Prescott H. Brownell

Prescott Huntley Brownell (69) of Charleston, SC, passed away from frontotemporal dementia on Saturday, November 5, 2016. Born May 1, 1947, in Biltmore, NC to the late Miriam and Dean Brownell, he attended school in Brevard and graduated from NC State University in 1970. In a career spanning 44 years, he worked as a fisheries biologist for the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. He also served as a quartermaster in the US Navy and as a commissioned officer and chief petty officer in the US Coast Guard Reserve for more than 20 years. From an early age, Prescott found joy in hiking and camping in the mountains of North Carolina. After moving to the coast in adulthood, he enjoyed exploring the marshes and estuaries of South Carolina. An avid and respected naturalist, Prescott took great pleasure in sharing his knowledge with generations of Boy Scouts as well as younger colleagues. His passion for environmental preservation was unmatched, and he devoted his career to preserving and restoring aquatic habitats. Prescott was also a skilled mechanic and devoted many hours to maintaining his classic cars, including a Volkswagen Microbus he bought with his wife Nancy in 1972. He was passionate about music, playing his guitar daily, and expressed his creativity through numerous instrumental compositions. Prescott is survived by his wife of 43 years, Nancy; his three sons: Huntley (Jenna), Naylor (Nick), and Charlton; his sister Lynne Matheson (John); and stepbrothers Walter Straus (Barbara) and Steven Straus (Heather). He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Hospice of Charleston, Respite Care of Charleston, and especially Bill Glover of Home Instead who spent the last year as a loyal companion. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, November 10 at 3pm at 1113 West Oceanview Rd on James Island. Memorials may be made to the Coastal Conservation League (328 E Bay St, Charleston, SC), Respite Care of Charleston (1605 Harborview Rd., Charleston, SC), or James Island Presbyterian Church (1632 Fort Johnson Rd, Charleston, SC). Online condolences may be viewed or submitted at www.mcalister-smith.com Arrangements entrusted to McALISTER-SMITH FUNERAL HOME, JAMES ISLAND CHAPEL, 347 FOLLY ROAD, CHARLESTON, SC 29412, 843-614-8494