By Becky Holland
When Charles Tidwell-Gunter received the phone call, he was stunned.
The Cochran native and owner of Designs by Charles had been given what he describes as a “once-in-a-lifetime type of opportunity” — the chance to design a wreath that would be placed at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.
“I was shocked,” he said.
For Tidwell-Gunter, who graduated from Bleckley County High School in 1978 and has spent most of his adult life working with flowers, the honor represented the pinnacle of a career built on creativity, hard work and a genuine love for what he does.
“There are a lot of miles on this old car,” he joked, pointing to himself with a laugh.
His journey began 45 years ago when he walked into a local flower shop and went to work.
“I loved it,” he said.
More than four decades later, that passion remains unchanged.
“Never have I woke up and not looked forward to going to work.”
Tidwell-Gunter said every arrangement is personal. Rather than creating the same design over and over, he strives to match each arrangement to the individual receiving it.
“I fit my arrangements to the person,” he said. “I just try to do a good job. I’m still learning.”
That humble approach has earned him a loyal following throughout the community and a reputation as one of the area’s most respected florists.
When the request came to create the wreath for Arlington, Tidwell-Gunter knew the project carried a significance unlike anything he had experienced before.
The wreath came with specific requirements, and he wanted every detail to be exactly right.
“It took me about four hours to design and put together,” he said. “I wanted everything to be perfect and right.”
Then he smiled.
“I put a lot of love in it.”
For Tidwell-Gunter, the wreath represented far more than flowers and greenery.
“This was truly an honor,” he said. “These soldiers died for us. I wanted to honor them.”
His efforts did not go unnoticed. The soldiers involved in the wreath placement ceremony complimented his work, a moment that meant a great deal to the veteran florist.
Despite the magnitude of the project, Tidwell-Gunter kept the news quiet while he worked.
He wanted the finished wreath and its destination to be a surprise.
“I didn’t tell anybody,” he said with a wink.
For a man who has owned his own business for more than 24 years and spent a lifetime bringing beauty and comfort to others through flowers, the recognition was well deserved.
Yet those who know Charles would likely say the honor comes as no surprise.
Known for his kindness, talent and dedication to his craft, Tidwell-Gunter is beloved throughout the community he has called home all his life.
And while the wreath now rests among the history and solemn remembrance of Arlington National Cemetery, many in Bleckley County see it as something more — a reminder that even from a small town in Middle Georgia, exceptional work, done with love and humility, can reach one of the most honored places in America.
Photos by Becky Holland/The Ledger
Photos Submitted by Charles Tidwell-Gunter
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