Philip Ricketts

1945 - 2018

RICKETTS, Philip Franks After a lengthy illness, Philip Franks Ricketts peacefully passed away at his home on November 2, 2018 with his wife and son by his side. Phil was born in Gatesville, Texas on October 5, 1945, the second of three boys born to Joe and Leah Ricketts. In 1948 the Ricketts family moved to Austin, Texas, where Phil lived until his death. After graduating from Baylor University and serving in the United States Army as a Military Intelligence Officer, Phil attended the University of Texas School of Law, where he met and married his classmate, Nancy Overman. In 1975, with the creation of the Public Utility Commission by the Texas Legislature, Phil was appointed as the Chief Administrative Law Judge of the new agency, later served as the Texas Attorney General's Chief of the Utility Section, and was appointed Chairman of the Public Utility Commission by Gov. Mark White. After leaving the PUC, Phil joined the law firm of Bracewell & Patterson, where he practiced energy and telecommunications law until his death. Phil was an avid golfer, loved attending any event in which his son participated, and enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his grandchildren. Phil was a loving and supportive husband, father, and grandfather, who will be deeply missed. Phil is survived by his wife of forty-five years, Nancy, his son and daughter-in-law, David and Lesley, and his two grandchildren whom he adored, Kirby and Leah. He is also survived by his two brothers, Joe and Kent. A memorial service celebrating Phil's life will be held at St. Michael's Episcopal Church. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to Hospice of Austin or a charity of your choice.