Obituary for Joseph Clay Tidwell Sr. Joseph Clay Tidwell, Sr. was born on June 22, 1951, and went to heaven peacefully on September 25, 2018. He graduated from Christian Brothers High School in 1969 and graduated from Memphis State University in 1973 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism. Having been selected as Best Dressed in his CBHS senior class kicked off what would become a storied career in the men’s clothing business.
While a student at MSU, he began working in sales at Oak Hall, and he remained a devotee of men’s apparel and fashion until he suffered an untimely and debilitating stroke in 2000. In the decade leading up to his stroke, Clay found time to teach journalism part-time at St. Agnes Academy. Through it all, Clay handled every situation with class, optimism, grace, and a one-of-a-kind sense of humor.
He was able to find a glimmer of hope in everything. He had an incredible will to live, and he believed that every day on this earth was a gift. Clay never met a stranger, and he viewed everything – good or bad – as a pathway to something greater.
He saw the silver lining in every situation and inspired countless people along his path. Clay valued every relationship, every memory, and every moment given on this earth. As many who knew and loved him are aware, he was intentional about keeping in contact, sending letters, and remembering birthdays.
He radiated happiness and made everyone feel comfortable, important, and special. Clay was a member of St. Louis Catholic Church, past president of the Christian Brothers High School Parents Association, a former member of Memphi, and a 2004 inductee into the Christian Brothers High School Hall of Fame – one of his proudest honors. He was also a proud Irishman, an avid Jimmy Buffett fan, a tiny convertible enthusiast, “attempted” gardener, lunch bag cartoon artist, dog walker, basketball goal assembler, and an all-around amazing man.
Clay was preceded in death by his wife of over 41 years, Casey Corrigan Tidwell, his parents, George and Margaret Tidwell, and his sister-in-law Cathie Kirk. He is survived by his son, J. Clay Tidwell, Jr. (Casey); daughter, Katie Tidwell Hudman (Michael); brother, George Tidwell, III; sister, Barbara Tidwell Bishop; brother-in-law, George Kirk; and his six grandchildren – Joseph, Shuler, Cole, and Cash Tidwell and Cory and Ellie Hudman – by whom he was affectionately known as “Bing”. A special thanks to his dear friend, Bill Levy, who was exceptionally loyal to him over the years.
A visitation will be Thursday, September 27, 2018 at Canale Funeral Directors, 2700 Union Ave Extended, at 5:00pm, with rosary at 6:45pm. A Funeral Mass celebrating Clay’s life will be 1:30 pm Friday, September 28, 2018 at St. Louis Catholic Church (203 S. White Station Rd) at. Entombment will be in the mausoleum at Calvary Cemetery.
The family is eternally grateful for the outpouring of love and requests that any donations be sent to Christian Brothers High School. In the words of Clay’s guiding motto: “Always look your best”. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Joseph Clay Tidwell Sr. please visit our Sympathy Store.
Upcoming Events Visitation , SEP 27. 05:00 PM – 07:00 PM Canale Funeral Directors 2700 Union Avenue Extended Memphis, TN, US, 38112 info@canalefuneraldirectors.com www. canalefuneraldirectors.com Order Flowers for the Visitation Guaranteed delivery before Joseph ‘s Visitation begins.
Rosary , SEP 27. 06:45 PM Canale Funeral Directors 2700 Union Avenue Extended Memphis, TN, US, 38112 info@canalefuneraldirectors.com www. canalefuneraldirectors.com Order Flowers for the Rosary Guaranteed delivery before Joseph ‘s Rosary begins.
Funeral Mass , SEP 28. 01:30 PM St. Louis Catholic Church 203 S. White Station Rd Memphis, TN, US, 38117 Order Flowers for the Funeral Mass Guaranteed delivery before Joseph ‘s Funeral Mass begins. Entombment , SEP 28.
03:00 PM Calvary Cemetery 1663 Elvis Presley Blvd Memphis, TN, US, 38106 Order Flowers for the Entombment Guaranteed delivery before Joseph ‘s Entombment begins.
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