Philip Alfred Withers

Philip A. Withers – 81 passed away peacefully at his home in Houston, Texas on February 20, 2021. Originally from upstate New York in the Finger Lakes area, he relocated to Houston in the early 1960’s. Once in Houston he fell in love with the diversity and “can do” attitude that prevailed. He was active in the arts, singing in various choirs and investing in Montrose and Rice-Museum area property. He retired early in 1979 from international sales at Uncle Ben’s Rice Company after forming a partnership with Paul Rincon to manage their real estate holdings. With Uncle Ben’s he was able to travel the world and associate with people like James Beard and Julia Child and became a gourmet cook. He & Paul enjoyed hosting dinner parties for friends and he enjoyed traveling the world with close friends, Bob Smouse, Allen Gordon and Rick Trellue. He is predeceased by his partner of 40 years, Paul Rincon; parents Leora & Ed and brother David Withers. Special thanks to Gloria Rincon for helping with his care in the last months of his life. His ashes will be scattered in Seneca Falls, NY at the north end of Cayuga Lake where he grew up.