Clayton L. Tidwell

Clayton L. Tidwell, age 63, of Whitehouse, passed away in the early afternoon hours of Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at Hospice of East Texas in Tyler, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on October 14, 1949 in Bowie County, Texas to Berry and Allie Smith Tidwell, they preceded him in death. Clayton proudly served his country as a United States Marine during Vietnam. On November 3, 1984, he married the love of his life, Patti Peel, in Snyder, Texas. Together they spent the next 28 years raising a family and living a lifetime of memories. In his free time, Clayton loved to golf and fish. He was a hard-working man who was always good for a laugh and playing a joke on someone but those who really knew Clayton will remember him for the love and dedication he had for his wife, children, and grandchildren. He was a member of the Baptist faith and most recently attended Sharon Baptist Church in Arp.

Clayton is survived by his wife, Patti; children, Tiffany Tidwell of Whitehouse, Rynn Sappington, and wife Shannon, of Granbury, and Rance Sappington, and wife Mary Lou, of Lubbock; granddaughters, Bayleigh Sappington, Rachael Sappington, Haylin Colley, and Taylor Sappington; sisters Bernice Dalby of Dekalb, Lila Pearson of Pangburn, Arkansas, Laura Steelman of Snyder, Judy Simmons of Tyler, and Nelva Lawrence of Amarillo; brothers, Joe L. Martin of Dekalb, Bryan Tidwell of Tyler, and Milton Tidwell of Tyler; and by a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and very special friends.

He was also preceded in death by one sister, Joan Smith.

Services for Clayton L. Tidwell will be held at 9:30 A.M., Saturday, March 16, 2013 at Sharon Baptist Church with Pastor Billy Pearson officiating. Burial will follow at 4:00 P.M., Saturday, at Holly Hills Memorial Park in Granbury with Dennis Mathews, Patrick Mullican, Robbie Moss, Don Fisher, Shane Fisher, and Mark Tatom serving as pallbearers. Visitation will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 P.M., Friday evening at Lloyd James Funeral Home.