Beverley Charles “BC” Allen
Beverley Charles “BC” Allen, 92, a long-time pharmacist, civic leader, person of numerous extraordinary talents, and a man who dearly loved his family passed away peacefully on December 7, 2025.
BC was born at the family home in El Campo, Texas, on August 17, 1933, to Richard Cortez Allen and Alma Ellwood Allen. He graduated from El Campo High School in 1951, then attended Texas Lutheran College in Seguin, graduating in 1955.
It was at Texas Lutheran College that BC met the love of his life, Jackie Baethge. Jackie worked as a student secretary in the office of the TLC’s Treasurer and Business Manager. BC first caught her attention by making funny faces through the office window as he passed by. It didn’t take long for them to become inseparable, and they were married in June of 1956, commencing a partnership that would span 69 years.
After they were married, BC and Jackie moved to Galveston, where BC initially attended medical school. Realizing it was not the right fit, they soon relocated to Austin, where BC enrolled at the University of Texas School of Pharmacy. While in pharmacy school, he worked as a virologist at the Texas State Department of Health. BC graduated in May of 1962, launching a career that would serve the Austin community for more than five decades.
BC began the first chapter of his professional career at Bray & Jordan Pharmacy, initially at their Allandale location and later at all their stores. When Medical Park Tower on 38th Street was built, Bray & Jordan opened their largest store on the first floor, across from the large pediatric practice affectionately known as “Kiddie City.” BC and Jackie so loved this Allandale neighborhood community they built a home there in 1964 to raise their three children. They lived in this home until 2024.
After departing Bray & Jordan, BC began a long and beloved 2nd chapter of his career at Lamar Plaza Drug Store in South Austin, working for Ana Carnes, whom BC deeply respected and admired for her leadership, integrity, and care for both employees and customers. In 1998, Tammy Gray purchased Lamar Plaza, and she became not only a wonderful boss, but also a valued friend to BC. He also served as a preceptor and mentor to many pharmacy interns, generously sharing his knowledge, professionalism, and love of the profession with future pharmacists.
Lamar Plaza was home to many iconic Austin businesses, including Ray Hennig’s Heart of Texas Music, the Salvation Army, Handy Andy, Big Steve’s Gym, and later the first Alamo Drafthouse. Over the years, BC met countless colorful characters—from politicians to musicians such as Jimmie and Stevie Ray Vaughan and Marcia Ball. He formed deep friendships with customers, nurses, and doctors he spoke with daily. One particularly special friendship was with Dr. Charles Ferrin, whose office was just down the street on South Lamar, and with whom BC shared many jokes.
While working at Lamar Plaza, BC experienced an armed robbery at the store. The crime was featured on Crime Stoppers, sparking his interest in the organization. In 1988, BC completed the Citizen Police Academy and was later invited to join the Crime Stoppers Board, where he served in every leadership role, including Paymaster, distributing rewards to tipsters. He also enthusiastically participated in Jail-a-Thon fundraisers, personally building the jail used for the events.
BC retired from Lamar Plaza in 2008 but continued working part-time in the 3rd chapter of his career at pharmacies around Austin until fully retiring at the age of 80. He was especially proud to have been a registered pharmacist for more than 50 years.
BC was deeply committed to civic life and his neighborhood. In 1973, he and neighbor Tom Oakland founded the Allandale Neighborhood Association, assembling a 12-member steering committee that included engineers and other skilled neighbors, whose knowledge and dedication strengthened the group’s effectiveness. Their efforts successfully halted several proposed developments, including the extension of Far West Boulevard through Northwest Park, a wastewater line in the Shoal Creek creek bed, and the extension of Great Northern Boulevard from RM 2222 to Anderson Lane. They also helped establish Neighborhood Watch programs throughout the area. Reflecting his lifelong commitment to helping others, BC donated an extraordinary 15 gallons of blood over his lifetime through We Are Blood, quietly saving countless lives.
A familiar and joyful presence in Allandale, BC drove the vintage neighborhood fire truck in the Allandale Parade for several years and was known for loading up neighborhood kids and taking them to Dairy Queen for treats.
BC and Jackie were also devoted Band Parents while their two youngest children were in the Anderson High School Band. They participated as chaperones for trips and fundraisers, and BC helped build the Anderson Band booth at Aqua Fest on Auditorium Shores, contributing both his time and talents in support of the students.
A lifelong Lutheran, BC was actively involved at Faith Lutheran Church, serving as a Junior Luther League sponsor, Sunday School teacher, Church Council member, Call Committee member, and part of the beloved “Nuts and Bolts” group—fixing things around the church while enjoying coffee and conversation. BC and Jackie also served on the Faith Lutheran Organ Committee, helping raise funds to restore the historic Hofmann pipe organ.
BC had a lifelong love of photography, beginning as a teenager taking portraits at Connie McCann’s studio. Throughout his life, he captured images of his children, trains, flowers, and butterflies. Woodworking was another passion—you could often find him in the garage on weekends, happily making sawdust. His talents ranged from cabinetry and picture frames, feeders, and stands to distinctive ‘outhouse’ birdhouses, that he sold at craft shows.
Known for his quick wit and playful humor, BC always had a joke ready and delighted in pranks on family, friends, and neighbors. He was endlessly helpful—whether fixing something, recommending a doctor, or “knowing a guy” who could get the job done. His knowledge, kindness, and generosity were shared freely.
BC is survived by his wife of 69 years, Jackie, their children Leslye, Kerry and his wife Shawna, and Anne.
A Service and Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 11:00am, followed by a reception until 2:00pm, at Faith Lutheran Church, 6600 Woodrow Avenue, Austin, Texas 78757.
In keeping with his wishes, BC was cremated. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Austin Crime Stoppers or Faith Lutheran Church.