Professional Compounding Centers of America (PCCA) announced on May 14 that a celebration of life will be held for L. David “Dave” Sparks, who passed away peacefully on May 9 at the age of 82. The event is scheduled for Wednesday, June 3, at First Colony Church of Christ in Sugar Land, Texas, with a luncheon to follow at PCCA’s corporate headquarters.
The announcement highlights the significant impact Sparks had on the pharmacy compounding community and the legacy he leaves behind. The organization invited colleagues and friends to share memories and reflections about Sparks to be featured in a future issue as a tribute to his contributions.
Sparks was born in Stringtown, Oklahoma, in 1943 and grew up in Atoka. He pursued pharmacy studies after encouragement from mentors and met his wife Kay while attending Southwestern Oklahoma State University. After early work in Tulsa pharmacies and involvement with hospice care initiatives, he joined PCCA in Houston in 1982 and later became its President and CEO.
During his tenure at PCCA, Sparks expanded the organization internationally and advocated strongly for pharmacists’ rights to compound medications. He played roles in industry associations such as Patients and Professionals for Customized Care—now known as the Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding—and contributed to federal legislative efforts supporting compounding pharmacists.
Sparks received several professional accolades throughout his career including recognition by American Druggist magazine as one of the “50 Most Influential People in Pharmacy,” awards from national pharmacy organizations, and honors from academic institutions where he also served on advisory boards or as adjunct faculty.
A private graveside service is planned for family members on May 15. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fort Bend Women’s Center or RISE Institute for Compounding’s L. David Sparks Legacy Fund.
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