ABOUT
The Henry Walter Tidwell Memorial Scholarship Foundation was created to honor the lives and legacies of two extraordinary men, a father and a son, who devoted their lives to uplifting others. The Foundation exists to help students pursue their educational dreams, whether through certification programs or college studies. Both men served faithfully in the United States Army and carried a deep belief in the power of education to change lives. They encouraged young people to rise above challenges, set goals, and work toward a brighter future. This Foundation continues their legacy by opening doors for students and ensuring their commitment to learning lives on in every recipient.
Our
Mission
Mission Statement
To provide scholarship funds for college or technical school to students who demonstrate academic achievement, clearly defined goals, leadership, the determination to succeed, and the desire to return to their communities and help others realize their dreams.
Our
Vision
Vision Statement
Our vision is to help build a community and open doors to individuals that realize the importance of education. We will promote and provide support and assure that students have the information necessary to make sound financial decisions and prepare them for the future.
OUR FOUNDING LEGACY
Henry Walter Tidwell, Sr.
Mr. Henry Walter Tidwell, Sr., was born on July 15, 1936 to Henry Walter Tidwell and Lillian McQuarters Tidwell. He departed this life on July 23, 2012, at the age of 76. He was married to Mrs. Irene Javis Tidwell for 53 years.
To this union they had four children; William Earl Tidwell, Gwendolyn Tidwell, Henry Walter Tidwell, Jr., and Donald Eugene Tidwell.
He served his country honorable in the United States Army. He was a retired self-employed bricklayer and also retired from the South Carolina Department of Transportation.
Henry Sr. was a man that taught his children the importance of education. Yes, he was very strict when it came to the books. He also was a mentor to his nieces, nephews, cousins, and even the children in the neighborhood. He taught lots of young and older men the skill of being a bricklayer.
While he was a business owner, he traveled to several states to assist with his skill as a brick mason.
His saying was, “Anybody can be a dummy but it takes someone with goals and initiative to be smart”. He did not want to see the youth fail. He would say if you don’t want to go to college, go take a trade skill and get a job.
Henry Walter Tidwell, Sr. was a member of Zion Chapel Baptist Church #1.
Henry Walter Tidwell, Jr.
Staff Sergeant Henry Walter Tidwell, Jr., was born September 27, 1962, and died August 13, 2009, at the age of 46. He was the third child born to Henry Walter Tidwell, Sr., and Irene Javis Tidwell.
Henry Walter Tidwell, Jr. was the proud father of one child, Tyler Jordan Tidwell.
Henry Walter Tidwell, Jr. was better known by his family and friends as “June”. He was a 1980 graduate of Eau Claire High School. While in high school, he became a student school bus driver. After high school, he joined the United States Air National Guard. He also was a member of the Air National Guard Air Ambulance of the 1259th Medical Company. He received many meritorious awards while serving. He retired after twenty-one years of service.
He worked for Miller Tire Service Company and the City of Columbia Parks & Recreation for many years. Henry was a very persistent person that did not allow his health to hold him down. He worked every day until his health failed.
He was a member of Zion Chapel Baptist Church #1.
