Austin, Texas, October 23, 2025
News Summary
The Austin community is grieving the passing of Luther Ray Parker, a renowned alumnus and philanthropist. He made significant contributions to pharmacy and education, positively impacting many lives. Throughout his life, he was a dedicated family man, respected professional, and active community member. His legacy will be remembered through the lives he touched and the values he instilled in others. A Celebration of Life is planned to honor his memory.
Austin, Texas – The school community is mourning the loss of esteemed alumni and philanthropist Luther Ray Parker, who passed away at the age of 94 on the morning of October 18, 2025. Luther, who received care at St. David’s South Austin hospital and Compassus Hospice Care, left a significant impact on the community through his contributions to pharmacy and education.
Born on December 28, 1930, in Dallas, Texas, to Hallie Byrd Strickland Parker and Luther West Parker, Luther graduated from Sunset High School in Dallas in 1948. Following his father’s early passing, he worked various jobs, including at Armstrong and Dougherty pharmacies, to support his family.
With the encouragement of friends, Luther moved to Austin to enroll in the Pharmacy school at the University of Texas. Despite financial challenges during his studies, he managed to continue his education thanks to a loan from Mr. Armstrong. Luther graduated with a pharmacy degree from The University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy in 1954.
After a short stint at Dougherty’s pharmacies, Luther served in the U.S. Army from 1956 to 1958, where he managed a 500-bed hospital in Georgia. In October 1958, he met Mary Ann Carswell, a music teacher, and they married on August 29, 1959. The couple raised their family with faith as a priority, welcoming their children Robin Ann in 1960 and Stephen Thomas in 1963.
In 1959, Luther took on the role of director of pharmacy extension and assistant to the Dean at the University of Texas College of Pharmacy. By 1964, he became the Executive Director of the Texas Pharmaceutical Association. Luther also contributed to the educational sector, teaching health care administration and pharmacy law at the University of Texas.
Throughout his distinguished career, Luther held various leadership roles, including as Honorary President of the American Pharmaceutical Association and as President of the Pan American Pharmacist Association. He was recognized for his efforts in the pharmacy field, receiving the designation of Legend of Texas Pharmacy from the University of Texas at Austin.
Luther retired as CEO of the Texas Pharmacy Foundation on December 31, 2002, after making significant contributions to the field. He was also an active member of the Downtown Rotary Austin and held a life membership with The Masonic Lodge of Texas.
Outside of his professional achievements, Luther had interests in gardening, running, and Texas wine culture. He participated in the Capitol 10,000 marathon for 30 years, with his last race in 2018. He and Mary Ann enjoyed leading wine tours in the Texas hill country and created a cherished spot at their home known as “Pitty-Pat’s Porch”.
In addition to his wife Mary Ann, Luther is survived by their children, Robin Birdwell and Stephen Thomas Parker, along with grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his sister, Olga Jean Thompson, and Billie Dawn Smart. The family expresses gratitude to the staff of Brookdale Senior Living Community and caregivers for their support.
To honor Luther’s legacy, the family encourages contributions to the University Presbyterian Church or any charity dedicated to serving others. A Celebration of Life is scheduled for October 25, 2025, at the University Presbyterian Church in Austin.
FAQ
- Who was Luther Ray Parker?
- Luther Ray Parker was an esteemed alumni and philanthropist who passed away at the age of 94 on October 18, 2025.
- When and where did Luther Ray Parker pass away?
- He passed away in the early morning hours of October 18, 2025, at St. David’s South Austin hospital and Compassus Hospice Care.
- What schools did Luther Ray Parker attend?
- Luther graduated from Sunset High School in Dallas in 1948 and later attended the University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy.
- What was Luther’s profession?
- Luther was a pharmacist and served in various leadership roles within the Texas Pharmacy Association. He also taught health care administration and pharmacy law at the University of Texas.
- When is the Celebration of Life for Luther Ray Parker?
- The Celebration of Life is scheduled for October 25, 2025, at the University Presbyterian Church in Austin.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Luther Ray Parker |
| Age at passing | 94 |
| Date of passing | October 18, 2025 |
| Graduated from | Sunset High School, University of Texas at Austin |
| Profession | Pharmacist, Executive Director of Texas Pharmaceutical Association |
| Family | Wife: Mary Ann, Children: Robin Ann, Stephen Thomas |
| Celebration of Life date | October 25, 2025 |
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Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Luther Ray Parker
- Wikipedia: Pharmacy
- Upson Beacon: Luther Ray Ellerbee
- Google Search: Luther Ray Parker
- Harpeth Hills: Austin Schell
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pharmaceutical Association
- Tukios: Luther Ray Parker
- Google News: Luther Ray Parker
- Dignity Memorial: Cherie Von Dohlen
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