Eugene Wilson Brown, AIA

Gene Brown, much-loved husband, father, stepfather, grandfather and friend died at home on Monday March 27, 2023. Gene was born January 9, 1938 in Oxford NC to Iva Pickard and Eben O’Dell Brown.

As he liked to say, he was from “North Carolina.” His family moved every 2 to 3 years, as his father was a manager for a grocery store chain and would often be sent to open new stores in small towns across eastern North Carolina. His favorite hometown was New Bern where he had a small boat he and friends would sail on the Trent River. He loved the water and joined the Naval Reserves while at Durham High School. He served as an Emergency Room Medic for 12 years as a Naval Reservist. He proudly was a 1956 graduate of Durham High School and enjoyed gathering with his classmates.

Gene was a graduate of the NC State University College of Design and always referred to it as “The School of Design.” He earned a graduate degree in Architecture and Urban Design from Washington University in St. Louis. Gene practiced architecture with several modern and well-known local firms, including with the storied Milton Small. He was Executive Director of the Board of Architecture and later built his own private practice. Gene’s specialty was designing kitchens and his love of cooking showed in the designs he created for his clients. His own kitchen was a source of pride through the several renovations, cumulating in the last design that was on the cover of Fine Homebuilding Magazine.

As he retired from his architectural practice, Gene turned to painting, creating a series of six paintings of landmarks for the Hayes Barton Centennial. This led to commissions to paint the homes of friends and neighbors. One of his legacies is his original work each year for a Christmas card.

Gene was quick to cook a meal, a rum cake or banana pudding for celebrations or sad times for his friends and family. He loved hosting dinners at home, always saying “I’ll cook.” In addition to his cooking, painting and architecture, he loved playing his guitar and singing. He spent hours practicing and loved going to bluegrass jams around town, emceeing at MerleFest and volunteering at the IBMA. He was a faithful member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church and joyfully volunteered at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. Gene was gratified that he and Penny had two loving church communities in their lives.

Gene is survived by his wife Penelope Gallins, his son Jonathan Vestal Brown, stepsons and their wives, Christopher and Shae Noffsinger and Martin and Maria Noffsinger, his grandsons, Maxwell Noffsinger and Luke Noffsinger, his in-laws Vicki Fragakis, Gussie and Alex Kroustalis, Matthew and Kim Gallins and many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

A service will be held at Oakwood Cemetery on Monday April 3rd at 11 am.

Donations may be made to the Gregg Museum of Art, 1903 Hillsborough St, Raleigh NC 27607 or to support a local artist, musician, or potter in memory of Gene.

Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 Saint Mary’s St. Raleigh, NC 27605, is assisting the family; www.brownwynneraleigh.com