Global InformationCharles Tidwell information
| Charles Tidwell | |
|---|---|
| Born | February 3, 1921 Lizella, Georgia |
| Died | May 4, 1990 (Macon, Georgia) |
| Cause of death | Complications from diabetes |
Charles Tidwell (February 3, 1921 – May 4, 1990) was an American race car driver, best known for his career driving stock cars in the NASCAR, GASCAR (Georgia Association of Stock Car Automobile Racing), and MARC (now ARCA) circuits. His racing career lasted from 1948 to 1959. Tidwell set track records at Albany, Georgia and Macon, Georgia during his career.
Tidwell was likely the first NASCAR driver to have a personal human mascot; "Little Willie" Leonard, an African American small person whom he befriended in spite of the racial prejudices that existed during the time. Little Willie traveled the racing circuit with Tidwell and danced in front of the grandstands for the crowd.
"The Flying B", as he was called by his opponents, raced with such greats as Fonty Flock, Tim Flock, Bob Flock, and, Lee Petty, Buck Baker, Junior Johnson, Fireball Roberts, and Nero Steptoe (aka "The Wild Indian). He also raced against the first woman racecar driver to compete against men in the state of Georgia, Ethel Flock Mobley, who was the sister of the Flock brothers. Tidwell lost his hearing during his racing career and was very likely the first totally deaf racecar driver.
Tidwell first married Mildred Smith and together they had two daughters, Sandra Tidwell and Charlotte Mae Tidwell. They later divorced and in 1963 he married LaTrelle Russ and they had one daughter, Angela "Connie" Tidwell. Charles Tidwell died in 1990 from complications related to diabetes. His daughter, Angela "Connie" Tidwell Frady, is the owner of his legacy. Charles Tidwell is buried at Macon Memorial Park Cemetery in Macon, Georgia.