James Michael “Mike” Tidwell

November 16, 1962 - February 15, 2022

Fairview Baptist Church

2913 Reese Rd

Columbus, GA 31907

Saturday 2/19, 12:00 pm

James Michael “Mike” Tidwell, 59, of Columbus, GA passed away on Tuesday, February 15, 2022 at his residence. A memorial service will be held at Fairview Baptist Church, 2913 Reese Rd, Columbus, GA, on Saturday, February 19, 2022 beginning at 12:00 PM with Rev. Jimbo Albrecht officiating according to Vance Brooks Funeral Home in Columbus.

Mike was born an only child of an only child on November 16, 1962 to Frank Edward Tidwell and Martha Lou Rainey Tidwell in Columbus, GA at St. Francis Hospital. When he was two years old, his family moved to Montgomery, AL for a short time and then to Phenix City, AL. Mike attended Sherwood Elementary in grades 1-4 and then Glenwood for grades 5-11. He graduated from Smiths Station High School in 1981.

Throughout his life, Mike enjoyed living in many different parts of the United States. With his outgoing personality and positive outlook, he could make any place a “home”. Mike joined the United States Navy in 1982. During his tour of duty, he was stationed in Orlando, FL, Memphis, TN and Jacksonville, FL. Outside of his military years, he lived in Albany, GA, Los Angeles, CA, Charleston, SC and, once again, in Phenix City, AL, Columbus, GA and Jacksonville, FL.

Mike was employed at Fairview Baptist Church where he worked as a comptroller. He was a great asset to the church not only as an employee, but also as a volunteer and dedicated member. He was a Ministry Assistant, Sunday School teacher and Director who sincerely loved and cared for his church and church family. Mike was an avid fan of Alabama football and Harley Davidson motorcycles. He was an extraordinary husband, father and grandfather and always held his family close to his heart. Mike will be greatly missed, never forgotten, and cherished with the best of memories.

Survivors include his wife of six years Ellen Tidwell; mother Martha Burkhalter (Milford) of Smiths Station, AL; daughter Tara Tidwell McMahon (Michael) of Smiths Station, AL; Tara’s mother Tracy Cobb Tidwell; stepdaughters Ashley Redwine of Columbus, GA, Amanda Dery (Wayne) of Dunwoody, GA and Aimee Cain (Dallen) of Columbus, GA; grandchildren Isabella McMahon, Paisley McMahon, Titus Dery, River Dery, Braiden Cain, Jax Cain, Patrick Cain and Copelynn Cain.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Fairview Baptist Church.

Vance Brooks

Janet Knox

Danni

Ken &Libby West

Michael Michael

Michael Michael

Cathy Bell Carver

Debra Hardin Grosso

LEWIS AND SUSAN INGRAM

Flowers & Gifts

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In memory of James Michael "Mike" Tidwell, Janet Knox lit a candle

In memory of James Michael "Mike" Tidwell, Danni lit a candle

In memory of James Michael "Mike" Tidwell, Ken &Libby West lit a candle

RIP my brother. Sorry I could not be there. Love you buddy. 🙏❤️

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

RIP my brother. Sorry I could not be there. Love you buddy. 🙏❤️

Miss you already brother. Love on our Jesus and pick me out a house close to yours. Tid is loved by Stone Cole.

In memory of James Michael "Mike" Tidwell, Cathy Bell Carver lit a candle

There is not enough room to tell you all about how Mike completed his Journey! Mike was a Faithful Christian and Servant, Husband, Father, Grandfather, Son, and Friend to all!! Rest easy Tid!

I had so much fun at Smiths Station High with Mike. He helped me when I was at a difficult time in my life. I think the best part was reconnecting on FB and seeing how God had touched his life. Daily he inspired so many people with faith, family photos, his love of his wife, his hometown and Pine Mountain, Alabama football, but most importantly his love of God. Heaven is beaming with another sweet soul.

Mike is going to be waiting and looking out for everyone until they reach the Heavens and join him. Thoughts and prayers for his family and friends.

SO SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR LOSS. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH THIS FAMILY. SPECIAL THOUGHTS GO TO MARTHA, ASWEET FRIEND AT SMITHS STATION BAPTIST.

My condolences to you and your family. I pray for your piece in the coming days.

You will be so very missed my precious friend! You are a True man of GOD. Your life proved that. May you rest peacefully with the angels and sing on high. GOD has you now. And from time to time crank up them machines and ride the HD roads!! Our biker brother!!❤️

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

My condolences to Mike's wife, family and friends. I so enjoyed connecting on face book and seeing the pictures of Ellen and Mike on his motorcycle. I also enjoyed all the encouragement he gave on his posts and all the scriptures that we all need to cling to. May God grant you the only true peace that He can give during this time. Our citizenship is in heaven and we will all be reunited there one day with our loved ones who have passed on before us. My prayers are with you.

Will be truly missed. You touched so many hearts in ways you never knew. Love you

I’m so sorry for your loss

R.I.P Mike! Sending lots of prayers for Ellen and family!Debbie

My prayers to you Ellen and your families.. may our Lord lead you and wrap his loving arms around you during this dark time❤️🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻

I remember you from years long ago, you were a good guy then, and now. I know you are in heaven, watching over those you cared for and loved. You will be missed, much more than you know. Prayers of comfort for your family, and hugs to them all.

Such a great guy, glad we had known you as long as we have. Condolences to the family.

Rest In Peace Brother Mike 🙏 I've been so blessed to have you as a life long friend, Glenwood GATOR, Brother in Christ, and by years worth of posts that got me through many extra hard times!!! My deepest condolences and prayers for Ellen, your family and friends, which includes me!!! My prayers are that God will comfort each one of us, like no one else can. I look forward to seeing you in Heaven one day. GOD BLESS AND LOVE TO ALL!!! ALWAYS AC.!!! ♥♥♥

Prayers that our Lord be with you in this time of need to see you through.

Mike was our Sunday school teacher at Fairview Baptist Church. He was kind and thoughtful person whom love God with all his heart. I am going to miss him dearly. I learn a great deal from sitting under his teaching. My memories will last me a lifetime. Although we didn't much time on the world he was God fearing and honorable man. His heart was last me a lifetime. Till we meet again my brother.

Hey sweet lady. My heart goes out to you and the family. I love you. I'm sending prayers of strength your way.

Mike was such a great guy and friend throughout my time with Fairview Baptist Church. He was a great teacher that loves Jesus and it shinned threw him like a bright light. I am so sorry for your loss Ellen…. He will be missed by so many. Fly high Mike!

Rip Mike!

He was a good testimony for God till the end.

Ellen, I am so very sorry~ There are just no words~ I love you and Mike~Praying for strength and comfort during this time. In the name of Jesus ~ Love, Bonnie~ Until we meet again Mike

Prayers for the family. Will miss Mike’s post of encouragement and bible versus. An inspiring man.

My sincerest condolences. He was an inspiration to many

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Rest With The Angels Mike 🕊 SSHS CLASS OF 1981

In memory of James Michael "Mike" Tidwell, Tatianna Minter lit a candle

Ellen I am so sorry for your loss but Mike is walking with Jesus now!! We will be reunited with him one day. We’ll have a Fairview Reunion in Jesus’s house. Love you

Mike will be missed R I P

I’m so sorry for your loss. Prayer for your families.

So sorry to hear of Mike's passing, I know he will be dearly missed by his family and friends . My thoughts and prayers are with Ellen and his family as they mourn his loss . Until we meet again Tid ... R.I.P. Granny was waiting on you buddy!

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.