In Memoriam: Luther Parker

Former Texas Pharmacy Association executive Luther Parker passed away Saturday, Oct. 18, at age 94, having been dedicated to the Texas pharmacy profession and to the Association for more than 60 years.

Parker's long and distinguished pharmacy career began in high school when he worked at Dougherty's Pharmacies in Dallas. He received his pharmacy degree from The University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy in 1954 and was a member of TPA since 1959. After serving in the U.S. Army, he returned to Austin to accept a position as Director of The University of Texas Pharmacy Extension Service and Assistant to Pharmacy Dean Henry Burlage.

From 1964 to 1990, he served as executive director of the Texas Pharmacy Association, and he received TPA’s Distinguished Service Award in 1979. He remained on staff as President and CEO of the Texas Pharmacy Foundation (TPF) until his retirement at the end of 2002. He educated and inspired the next generation of pharmacists as a clinical assistant professor at UT Austin, where he taught health care administration, pharmacy law, and contemporary pharmacy issues.

During his tenure at TPA, the Association matured and became a nationally respected organization, helping prepare national leaders of the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) and National Community Pharmacists Association. His many accomplishments included transitioning the Association’s membership from pharmacies to individual pharmacists. He also helped establish the existing system of local affiliates across the state, led the construction of TPA’s former headquarters in Austin, and co-founded the Texas Pharmacy Congress to facilitate collaboration among pharmacy stakeholders. Under his leadership, TPA organized a political action committee and effective lobbying program, strengthening relations with the Texas Legislature, U.S. Congress, and state agencies.

Parker was very active in a number of local, state, national and international professional organizations, including being elected Honorary President of the American Pharmacists Association. Luther’s wife, Mary Ann, actively supported him in his work by serving as president of local, state and national auxiliaries; through regular attendance at local, TPA and APhA meetings; and by raising funds for TPA and TPF. His legacy lives on through TPF’s Luther and Mary Ann Parker Scholarship, established in 2007.

Beyond his role as a legendary pharmacy leader, Parker shared his talent and dedication with the broader association community. A Certified Association Executive, he served as chair of the Texas Society of Association Executives from 1986 to 1987 and was named Distinguished Executive of the Year; he also served as vice chair of the American Society of Association Executives. In his local Austin community, Parker was active in many organizations including the Rotary Club and University Presbyterian Church.

A service celebrating his life will be held Saturday, Oct. 25, at 2 p.m. at University Presbyterian Church in Austin.