Thomas Rice McBath

Thomas Rice McBath passed away on January 30, 2026. Tom was born in Corpus Christi, Texas on October 12, 1963. He is the son of the late Martha Trainor and Dr. George “Alec” McBath. He is survived by his two daughters, Annika Riera and Constance “Liv” McBath, and siblings Michael A. McBath (Melody), James Mark McBath (Shannon), Catherine McBath Case (Robert), as well as seven nieces and nephews.

Tom graduated from King High School in Corpus Christi and attended the University of Texas at Austin in the Plan II program, where he “fell in love with the English language”. Tom could devour a book like no one else and loved to spend entire weekends reading. After graduating college, Tom attended law school at the University of Texas at Austin. He loved playing intramural football with The Legal Eagles and would endlessly remind you of his “most amazing play ever” when driving by the intramural fields. After obtaining his law degree he returned to Corpus Christi to begin his legal practice. A chance assignment on an oil and gas case led to his career in the oil and gas field. He started working at Ellis and Prehn, eventually becoming full partner and forming Ellis, Prehn, and McBath. He knew every detail of every county courthouse in South Texas and would often bring cookies to curry favor with the administrative staff.

Away from the office, Tom was an avid sailor, spending many hours at the helm of The FoolHardy sailing friends and family all over the Corpus Christi Bay. Day or night, rain or shine, wind or no wind just a mention of that boat would have Tom heading to the marina.

Tom’s greatest joy was the birth of his two daughters Annika and Liv. He loved driving them to get breakfast tacos on Saturday mornings, spending long lazy days at the beach and teaching them to play tennis in the driveway. He helped to build elaborate forts, sandcastles, swing sets, stilts, and whatever else his girls could dream up. Each night ended with Tom telling long stories to them as they fell asleep.

At heart, Tom cared about his family more than anything. He cared for both his father and mother diligently throughout their terminal illnesses, taking care of their every need for years on end. He never missed the chance to support his daughters, whether that be driving across town multiple times a day for sports practices or taking them to and from another city for a trip with friends. No matter what he was doing, he was happy as long as he was with his girls. We lovingly remember him spending the night in a hospital chair after a surprise case of appendicitis, joking about how much fun the family was having together.

Tom spent his last years enjoying long dog walks with his pride and joy (Sascha the dog), early morning breakfasts at Andy’s Kitchen, and swimming out to the third sandbar at J.P. Luby Beach. He will be remembered for his kind heart, his devotion to his family, his wit, and his everlasting source of energy.

A celebration of Tom’s life will be held at 1pm on Friday, February 6th at Parkway Presbyterian Church, with a reception following the service.