February 25, 1947 - November 10, 2022
Flip Whitworth, beloved husband, father and grandfather, brother, friend, and law partner, passed away peacefully at home after a long illness on November 10, 2022.
Born February 25, 1947, to Harry Philip Whitworth and Edna Widén Whitworth, Flip was a lifelong resident of Austin, Texas. He made many of his closest friends attending Casis Elementary, O. Henry Junior High, and Stephen F. Austin High School, from which he graduated in 1965. Flip was an extremely hard worker, an excellent student and a gifted athlete. He proudly wore #14 while pitching for the baseball team and playing quarterback for AHS’s Mighty Maroons.
Flip obtained a B.A. with honors from The University of Texas in 1969 and a J.D. with honors in 1972. He was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity and made many more lifelong friends while at UT. Flip’s love for his fraternity and for the Longhorns was unending.
In 1977, he joined Scott, Douglas & McConnico, one year after the firm’s founding. He felt blessed to be associated with Wally Scott, Frank Douglas and the best group of professionals that he knew. Flip was quick to recognize strengths in others, making him a valued partner and recruiter. When Flip stepped down after 25 years as hiring partner, the firm gave him a memento that said simply: “To Flip: You have made us what we are.”
Flip served as chairman of the State Bar of Texas Oil, Gas, and Mineral Law Section (1989-90), the Travis County Bar Association's Oil, Gas, and Mineral Law Section (1986), and the Oil & Natural Gas Exploration and Production Committee of the American Bar Association's Section of Natural Resources, Energy and Environmental Law (1994-96). He co-chaired the Southwestern Legal Foundation's 42nd Institute on Oil and Gas Law and Taxation (1991). In 2016, he was selected for the prestigious Ernest E. Smith Lifetime Achievement Award by the Texas Journal of Oil, Gas and Energy Law. Flip enjoyed speaking at numerous seminars and institutes across the state on subjects relating to oil and gas regulatory matters.
Bright blue eyes, an infectious laugh, and an ever-present smile were trademarks of Flip’s warm and outgoing personality. Flip had a gift connecting with people. His devotion to family and friends was steadfast, and he pursued all of his passions with vigor.
First and foremost, Flip served the Lord. Often found at the golf course, Flip enjoyed his grandchildren, his buddies, good food, travel and giving back to his community.
Flip was a large part of a large family. He is preceded in death by his parents, and his brother Gary Widen Whitworth. He is survived by his loving wife Suzie Page Whitworth, children Gary Scott Whitworth (wife Lisle) and Anne Ashley Whitworth-Stich (husband Mark), stepson James Aaron Page, sisters Julie Moore (husband Roy Moore, deceased) and Ann Messer (husband Bill Messer), and beloved grandchildren, Rhett (13) and Wesley (11).
The family would like to thank Nancy Escoto, Flora Betancourt, and Bruce Duncan for their loving care.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM on Thursday, November 17, 2022 at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 3201 Windsor Rd, Austin, TX 78703.
Memorials in Flip's name may be directed to:
The H. Philip Whitworth, Jr. Endowment for Excellence Scholarship
University of Texas Law School Foundation
727 East Dean Keeton Street
Austin, TX 78705.
https://utlsf.org/give/donate-now/
or
Andrew Philip Messer Lectureship Fund
Baylor Scott & White Foundation
2401 South 31st Street
MS20, S103
Temple, TX. 76508
DONATIONS
Andrew Philip Messer Lectureship Fund Baylor Scott & White Foundation, 2401 South 31st St. MS20, S103, Temple, Texas 76508
The H. Philip Whitworth, Jr. Endowment for Excellence ScholarshipUniversity of Texas Law School Foundation , 727 East Dean Keeton St. , Austin, Texas 78705
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