Ricky Len McMinn Jr.

Our beloved Rick McMinn left us much too soon on Saturday, June 15, 2024 at the young age of 44. Born and raised in Corpus Christi, he was the first born in his family, and became a loving role model and was adored by his Mother Pam and his 3 siblings, Amanda McMinn, Kris (Joey) McMinn, Kathryn McMinn and stepsiblings, Nick Mayorga and Erica Mayorga. He became a father figure to his siblings and their children and later a proud father to his own beautiful children Rylee Rhae and Mason James.

From a young age growing up in Corpus “Ricky” was always independent, outgoing and admired by his peers. He grew up in the Oso Park neighborhood, running with the neighborhood kids, playing football on the weekends, surfing, roaming the beaches and developing his love for the outdoors. It is there that his circle of lifelong friendships began to form and it never stopped growing. By the time he graduated from King High School in 1998 he was already following the passions instilled in him by his Grandfather Stanley, building things and working with his hands as he began working as an electrician.

Rick arrived in Austin in 2001 and immediately started his life’s work of construction in Austin. He was inherently driven, he became a young Journeyman Electrician and pulled himself up by the bootstraps, becoming a highly respected GC (Image General Contracting), and helped build the Austin that we all know and love. He helped shape 6th Street, old Rainey Street and the Eastside into what it is today. His drive and creativity was limitless and he has so much to be proud of with hundreds of amazing, successful projects under his belt; all with his unique touch on them. In a recent Austin Chronicle list of the Best Bars in Austin, more than half are Rick’s work. He poured his heart and soul into his work and family. Following in his father’s footsteps, Mason (age 7) can already operate heavy machinery and weld!

Rick’s heart was as big as his imagination. He would give you the shirt off his back or the hat off his head if you were down and out. Only Rick could design and build a magical treehouse for the delight of his kids that included hoisting up and securing a vintage Jeep 20 feet in the air. Off the record…of some of his more “unconventional” projects, which may or may not have been done under the cover of night, he would boast with a twinkle in his eye, a side smile and a nod, “Outlaw Construction” he would proudly say.

Whenever Rick walked into the room you knew you were about to have the most fun you could ever have. To say he had a big personality is an understatement. It was more like a celebrity had arrived, handsome with genuine Southern swagger. He didn’t just get by on his good looks and his charm though…he had a magnetic personality, he never met a stranger and would keep you entertained with his endless stories and tall tales, most of which were true. He even had his own language - his unique voice stringing together words he would modify, butcher or just plain make up to enhance the story. Dubbed "Rickisms", they were subtle intonations and pronunciations that were as creative and original as Rick was.

He was the hardest worker, sometimes to a fault, risking life and limb to get the job done. Through this, he built a brotherhood of loyal friends, customers, employees and tradesmen who considered him a mentor and a friend for life. With Rick, you were family. He always took life by the horns, whether it was alligator hunting, surfing in Mexico and Costa Rica, hunting hogs with nothing but a bowie knife and a pack of dogs; his enthusiasm for the Texas Longhorns and Texas Country music, riding the raging rapids on the Frio after storms, sharing his love of rock hunting with Rylee and Mason, guaranteed there was never a dull moment.

He will be deeply missed, but his legacy lives on in the spaces he built and eternally in the hearts of all that were lucky enough to know and love him. The impact he made on our lives will forever remain.

Rick is survived and loved by his blended family, including his Children, Parents, Siblings, Stepsiblings, Nieces and Nephews, Aunts, Uncle, Cousins, Grandparents, Mother of his Children, Significant Other, Step kids, Ex-wife, his loyal Companion Jake, and Friends who he treated like family.

A celebration of his life will be held at Drinks Backyard, a recently completed project which Rick was very proud of. Tuesday June 25, 2024 at 6 pm, 6328 S Hwy 183, Austin, TX 78744.