Dr. William Andrew “Drew” Parker of Fayetteville went to meet his Lord and Savior on January 2, 2023 at the age of 39 after a brief illness. Drew was born on February 2, 1983. Drew graduated as class salutatorian from Lonoke High School in 2001 and earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He earned his bachelor degree in poultry science from the University of Arkansas in 2005. While there, he was a member of the XI Chapter of Kappa Sigma fraternity. While an undergraduate, he was named the “National Poultry and Egg Association Student of the Year” at the International Production and Processing Expo in Atlanta. He also earned the 2008 AAAP Foundation Kenneth Eskelund Preceptorship Grant and was a 2008 Arkansas Veterinary Medical Foundation Scholar.
Drew continued his studies at LSU and graduated from LSU Veterinary Medical School in 2009 with a degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.
In 2010, He was awarded a degree of Master of Avian Medicine from the University of Georgia Graduate School and became a board certified diplomat of the American College of Poultry Veterinarians in 2011.
Drew was a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Arkansas Veterinary Medical Association, Poultry Division, the American College of Poultry Veterinarians, the American Association of Avian Pathologists, and the Poultry Federation. He also served as a member of AVMA Board of Trustees. He was currently serving as Senior Veterinarian with Phibro Animal Health in Fayetteville.
Drew was very passionate about his education and career in the poultry industry.
Drew leaves behind his wife, Lindsay Brand Parker, 3-year-old son, Liam, mother, Suzette Parker Elmore and father, Gary Elmore of Lonoke; brother, Stephen Parker, Jr. (Katie) of Fayetteville and brothers, Ryan Elmore of Fayetteville, Stefan Elmore (Whitney) of Little Rock, and sister, Whitney Hall (Scott) of Maumelle. Drew was preceded in death by his father, Steve Parker, grandparents, Betty and Bill Woods of Hazen, Marilyn and Bernie Parker of Carlisle, Mary Ruth and Wayne Elmore of Lonoke. Other relatives include his father and mother-in-law, Keith and Lola Brand of O’Fallon, Mo., and brothers and sister-in-laws, Fernando and Melody Ruiz, Devin and Natalie Brand and their families. His nieces and nephews are Layla and Lindley Parker, Jackson Elmore, Greenlee and Phoebe Elmore, James and Sam Hall, Avalon and Cameron Ruiz, Aaron and Ayden Gerling, and Elsie and Everly Brand. His cousins are J.J. Calk, Wendy Skarda, and Christian and Nathaniel Bradow.
Drew was an avid hunter, long-term member of several hunting clubs, and had numerous friends and colleagues whom he also considered family.
There will be a “Celebration of Life” service on Saturday, February 11, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the Lonoke First United Methodist Church. There will be a visitation from 10:00 a.m. to noon on January 14, 2023 at St. John’s Lutheran Church at 2730 East Township Street in Fayetteville, Ar. 72703. There will be a family memorial service at noon.
In lieu of flowers, The Poultry Federation has created a Drew Parker Memorial Scholarship Fund to be awarded to future pre-veterinarian applicants. If you would like to make a contribution to the scholarship fund, please make your check payable to “The Poultry Federation” and mail to:
The Poultry Federation
Drew Parker Scholarship Fund
P.O. Box 1446
Little Rock, AR 72203
Drew will be missed. He was an excellent husband, father, and everything else he cared for with his work and his love for hunting. Prayers for comfort and peace with all of Drew’s family and friends.
We are praying for you all and love you!
Julia and Johnny washburn and family
Prayer 🙏 for you all and asking God for your comfort. Drew was a great man and he will be missed.
Drew was a great person and accomplished much in this life. He was beloved by family and friends. Much love, prayers and support for you all.
The Atkins Family is praying for the Parker Family. May God be with you.
Atkins Family
We Praise God for your life and all that you gave to those in your path. We look forward to the day we see you again in Glory. God, please give peace and comfort to Drew’s family while they travel this unfamiliar road. We mourn with those who mourn. We rejoice with those who rejoice (for salvation and no more suffering).
I will miss you my friend-smooth sailing to you on the other side. Don Waldrip.
We are so sorry for your loss. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers
He makes walking around the yard fun. If you thought you did not want to fish or hunt, after talking to Drew and his spin on the event you were eager to go. He always makes everything fun. I always thought he would make a great counselor. Riding with him in the vehicle always makes the road-trip fun. Thanks Drew
“The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart: and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come.” Isaiah 57:1 KJV
Rest in Peace my friend. Our prayers are with the Parker Family.
Sending condolences to the Parker family. May your memories be of comfort.
One of my fondest memories of Drew will always be of him feeding the homeless in the middle of the night in downtown Indianapolis during the AVMA convention. He had a heart for, and was passionate about the less fortunate. I am blessed to have known Drew, and will always consider him among my most respected friends.
Drew and I were good friends when I was growing up in Lonoke. He will be missed very much. God bless and may you Rest In Peace and Love.
We are so saddened to hear of Drew. He was always a cheerful and great personality. He will be missed around AAAP. Our condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. Much peace to all.
Bob Bevans-Kerr
Drew was a light in every crowd he was in. I will never forget that smile and how he would say hi and be a pal to anyone. I will miss that. Miss you Drew!
Drew was such a bright light and one of the most selfless humans I have ever met. He spread so much love and kindness everywhere he went. I will always remember Drew for being the life of the party with his amazing dance moves that could clear any dance floor, the “Jackrabbit” was his specialty for sure, his zest for life, and the incredible love and compassion he expressed to his family, friends, and community. I am so sorry for your loss. Sending love and prayers for peace and comfort to his family during such a difficult and painful time.
Drew was a great guy, very intelligent and with a quick wit about him. I will always cherish the time spent with him in South Dakota hunting birds each year. My Dad, brothers, and I will surely miss him on those trips. My thoughts and prayers are with Gary, Stephen and the rest of the family during this tremendously difficult time. God Bless you all.
So very sorry for your loss.