J. L. “Derm” Tidwell, 56, of Eldridge (in the Tidwell Chapel community), passed away Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011, at UAB Hospital. Tidwell was born on Sept. 20, 1955, in Marion County, a son of J.T. and Jessie Nell Whitehead Tidwell; lifelong resident of Fayette County; currently employed with Walter Energy of Berry, but served as a coal miner for 38 years; member of United Mine Workers of America; he was a miner by trade but a farmer by heart; he spent most his time working the fields or working on his tractors; he loved to hunt, fish and treasured every minute with his grandson, Sam. Family was a very large part of his life, and he was a member of New River Baptist Church.

Funeral services will be held today, Oct. 14, 2011 at 11 a.m. in the McGraw Memorial Chapel of Miles Funeral Home with burial following at Old Brand Cemetery in Winfield.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his uncle, Randy Whitehead.

He is survived by his wife, Debbie Hollingsworth Tidwell of Eldridge; son, Heath Tidwell (Brittney) of Eldridge; daughter, Heather Walker (Seth) of Eldridge; grandson, Sam Tidwell; mother, Jessie Nell Tidwell of Eldridge; sisters, Betty Mae Aldridge (Bobby) of Winfield and Vickie Stidham (Randall) of Trinity; brothers, J. Tex Tidwell (Deborah) of Winfield, Roy Dale Tidwell (Darlene) of Eldridge and Ricky Tidwell (Amanda) of Eldridge and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Miles Funeral Home, Winfield; 205-487-6405