WINSTON-SALEM - "I, Preston Ford Brown do promise to diligently perform the duties in the office of President .. etc." It was in the spring of 1967, The Professional Photographers of North Carolina Inc. were holding their annual convention in Winston-Salem. Preston took the oath of office in the prime of his photography career. He had been recognized and honored by his fellow professional photographers for his talent, skill, achievements, and service to the profession on many occasions. So... It wasn't the first time he had been honored, and it wouldn't be his last. The Preston Studio of Photography had been a long standing successful photography studio in Winston-Salem for over 40 years. Preston offered families "award winning" quality wedding photography and portraiture. "The Art of Fine Photography" wasn't just a slogan, it was a life of dedicated energy, education, and personal passion. It is said that "A man's work is a reflection of himself"..... His work is still displayed and cherished by countless thousands of local residents, in and around the Winston-Salem area. He recently received the prestigious "Lifetime Achievement Award" from the PP of NC. However, his real source of honor and pride, always came from his clients personal appreciation and gratitude for his work. So in the end, he leaves behind a legacy of cherished family memories, photographs and portraits, captured by his talent and skill....destined to be passed down to future generations. As such, his work will live on in the hearts and minds of the people he served. In addition to his military service as a Navy photographer during WWII, he created countless thousands of historical archives. The family regrets that he was unable (by virtue of Alzheimer's) to maintain his personal affiliation with the Masons and the W-S Power Squadron over the last several years. By virtue of his wife, Wilma Lee Snider Brown's death of ALS in 1989, Preston chose to marry again. He is survived by his sweetheart, best friend, and wife, Eleanor Lyon Brown, a former owner of Sherwood Flower Shop on Robinhood Rd. He also leaves behind, and lovingly claims 5 children; and 8 grandchildren: Linda B. Schneider (Sid), and children Jay, (Edna) and Dana (Bruce); V. Charles Brown & (Madgelee), and children, Matthew, (Chasity), Meredith (Matt Kelley); Larry Preston Brown & his son, Chad; Linda L. Jacobs, and her two sons Eric & Parker; Teresa L. Dunevant (Ed) & their son, Maxwell. His grandchildren further enriched his life with five great grandchildren: Deanna, Madison, Kaleb, Isabella, & Jacob. The family will graciously accept your friendship and personal condolences at the Hayworth Miller Funeral Home on the evening of Tuesday, Sept. 7, from 6 p.m. & 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Augsburg Lutheran Church on 5th Street in Winston-Salem on Wednesday, Sept. 8, at 2 p.m. followed by interment at Forsyth Memorial Gardens. Additional condolences may be made with flowers, or a contribution to Augsburg Lutheran Church and/or Hospice of W-S. Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel.

Published in Winston-Salem Journal from September 6 to September 7, 2010