Ernest Tidwell

Ernest Tidwell, Sr., age 90, passed away on Thursday, December 24, 2020. Ernest was the son of the late Rubin and Essie (Simmons) Tidwell. He was born in Mulberry and worked as an Iron Worker for many years until his retirement. Along with being a Baptist was a member of the Iron Workers Local #397 in Tampa and was a blessed business man. He also was a 32nd degree Mason in the Tuscan Lodge #6 in Bartow and a member of the Polk County Cattlemen's Association. Mr. Tidwell is also preceded in death by his son, Amos Tidwell in 2014. He is survived by a loving family that includes his wife of 70 years, Joyce (Kinsey) Tidwell of Bartow, his children: Brenda Jenkins (Bill) of Ocala, Beverly Abbitt (James) of Babson Park and Charles Tidwell of Alturas. Ernest also leaves behind two sisters: Pauline Whitaker, Hazel Raulerson, eleven grandchildren, ten great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, December 30th from 10am to 11am at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home in Bartow. Funeral services will follow at 11:00am at the funeral home. The committal services will follow at Central Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery in Lithia, FL.