Oscar W. Bidgood, 84 of Charlotte, departed this life on Thursday, April 28, 2022 at his residence.  He was born January 19, 1938, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Charlotte, North Carolina to the late Oscar Clyde and Edna Dargan Bidgood.

He attended Plato Price School and served as the President of the Student Body.  He also drove the school bus all while attending High School.  Oscar then married his soulmate Betty Jo McClain on October 17, 1956.  He attended Johnson C. Smith University and graduated with a B.A. English degree, with a minor in Psychology in 1960.  He is a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.  He did some studies at Duke University and completed his master's degree in public administration from UNC Charlotte in 1971.

Oscar began his career as a teacher at Henderson Institute located in Henderson, North Carolina.  He taught at Central Piedmont Community College, Charlotte, North Carolina.  He continued his career at Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) for 40 years.  During his time at CMS, he taught Drivers Education, was a teacher, assistant principal, HR director, and became a recruiter in Human Resources.  He provided many career opportunities for his community.

God's plan for Oscar also included the spiritual aspects of his life as dedication, commitment and taking every opportunity to give back was of upmost importance to him.  As a member of the Moore's Sanctuary AME Zion Church, which he joined at an early age, making a difference to the growth and success of this institution was demonstrated by his involvement in so many ways.

He served as Chair of the Trustee Board for 33 years, making a tremendous difference using his education, training, and leadership abilities in other areas such as, building co-chair of the family life center and was instrumental in providing leadership in the building of the church sanctuary and was chair of the cemetery committee for many years. Other involvement at the church included the men's choir, chair of the Gala Committee that raised funds to produce an outstanding historical book of the history of Moore's Sanctuary AME Zion Church.  He also served as an advisor to to so many members of the church for several years.

He served as an advisory board member at the North Carolina State Employee's Credit Union.  He was awarded several certificates of appreciation from NCSECU and Charlotte Mecklenburg Youth Council.

He also served on the BDSN family reunion board.

Humming, talking to echo, traveling, golfing, playing tennis, reading, spending time with family/friends, and serving others were things that claimed Oscar's attention and enjoyment.

Oscar W. Bidgood leaves behind his wife of 66 years, Betty Jo. Siblings and mother-in-law include:  Hattie Bidgood, Strickland, Atlanta, GA, Cynthia Bidgood Clawson, Richmond, VA, James Bidgood (Jan), Atlanta, GA, Samuel "Bobby" L. Bidgood, Atlanta, GA; Hattie McClain (wife of the late Ed McClain), Charlotte, NC.  Deceased siblings include: Evelyn Bidgood Moore and Thelma Bidgood Owens.  Deceased in-laws: Edward "Ed" McClain and Mary A. McClain; Children include: William Derrick Bidgood, Darrell Antonio Bidgood (Eva), Cordora Denise Maddox, Daniel Glenn Bidgood (Doris), Deana Detrise Deavers (Paul), all of Charlotte, NC; Grandchildren include: Derrick Broom (Jasmine), Quentin Maddox, Antanio Bidgood, Cordora "Dee Dee" Maddox, Dana Washington (Aapri) LaPorsha Rolle (Michael), Shannon Richardson, Spencer Deavers, Danielle Deavers, Alexis Deavers, James Lowery, Jerome Lowery (Felicia), Jalen Lowery, all of Charlotte, NC.  Twenty great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren and a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Once you met Oscar W. Bidgood, there would be no way you could forget him. He will be remembered in our hearts forever.