Bobby L. Brown

Bobby L. Brown, 78, unexpectedly passed from this life on the morning of April 30, 2023. Bobby was a long time resident of Charleston, a businessman and an artist. As a younger man he attended Clemson University where he received a B.S. degree in Food Science in 1967. He joined the Army reserve in 1968, served for six years and was honorably discharged. He studied painting with William Halsey and printmaking with Leo Manske at the College of Charleston. Afterwards, he returned to Clemson to pursue art studies and in 1979 he was awarded a Master of Fine Arts degree under the direction of Sam Wang. While pursuing his graduate degree, he spent a semester at Clemson’s Villa in Genoa, Italy and documented Italian architecture with photographs. He returned to Charleston, SC where he began work as a photographer and then started painting again. In April 1980, after his graduation, the Department of Art and Architectural History and Visual Arts at Clemson University cited Bobby Lee Brown, as its exemplary graduate student for the previous year, recognizing him for "outstanding performance in the Visual Arts ... in recognition of ability, creativity, and a high standard of performance within the Visual Arts." 

In the early to mid 1980s Bob began a 29 year stint working in the Charleston City Public Market, building C, doing business as Bob Brown Collectables, Jewelry, Souvenirs, Etc. and as Bob Brown Jewelry. He maintained a studio in downtown Charleston for many years where he continued to paint and pursue photography. He leaves behind a legacy of art forms in photography, printed works, paint and mixed media.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Dorothy  Brown, and his step-son Eugene W. Lewis (Willa).  He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Eve W. Brown, and his step-son Rodney D. Lewis (Ree Wells). His grandchildren knew him as "Bobby Pops" and include: Jonathan Lewis, Paige Lewis, Andrew Lewis, Dorothy Wells, Teressa Wells, Eve King, Danielle Epperson, and Kendra Boyer. Also surviving are seven great-grandchildren, sister-in-law Patricia Dorner, nieces, and cousins.

Bobby also enjoyed reading, traveling, observing life around him, watching movies, being with his friends and family, and enjoying fine meals and wine. He was fortunate to have taken Road Scholar Study Journeys in Art History in France and Spain and in addition traveled to: Central America, Columbia, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, the United Kingdom, the Shetland Islands, Amsterdam, Prague, Czech Republic, Austria, Canada and Alaska.

A "Celebration of Life" service will be held at noon on Friday, May 26 at the Old St. Andrews Parish Church. The church address is 2604 Ashley River Rd., Charleston, SC. All friends and family are welcome to attend.

Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. West Ashley Chapel.  Memorial contributions are suggested to benefit the Clemson Art Department,  2-121 Lee Hall, Clemson, SC 29634.