William Andrew "Drew" Parker

Dr. William Andrew "Drew" Parker of Fayetteville went to meet his Lord and Savior on Jan. 2, 2023, at the age of 39 after a brief illness. Drew was born on Feb. 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, and 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. Other relatives include his father and mother-in-law, Keith and Lola Brand of O'Fallon, Mo.; and brothers and sisters-in-law, 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. A visitation will be held Jan. 14, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at St. John's Lutheran Church, 2730 East Township Street, Fayetteville, Ark. 72703. A family memorial service at noon. There will be a "Celebration of Life" service on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023 at 11 a.m. at the Lonoke First United Methodist Church. 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, Ark. 72203. Online obituary at www.westbrookfuneralhomehazen.com