Rickey Ray, aka “Slick-Rick” Tidwell passed away in the early morning hours of September 2nd, 2024. He was at his home in the presence of loved ones. Rick was a hard worker, a dedicated volunteer, and a loving and caring father and husband. Though cancer robbed him of a full life, we don’t dwell on what he wasn’t able to accomplish, but instead we focus on all the wonderful things he did with the time that he had. He was defined by his dedication to his wife, sons, grandchildren, and friends; his love of hunting, fishing, his love of annual candy making, gambling; and his dedication to serving others.
Rick was born in Fort Worth Texas on August 24th, 1957. He grew up under the guidance of his father, Burl, and in the shadow of his older brother, Burl Jr. After completion of high school Rick enlisted in the Navy and served proudly for four years of duty. His primary role was abord a refueling ship and he would often reminisce with his family and friends about locations around the world where he was privileged to visit during his time in the service.
After his time in the Navy Rick moved to Brookings, OR where he dove head first into the working world. Rick’s commitment to a hard day’s work was one of the fundamentals that defined him. He was a business owner, a construction worker, an upholsterer, and the manager of the South Coast Lumber truck shop for over 19 years. He spent months working tirelessly at the family’s Chetco River cabin, helping to build it from foundation to completion. When he became unable to work full time due to a disability, he was a frequent fixture behind the bar at his son’s business, The 101 Bar and Grill.
Rick’s work ethic went beyond just a paycheck, he served in many volunteer capacities during his lifetime as well. He started early in high school, working within the Texas education system as an assistant to students with special needs. Rick was honored to be in the service of the Brookings Police Department where he was a Reserve Officer for 10 years. Most proudly, he served with dedication for 22 years as a voluntary board member of the W J Ward Memorial Cemetery in Brookings. During his tenure with the cemetery, his heartfelt compassion was felt by many grieving families that he assisted.
Rick was an animal lover and almost never left the house without his dog at his side. He spent his free time hunting or fishing with friends, on family camping trips, riding ATVs, or playing the slot machines at the local casino.
Rick was best known for his unwavering devotion to his family and his love for his wife was unequivocal. He died only one day after celebrating 40 years of marriage to his love, Michelle Horton-Tidwell, whom he leaves behind. He also leaves many cousins, nieces and nephews, his brother Burl, grandsons Charlie and Christian, granddaughter Itzel, sons Austin and Devin, daughter-in-law Anabel, and he was preceded by his youngest son Blain, who also left this world too soon.
Rick’s legacy will live on through all of us. From those who worked along side him, those who were fortunate enough to cross paths casually with him, those who rubbed shoulders with him at the casino, and those who he served a drink or two at the bar. We thank you Rick, for teaching us the importance of hard work, for imparting so many life lessons, for sharing your dry sense of humor and sarcasm, and for giving to others before taking for yourself. We miss you and love you.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, September 29th at 11:00 a.m. at the Brookings Elks Lodge. In lieu of flowers the family requests a donation be made in Rick’s memory to the W.J. Ward Memorial Cemetery.
