Robert Noel Tidwell, Sr., 92, of Cullman, Alabama passed away peacefully at Hanceville Nursing Home on October 4, 2026. He was born on October 4, 1934 in Logan, Alabama to Noel E and Goldie Belle McAfee Tidwell.
Robert graduated from Cullman High School in 1952 and API (Auburn University) Pharmacy School in 1956. He met his wife, Rudene, at a church social function and they married on Christmas Day 1956. Robert worked as a pharmacist for 13 years and then worked in the family business, Cullman Banana Supply Trucking Corporation until his retirement in 1995. Following his retirement, he returned to work as a relief pharmacist and retained his license until 2018.
Robert had a deep love for his family, church, and friends. He was a faithful member, deacon, and Sunday School teacher at Seventh Street Baptist Church and First Baptist Church in Cullman, Alabama, and was always willing to help with anything that they needed. He was also a Gideon. He was a member of the Cullman County Auburn Club and loved to attend Auburn football games with his family for over 60 plus years. Family vacations, holidays, birthdays, and Sunday dinners were always a joyful occasion when the family was together.
Robert loved Cullman and served as a Reserve Sheriff Deputy for many years. He served on the Cullman City Council from 1984 – 1992 during which time the twinning of Cullman and Frankweiler, Germany took place. He was a founding member of the Friends of Frankweiler Club. He and Rudene formed many friendships with the Frankweiler people and hosted many families and individuals throughout the years. Robert was a fun loving and humorous man. He had a gift for writing and many of these fun loving, happy memories were printed as articles in the Cullman Tribune newspaper un the title of “Funny Things from Yesterday.” Robert will be deeply missed but his loving, kind spirit will be forever in the hearts of his family and friends.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Noel and Goldie Tidwell; his sister, Frances Williamson; and his brothers, Dale Tidwell and James (Jim) Tidwell.
Robert is survived by his wife of almost 70 years, Rudene Jean Tidwell; daughter, Robin (Danny) Skipper; son, Robert Jr. (Glenda) Tidwell; grandchildren Leanna (Heath) Bedard, Tyler (Dana) Skipper, Trey (Erin) Tidwell, Will (Jennifer) Tidwell, and Emmalee (boyfriend Wale Oduru) Tidwell. Great grandchildren, Emma Grace and Anna Beth Tidwell, Crosby, Alder, and Posey Skipper, Rhett and Vaughn Bedard, and Bennett Lee Tidwell (due in January 2027).
We want to express sincere appreciation to Tonya Hipp, who was a caregiver to Robert for two years, Southern Care New Beacon Hospice for three years, and the staff on Moody Hall at Hanceville Nursing Home for their compassionate care of Robert.
Visitation will be held at Moss Service Funeral Home from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, October 7, 2026. A celebration of life service will follow at 1 p.m. A committal service will follow at Cullman City Cemetery.
Moss Service Funeral Home directing.
