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BORN
1969
DIED
2020
David Kidwell Obituary
David Lynn Kidwell, age 51, a resident of Rockwood, passed away Friday, May 22, 2020 at his home surrounded by his family and friend after a brief battle with cancer.
He was born on Feb. 17, 1969, in Smyrna, Ga. He was preceded in death by his father, Gary Lynn Kidwell; and sister, Kimberly Jean Kidwell.
He is survived by his loving wife, Christena Lynn Kidwell; his son, David Zackary Kidwell and wife Becca and their three children, Zackariah, Ezekiel and Olivia; his daughter, Danielle Leigh Hunter and her daughter, Ariana; sisters, Lisa Vititoe and husband Scott and her children Conard, Eli and Hannah; Candice DeBord and husband Nathaniel and their children, London, Savanah and James; and his mother, Carolyn Kidwell Edwards. He also leaves behind a host of family members and friends.
David's love of the outdoors, ancestry research, beaches, calm rides on his motorcycle, music and UT/Titans football is exceeded only by the love for his wife, children and grandchildren.
He was employed at the University of Tennessee for 20 years for the Division of Biology as technical manager. He was respected and admired for his many talents, achievements and calming effect for those around him.
David was described by family and friends as having an excellent sense of humor, an abundance of love, intelligence, wisdom, being strong despite adversity, honorable, inspiring and stubborn.
His life was too short and he is deeply missed by all who knew him. He did as many hope to do, lived his life with grace.
He was a GOOD MAN.
A gathering for the celebration of his life will be held and scheduled at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Kidwell
Gordon Burghardt
September 13, 2020
He was a most helpful and friendly person who helped the BSF run smoothly and efficiently. He will be greatly missed
Sally Fridge
June 16, 2020
David was a good friend for twenty years at UT and a great help whenever I called on him at work (happened often especially after he became head of BSF). When I retired at the end of December, he seemed happy, healthy and well. I was shocked and very saddened to hear of his death. He was truly a fine man, someone I depended on heavily, and a good friend. I am still shocked and have been grieving for him and his family. David, you left this world too young and too quickly.
Linda A. Adams
June 15, 2020
Prayers for the family.
Kimberly Sheldon
June 12, 2020
David helped get my lab at UT off the ground 4 years ago, and I was grateful to collaborate with such a helpful and knowledgeable person. I still think of him every time I switch on one of the task lights he installed. He was a kind and genuine person, and I was so sad to learn of his passing. My deepest condolences to his family; I'm wishing you peace and strength during the difficult days ahead.
Sherry Edward's
June 11, 2020
M sorry sad that you left us .last time I seen you was at Walmart and you made me laugh so hard .A memory i don't forget. Love cuz I'll miss you dearly Sherry Edwarda
Nancy Myers
June 11, 2020
When I started at UT in 2011, David was working in the electronics shop. I worked in the main office up the hall and one of my jobs was to write up work assignments as they came in for requested repair. I would walk these tickets down to the shop several times a day. Once the technician took a look at the equipment and repaired it, an order was usually placed for parts and then the techs would walk up the hall to me to place their order. (I had the credit card) LOL. David was always so very polite with please and thank you's. He was always low-key and gracious. Last year when he took the position as our Leader I was able to learn a little bit more about David as his office was now near mine. He came in there and took charge and got things done such as new carpet and paint that we'd been asking for years to get. He made phone call after phone call until the job was completed. I'll miss his chuckle when he would overhear me and Jana talking about life and grandkids. That's when he would pipe in. He definitely loved his family. They were his soft spot. Every Thursday he would leave smiling saying, "it's spaghetti night with the grandkids". I know they miss him terribly!! And Christy, I am so very sorry for your loss, yes his time WAS too soon! I know how that feels but I want to encourage you and say, one day at a time. Love never leaves us! Take courage that BSF is here for you. Hugs!
Keerthi Krishnan
June 11, 2020
I started a laboratory at UTK in 2017. David was a delightful collaborator in helping us set up the fine motor apparatus for our behavioral work. Lab members enjoyed interacting with him on a regular basis couple years ago. He was also very helpful during our Mossman Building move last Summer. He was efficient with solutions and receptive to our concerns.
We will miss his genuine smile, frank & quiet manner of speaking and his innovative solutions to technical problems.
My sincere condolences to the family.
Ben McFall
June 11, 2020
I worked with David in the BSF Electronics Lab for 16 years. Although we were the same age, he was a big brother to me. He was one of the kindest persons I've ever met. His calm, well rounded demeanor combined with his heartfelt Volunteer Spirit radiated warmth and generosity when he was with you. We worked on several projects together and I witnessed his skill set. Master! His selection as Director of BSF was, in my opinion, the greatest thing that had happened to the unit in my time with BSF. David, I miss you. You are never forgotten and forever loved my friend.
Dan Roberts
June 11, 2020
I am deeply saddened to hear the news about David. I have had the privilege of working with him for 20 years at the University of Tennessee, and appreciate greatly his help and service over these years. I will remember David as a quiet and considerate man, someone who provided indispensable service and help to our laboratory (always rendered with a smile and often a wry sense of humor), and more importantly, as someone who was my friend. I offer my deepest condolences to his wife, Christy, and his family. Dan Roberts
June 11, 2020
I interacted with David at UT starting in 2008. I will always remember him as a smart guy with a fun sense of humor. I always liked chatting with him.
Karen Lloyd
June 11, 2020
I'm a professor of Microbiology at UT, and David was there from day one helping me get my lab set up, and then later on dealing with the bigger technical issues - most notably leading us masterfully through a recent power outage that threatened to ruin much of our hard-fought research gains. His calm demeanor was always a welcome presence in tense moments, and I can't believe he's gone. My deepest condolences to his family.
Paula Hux
June 10, 2020
While the Vols won few football games.. we always had lots of laughs..rants...raves and then more laughs.
Great friends. David will be sadly missed in life and in X3. Thoughts and prayers to you all.
Clarissa Hannah
June 9, 2020
Someone once said to me that grief is just love. Im not sure why that took some sting out of my sadness. It helped me to remember that love and joy were at the root of my loss. Peace and love to you all
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