Parr was born on May 6th, 1941 to Melvin Fisher Parr and Florence Marie Farmer Parr in Oakland, California. Growing up, Parr’s (mildly concerning) propensity towards homemade fireworks developed into a deep appreciation for the world of chemical reactions. In hot pursuit ever since, Parr went on to receive a Bachelor of Science in chemistry from UC Berkeley, followed by a Ph.D. in physical chemistry from Caltech. After two postdoctoral fellowships in California and Canada, Parr was brought to Texas to begin his teaching career as the first hire to the University of Texas at Dallas’ budding chemistry department.
Parr made a home and a name for himself at UTD; he worked his way up from assistant professor to Dean in 16 years; he combined a long-time love for film into his career by directing UTD’s repertory cinema program and, of his own, producing the first computer-animated film of chemical reactions; and in the infancy of establishing what would be a major state university, Parr even stumbled upon the love of his life.
Parr met his companion in adventure and adversary in wit and intelligence, Dr. Patricia Storck, UTD’s Director of Teacher Education, in the late 70’s, and they commemorated their commitment to one another on November 24,1985 at the Queen’s Chapel in Hawaii. Despite their busy lives, Parr and Storck somehow managed to find time to wander all seven continents together in their freetime. After almost 40 married years together, their relationship has remained blissful and full of mindless mirth even to the very end.
Parr has published not only his findings in physical chemistry throughout his career, but also, in retirement, revealed a passion for writing and computer publishing by volunteering as editor for the Plano Rotary bulletin, and webmaster for the Plano International Festival, DFW American Chemical Society, Texas Sister Cities, and the Plano Public Library Foundation. Despite retirement, Parr has never known how to sit still– taking on duty after duty in stride. Parr has served in various leadership roles for nonprofits such as the Plano Symphony Orchestra, Plano Sister Cities, Plano Multicultural Outreach Roundtable, Friends of Plano Public Library, and the Plano Public Library Foundation. After 27 years of devoted volunteer work for the Plano Public Library System, Parr received the honor of having Plano’s final library named after him.
Parr is survived by his wife, Dr. Patricia Storck, and his brother, Dr. Timothy Parr (Dr. Diana Hanson-Parr). A memorial service for Parr will take place on Sunday, April 21st at 3:00pm at Ted Dickey West Funeral Home, 7990 President George Bush Turnpike, Dallas, TX 75252. In lieu of flowers, friends are welcomed to make donations to the Plano Symphony Orchestra, North Texas Food Bank, Plano Rotary Foundation, Plano Animal Shelter, or Friends of Plano Public Library.
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