Paul Stephens "Steve" McElmurray

Paul Stephens “Steve” McElmurray, 77, of North Augusta, South Carolina, passed away peacefully August 25, 2025 at Piedmont-Augusta. A Celebration of Life to honor him will be held Saturday afternoon at 2 o’clock at First Baptist Church of North Augusta with Dr. Randy Cooper, Pastor Jim Tau and Rev. David Sons officiating. A visitation in Steve’s honor will be held at Posey Funeral Directors Friday evening from 6:00-8:00. Steve loved bright colors and his favorite color was purple. For those attending the service, please consider wearing purple or something colorful. [The funeral services will be recorded and placed on the Posey Funeral Directors website at a later time.] Steve was born in Augusta, Georgia and was the son of the late William Harold McElmurray and Laurie Elizabeth Stephens. He graduated from North Augusta High School in 1966. Following graduation, he attended the University of Georgia School of Pharmacy and began working at Langley Drug Company and Hyer’s Drug Store. In 1979, he began working at Parks Pharmacy, which he purchased from George Parks in 1986. For decades, Steve faithfully served the North Augusta community as the owner and operator of Parks Pharmacy, a business that became far more than a place to fill prescriptions. Under his ownership, Parks Pharmacy grew into a trusted cornerstone of the community—a place where neighbors were cared for, friendships were formed, and compassion was always at the forefront of service. In 2019, North Augusta recognized and honored Steve with a ribbon cutting celebration for his 40 Plus Years of Service at Parks Pharmacy. Steve was a Vested Member of the South Carolina Pharmacy Association (SCPhA). He served as a Board Member of the SCPhA Foundation Board of Trustees, Midlands Region Director 2010-2012, President-Elect 2012-2013, President 2013-2014, Immediate Past President 2014-2015 and received the Bowl of Hygeia Award in 2004, which recognizes excellence in the pharmacy profession. He served on the Board of Directors as the District 5 Board Chairman at Aiken Center Substance Use Services. Steve was a devoted business owner, community leader, and unwavering friend, whose legacy embodies kindness, service, and love that touched countless lives. He joined First Baptist Church of North Augusta in 1991 and was a member of the Christ in Us Connection Group, Sanctuary Choir and served on the Jerry Matthews Scholarship Committee. Steve was known for his generosity with both his time and resources; he poured himself into helping others. He had an extraordinary ability to make every person feel valued, teaching all who knew him the importance of truly loving and serving others. His dynamic personality, listening ear, and steadfast presence made him a beloved figure among his friends, customers, and the broader community. There are countless individuals throughout the CSRA who experienced his love and generosity. Though he will be deeply missed, Steve’s spirit of love, kindness, and generosity will continue to live-on in the community he so dearly cherished. Steve will be remembered for his outstanding character, integrity, and steadfast faith in God. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Francis Harold McElmurray. Survivors include his godson, Dewey Wilson (fiancé Ashleigh), sister-in-law, Janice M. McElmurray, two nieces Trina M. Craven (Don) and Lisa M. Thomas; a nephew, Todd McElmurray (Matt); several great-nieces; several great-great nieces, nephews and cousins. Pallbearers will be Dr. Matthew Kornegay, Todd Carpenter, Jason Kulp, Dr. John W.L. Smith, Dewey Wilson, Pete Adams, Jeff Price and Rusty Anderson. Honorary Pallbearers will be past and current employees of Parks Pharmacy. Memorials may be made to Aiken Center Substance Use Services at: 1105 Gregg Highway, Aiken, SC 29801/ website at: https://aikencenter.org/ (make checks payable to “Jake Miniard Fund) or to the Music Ministry at First Baptist Church of North Augusta, 625 Georgia Avenue, North Augusta, SC 29841.

Tributes

Paul Stephens "Steve" McElmurray

July 14, 1948 - August 25, 2025