kenzie (Patrick) McFarland, and Austin (Heather) Tidwell. Great grandchildren are Oliver and Booker Littlefield, Stephen Mitchell, Emory and Wilder Arrowood, Coleson McFarland, and Bella, Jaxson, and Wyatt Tidwell. Their large family has always enjoyed gathering at Pawpaw's and Nanny's.
Don is survived also by his sister Nesa (Johnny) Panter and his brother Joey (Patricia) Tidwell. Additionally, he considered his sisters-in-law Darlene (Art) Clay and Angel (Ken) Byrd as another close part of his large family. Special friends are Heather and Concha. Don will be remembered as a devoted family man who lived his life with faith, hard work, and honor.
Funeral Services for Mr. Don Tidwell will be held on Sunday, July 20, 2025 at 2 P.M. at Benson Funeral Home with Rev. Eddie Wyatt officiating and an eulogy given by Chadd Wright. Interment will follow at Dallas Memory Gardens.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at Benson Funeral Home from 6 P.M. until 9 P.M. and on Sunday, July 20, 2025 from 12 PM. until the time of the service.
The gentlemen serving as pallbearers are as follows: Brannon Kirksey, Stacey Kirksey, Don Cole, Chadd Wright, Adam Beavers, Travis Clay, and Donnie Tidwell.
Honorary pallbearers will be Scott Littlefield, Jeremy Mitchell, Zach Kirksey, Gavin Kirksey, Josh Arrowwood, Patrick McFarland, Jacob Cole, and Austin Tidwell.
Benson Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. Don Tidwell.