Stephen Ellis Tidd

With humble acceptance of God’s will, Stephen Ellis Tidd, of Coats, NC, formerly of Swanton, VT, passed peacefully at home with his family and friends by his side on February 15, 2025. He was born in Edinburg, TX on September 11, 1954 to Russell Ellis and Elizabeth Southwick Robinson Tidd. With his father having served as a patrol inspector with the US Immigration and Naturalization Service, Steve grew up in Texas, Maine, and Vermont. Steve loved telling stories about his family’s cross-country vacations in their Ford station wagon with the Golden Arrow Apache camper in tow, as well as, stories about spending summers at the Robinson Farm on Martha’s Vineyard. His family made their final move from Carrizo Springs, TX to Swanton, VT where Steve served as acolyte at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, worked summers at the Tyler Place, and graduated from Missisquoi Valley Union High School. Steve’s early years were full of mischief and laughter with a few select friends (and a Labrador named Herbie) from Swanton, VT who ultimately remained his lifelong friends. 

Steve continued his education at Norwich University, Northfield, VT graduating SFC, PVT with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education. While at Norwich University, he played soccer and hockey. Steve’s work study “job” was managing the hockey rink for intramurals and family skating which ultimately allowed him unlimited access to the hockey rink. One such memory was of Steve driving the Zamboni after hours so his friends could skate at midnight! Once again, friendships that began at Norwich remained steadfast forever. 

Steve continued his academic studies by graduating from the University of Denver, Denver, CO with his Master of Science and Sport Medicine degree. He returned to Vermont as an adaptive physical education teacher and residential counselor at Pine Ridge School, a private boarding school to educate teens with learning difficulties. After making many memories at Pine Ridge School, Steve enlisted in the U.S. Army. 

 Steve valued this service highly and attained the rank of Sergeant First Class. SFC Tidd served with the 3rd Batallion, 75th Ranger Regiment, and was responsible for the medical care and treatment of approximately 1800 Rangers. After graduating as an Honor Graduate (SOMS) from the U.S. Army JFK Special Warfare Center and School, SFC Tidd served with the 5th Special Forces Group and the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment- DELTA in the critical position of Special Operations Senior Combat Medic. SFC Tidd was an integral part of numerous sensitive worldwide exercises and deployments of the highest national priority. He was regarded as a superbly trained soldier who met and exceeded every challenge afforded to him by 1st SFOD-D. SFC Tidd was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and the Expert Field Medical Badge amongst his military decorations. 

 After serving his country, Steve taught physical education at North Harnett Primary School, Angier, NC. He enjoyed participating in games with his students and they loved him for doing so. Steve also coached and served as the Athletic Trainer at Harnett Central High School, Angier, NC before retiring from Harnett County Schools. He was a great coach and a great man who served as an outstanding role model to all his students whether in the gym or on the field. He loved being on the sideline of every HCHS football game. In his free time, Steve provided support to AAGDART Screen Printing of Coats, NC. He also worked on many projects alongside the late Mark Parrish and his sons of Coats, NC. 

 Steve’s most cherished day was his marriage to Lisa on Bald Head Island, NC where they made many memories over the past 20 years.. His greatest accomplishment was being a dad to his twin sons, Luke and Thomas. He was so proud to be their dad. His retirement years were devoted to spending time with his sons, his Labrador Sammy, and vacationing on Bald Head Island, NC with family and friends. He also served as an usher at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Erwin, NC where he was so loved. 

 Steve was a simple man. He would make at least one trip, if not multiple trips, to Carlie C’s IGA in Coats, NC daily. He enjoyed sitting on the porch watching the osprey fly over the lake hunting for supper. During the summer, he kept the hummingbird feeders full so he could watch the hummingbirds zoom around the porch. He enjoyed watching the military helicopters fly over during training and would always say, “That’s the sound of freedom.” Steve was a faithful servant who loved God, his country, his family, and his lifelong friends from Swanton, VT, Norwich University, U.S. Army, HCHS Football Coaches, and many others who journeyed alongside him during his Earthly life. Steve led a full life and spread joy everywhere with his infectious smile and fun-loving personality. 

 The Bible says, “These three things continue forever: faith, hope, and love. And the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13 NCV).

 Steve is survived by his wife, Lisa; his sons, Luke Ellis and Thomas Stephen; and his four-legged friend, Baldwynd, all of the home. He is also survived by his best buddy, Jeremy (Tory) Sanders of Coats, NC; his very special God-daughter, Maddy Sanders of Coats, NC; his sisters, Virginia (Earl, his favorite brother-in-law) Boudreau of Frankston, TX, Constance Tidd of Portland, ME, and Judith (Jon) Dullnig of Austin, TX; nephews, Dr. Eric (Katherine) Boudreau of Austin, TX, and Austin Dullnig of San Antonio, TX; niece, Hadley Dullnig of Gastonia, NC; great-nephews, Sam and Quinn Boudreau of Austin, TX. 

 Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Russell Ellis and Elizabeth Southwick Robinson Tidd.

 The family will receive visitors at 19 Modlin Court, Coats, NC.

 As per his wishes, a Christian service will be held on April 5, 2025 at 11 o’clock in the morning at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Erwin, NC. 

 The family would like to thank Virginia Boudreau; Jeremy, Tory, and Maddy Sanders; Stephen and Jennifer Lunna; Elizabeth Hodge; and Steven Few for their selfless dedication of being with them and alongside Steve during his final Earthly days. They would also like to thank Dr. Michael K. Doughtery of UNC Rex Health; Dr. Neil D. Shah, Associate Medical Director of Liver Transplantation at UNC Hospitals; and Martha Bausch, NP with the Liver Team at UNC Hospitals for their tremendous amount of support and comfort to Lisa during Steve’s many hospitalizations. Upon leaving UNC Hospitals for home, the family felt a huge void in their lives without this team who had become their family. A special thank you to Dianna Trudeau, BSN, RN and Krystiana Herrington, CNA for providing hospice care for Steve.

 In lieu of flowers, Steve would appreciate donations in his memory to any Veterans’ organization or to St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Erwin, NC.