PHILIP WINSTON TAGGART
1930-2018
Philip Taggart, beloved husband, father, grandfather and mentor to many, passed away April 30, 2018. The son of the late Annabelle Taggart and Edward Alexander Taggart was born in Cushing, OK and raised in Tulsa. Phil graduated from high school at New Mexico Military Institute (NMMI) and attended West Point before receiving a double degree and graduating with honors from the University of Tulsa. While at NMMI, Phil was a member of the polo team copping the Best Horseman trophy his senior year even though he was the only city boy on the team.
Phil is survived by his wife of 42 years Shirley Griffey Barr; his son Steven Taggart, daughter Teri Taggart Prickett; stepchildren Joel Hawthorne Barr, Robin Barr Sussman, David Donahoe Barr, and Leslie Ann Barr; grandchildren Jackie Taggart, Barry Barr, Tucker, Duncan and Lily Grace Barr, and cousins Bart Humphrey and Deborah Campdera.
Phil launched his public relations career in consumer marketing with The Philip Lesley Co. in Chicago representing blue chip companies including Dial Soap and Wurlitzer and the first company he took public was Midas Muffler. After moving to Texas, Phil was founder and chairman of Churchill Group which he grew from 1973 into one of the largest PR firms in Houston and eventually the largest Investor Relations firm in the southwest. He became VP/ Americas and World Director of the International Public Relations group of companies 1984-85 and also taught Investor Relations at the University of Houston.
He is co-author of the book Taking Your Company Public and has provided communications services for 61 initial public offerings including Norand Corporation, WellPoint Health Networks, Crutcher Resources Corporation and Hughes Tool Company.
Phil was an accredited member (APR) and a past president of the Houston chapter of Public Relations Society of America receiving the PRSA Legacy award in 2008. He joined the Houston Racquet Club in 1973 enjoying entertaining, tennis and the past five years arriving at the door of the fitness center about 5 a.m., sometimes beating the staff.
As a third career, Phil formed Taggart Financial Group where he has managed money for the CEOs and CFOs of his investor relations clients, their children and recommended clients from his CPA and friend the late Joanna Hoover. His loyal assistant at Churchill Group, Fern Congram, moved with him to support his money management services which was active until his death.
Phil served on the board of Amreit real estate investment trust for 12 years, International Expert Systems, Inc. and Salon Group International and the Foundation of Texas State Technical College.
A Memorial Service will be held today at 11 AM St. Francis Episcopal Church, 345 Piney Point Road, 77024. In lieu of flowers, some of you may want to send a donation to the charity of your choice.