Frederic Nash Scripps

Frederic Nash Scripps (Ric), 75, of Dallas, TX, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on November 16, 2023.

Ric was born in Peoria, IL, to George Little Scripps and Mary Burdick Scripps. The family moved to Milwaukee, WI, early in Ric’s life, leading to his passion for the Green Bay Packers and lending to his grandfather name: Packy. He grew up sandwiched between older brother Locke, younger brother Tom, and younger sister Sally.

Growing up in Wisconsin, he and his siblings spent time at their family cabin in Mercer on Second Black Lake. There they would swim in the cool waters, watch magnificent stars, enjoy the Northern Lights on occasion, partake in sailing, and enjoy Milwaukee-brewed beverages.

In high school his love of track and long-distance running began and continued throughout his life until his late sixties when a rare form of muscular dystrophy, FSHD, began to weaken his leg muscles. He ran nine marathons, including his most memorable, the New York City Marathon, which he ran with his brother Locke.

Ric attended Drake University in Des Moines, IA, where he met his future bride, Debbie Engstrom, on a blind date. Her being from Dallas and a lifelong Cowboys fan did not deter him. They married in May 1972 and spent seven years in Minneapolis as teachers. Ric taught middle school math and coached high school girls track. By 1980 their family had grown with the addition of three sons, and they moved to Dallas where Ric joined his father-in-law, Robert, and brother-in-law, Randy, in operating Darr Equipment Company, a Caterpillar tractor dealership. Ric quickly embraced Dallas, especially not having to run in the snow, and was involved in his sons’ lives through coaching, serving on Dads Club, and attending a plethora of school performances and activities.

The family joined University Park United Methodist Church in 1984 and Ric’s servant heart quickly found a home as he served the church in various committees, including leading the annual blood drive for over 20 years. Ric also found a passion in serving for 30 years as a member of Salesmanship Club of Dallas, annually at the Byron Nelson Championship and weekly as a reading buddy at Momentous Institute. He also served as a board member at Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center, a Trustee at Children’s Health Foundation, and a member of the campus advisory committee at Uplift Triumph Preparatory.

He spent his last 23 summers and winters running, golfing, and skiing in Colorado. He finally made a hole-in-one during the last year he was able to enjoy a full round of golf, fulfilling a life-long dream. In addition to his love for the outdoors, Ric loved his friendships. He had annual golfing trips with his Drake Phi Delta Theta brothers as well as his Dallas and Colorado friends.

However, his greatest love he saved for his four grandchildren. Whether it was making his famous Packy Pancakes on Saturday mornings or playing a continuous Gin Rummy game (still going), he was always there for them.

He never met a person he did not like, and his smile was infectious at any gathering. Even through his muscular dystrophy, and later his pulmonary fibrosis, his smile never left his face.

Ric is pre-deceased by his parents, George Little Scripps and Mary Burdick Scripps, and his brother, Charles Locke Scripps. He leaves behind his wife of 51 years, Debbie Engstrom Scripps; sons, Ryan Robert Scripps (Nancy), Frederic Scott Scripps, and Andrew Locke Scripps (Jennifer); his four grandchildren: Steele, JD, Robert, and Houston; his brother, Thomas Scripps (Barb); sister Sarah Scripps Frymark (John); sister-in-law Myrle Grier Scripps (Locke); brother-in-law Randy Engstrom (Alan); sister-in-law Mary Jan Engstrom Bancroft (Paul) and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

Momentous Academy/Salesmanship Club of Dallas, 106 E 10th St., Suite 200, Dallas Texas 75203

UT Southwestern Medical Center – Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, PO Box 910888, Dallas TX 75391 – 0888

Children’s Health / Children’s Research Institute, 2777 N. Stemmons FWY, Suite 1700, Dallas TX 75207

The time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith… II Timothy 4:6-7

A memorial service for Frederic will be held Tuesday, November 28, 2023 at 11:00 AM at University Park United Methodist Church, 4024 Caruth Blvd, Dallas, TX 75225.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Sparkman-Hillcrest.com for the Scripps family.