Austin, Texas, October 23, 2025
News Summary
Luther Ray Parker, a distinguished educator and community leader, passed away peacefully at the age of 94. Known for his profound contributions to pharmacy education at the University of Texas and active engagement in community service, Parker’s legacy is marked by his commitment to lifelong learning and family. His dedication to the pharmacy profession and significant impact on local communities highlights a life well-lived. A service celebrating his life is planned in Austin, where he positively influenced many lives over the decades.
Austin, Texas
Luther Ray Parker, a revered educator and community leader, passed away on October 18, 2025, in Austin, Texas, at the age of 94. Parker died peacefully at St. David’s South Austin hospital while under hospice care, leaving behind a legacy in pharmacy education and community service.
Born on December 28, 1930, in Dallas, Texas, Parker was the son of Hallie Byrd Strickland Parker and Luther West Parker. He graduated from Sunset High School in Dallas in 1948 after attending public schools. Following his father’s passing, he supported his family through various jobs, including working at Armstrong and Dougherty pharmacies.
To further his education and career, Parker moved to Austin to enroll in Pharmacy school at the University of Texas. With the assistance of a loan from Mr. Armstrong, he earned his pharmacy degree from the University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy in 1954. After working at Dougherty’s pharmacies, he enlisted in the Army from 1956 to 1958, where he managed a 500-bed hospital in Georgia.
In October 1958, Parker met Mary Ann Carswell, a music teacher at Mark Twain Elementary School. The couple married on August 29, 1959, at First Presbyterian Church in Taylor, Texas. Together, they raised two children, Robin Ann (born June 1960) and Stephen Thomas (born July 1963), emphasizing the importance of faith and family throughout their lives.
Starting in 1959, Parker served as the director of pharmacy extension and assistant to the Dean of the College of Pharmacy at UT Austin. In 1964, he became the Executive Director of the Texas Pharmaceutical Association. After retiring as CEO of the Texas Pharmacy Foundation on December 31, 2002, Parker left a lasting impact on pharmacy education and professional organizations.
An ordained Elder at University Presbyterian Church in Austin for over 60 years, Parker actively participated in church activities and served as a tenor in the choir. His dedication to community service extended beyond the church; he was a lifetime member of Downtown Rotary Austin and served as the Honorary President of the American Pharmaceutical Association in 1978.
Fluent in Spanish, Parker also held the position of President of the Pan American Pharmacist Association, where he uniquely delivered his acceptance speech in the language. He furthered his professional qualifications by earning an MBA in Association Management from Florida Atlantic University and obtaining certification as an association executive.
Parker enjoyed a variety of hobbies, including gardening and running marathons. He participated in The Capitol 10,000 for 30 consecutive years and cherished wine tours with his wife. The couple enjoyed their home on Quill Leaf Cove and created a beloved space reminiscent of “Pitty-Pat’s Porch” at their new senior living community.
Survived by his wife Mary Ann, their two children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, Luther Ray Parker’s family expressed their gratitude for the compassionate care he received from the staff at Brookdale Senior Living Community and various healthcare professionals. A celebration of his life is planned for October 25, 2025, at University Presbyterian Church in Austin, Texas, at 2:00 p.m.
Key Contributions and Recognition
- Education: Lifelong commitment to pharmacy education, serving at UT Austin.
- Community Service: Active in University Presbyterian Church and Rotary Austin.
- National Leadership: Honorary President of the American Pharmaceutical Association.
Legacy
Parker’s dedication to education, community service, and his family highlights a life well-lived, contributing significantly to both the pharmacy profession and his local community.
FAQ
When and where did Luther Ray Parker pass away?
Luther Ray Parker passed away on October 18, 2025, in Austin, Texas.
What was Luther Ray Parker’s contribution to pharmacy education?
Parker served as the director of pharmacy extension and assistant to the Dean of the College of Pharmacy at UT Austin and was the Executive Director of the Texas Pharmaceutical Association.
What were Luther Ray Parker’s hobbies?
His hobbies included gardening, running marathons, and enjoying wine tours with his wife.
When will the celebration of Luther Ray Parker’s life take place?
The celebration of his life is scheduled for October 25, 2025, at University Presbyterian Church in Austin, Texas, at 2:00 p.m.
Key Features of Luther Ray Parker’s Life
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | December 28, 1930 |
| Death Date | October 18, 2025 |
| Education | Pharmacy Degree from University of Texas at Austin |
| Military Service | U.S. Army from 1956 to 1958 |
| Marriage | Mary Ann Carswell on August 29, 1959 |
| Children | Robin Ann & Stephen Thomas |
| Retirement | CEO of Texas Pharmacy Foundation (retired December 31, 2002) |
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Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Luther Parker Obituary
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- Dignity Memorial: Jerry Martin Obituary
- Legacy: Freddie Stroman Obituary
- Wikipedia: Luther Parker
- Google Search: Luther Parker
- Google Scholar: Luther Parker
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Luther Parker
- Google News: Luther Parker
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
