MICHAEL DAVID "MIKE" PARKER

Michael "Mike" David Parker December 3, 1950 July 15, 2024 Michael "Mike" David Parker, age 73, of Clearwater, Florida passed away on July 15, 2024, at Morton Plant Hospital, in Clearwater, Florida. Born in Pocahontas, Arkansas, he was the son of Ralph and Eugenia (Dickson) Parker. Mike graduated from the University of Arkansas School of Pharmacy in 1973. After working in hospital pharmacies in Arkansas, in 1975 he moved to Florida where he dedicated his career to taking care of our nation's Veterans. Most of his 30-year Veterans Administration career was at the Bay Pines VA Hospital in St. Petersburg. Prior to his retirement in 2005, Mike was the oncology clinical pharmacy specialist at Bay Pines. In the early 1990s, he helped take advantage of emerging technology and wrote many computer programs for both the oncology and pharmacy departments. His software became models for other VA pharmacies as they computerized their operations. Mike was well-liked and highly respected by his peers, including doctors and nurses. He received many awards and commendations throughout his career. Mike was the co-author of numerous articles published in pharmacy, oncology, and medical journals. He was a contributing author to the textbook Geriatric Oncology. At an early age, Mike read Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand. This novel had a lasting impact on Mike, and he was a lifelong follower and supporter of the Rand Institute. Mike read all of Ayn Rand's books and novels and was a true Objectivist. Mike's hobbies included photography, woodworking, science, computers, and keeping up to date with the latest technology. Mike is survived by his nieces, Michelle Blake of Forest Hill, MD and Laura Hodge of Pocahontas, AR, 2 great-nephews and 1 great-niece. He is also survived by numerous friends who he called family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Ayn Rand Institute or the American Cancer Society. A private, family service, will be held at a later date.