Charles Kennon Strowd Jr., 80, passed away on Tuesday, September 29, 2026. Charles was born at a Durham facility; but he grew up in Chapel Hill, NC, within Northern Chatham County. Early in Charles’s life, he discovered a passion for photography. Charles earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theology and History from Guildford College and a Minor in Photography at UNC Greensboro. He worked at local camera stores, and as head photographer for a local Greensboro television station while continuing to perfect his art and build his photography career. Charles raced motorcycles as a hobby, and he had some success while developing a love for the culture of racing and the motorbiking family. In 1974, however, Charles was paralyzed in a motorcycle accident while on a routine drive. Facing lifelong wheelchair use, Charles persevered and poured all his passion into his recovery and his love of photography. Charles faced challenges finding an employer that valued his unique abilities and talents over any perceived limitations. He found his place with state government working for the office previously known as vocational rehabilitation. He worked as a Director of Programs, responsible for developing educational messages and work force training for both employers and applicants. As a public servant and advocate, Charles utilized his photography and videography art as an approach to challenge bias, educate, and change minds.

Charles also opened and operated Silver Image Studios, with a dark room he built to develop his own negatives and prints. In addition to owning his own photography business, as a lifelong Tarheel he also worked as a photographer for the UNC Football team, continuing to perfect his craft in the art of sports. He practiced and studied the techniques of other artists he admired, designed and tested his individual approach, philosophy, and vision, for his artistry successfully capturing bridal portraits, environmental portraits, landscapes, sports, and nudes. By 1978 Charles had won multiple awards and achieved international placement, acclaim, and recognition as a fine art photographer. He was honored to meet several artists that had influenced him in developing his photography specialties such as Ansel Adams, Edward and Cole Weston, and Charis Wilson whom he continued to consult with after the initial opportunity. Charles was a member of the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) and of the Professional Photographers of NC. He served in scholarship as secretary, vice president and president roles for both state and national levels. He continues to have support and friendship from his photographer colleagues and network which have led to lifelong admiration and friendships. Charles received further distinction through professional photography certification and was also awarded a Degree of Master of Electronic Imaging from the Professional Photographers of America Association which was a premier educator for photography professionals.

Charles has been a long-term supporter of second amendment rights which led him to writing and publishing the biography of Les Baer, who Charles believed was the best manufacturer of 1911 guns. Charles Kennon Strowd, Jr., retired from his photography and videography business, and from state employment. He loved engaging in conversation, sharing a meal, talking to neighbors, giving gifts, learning about others, and visiting with his family members. He joked with people and used humor to connect with them and respected those that were able to joke with him in return. He owned pit bull terriers, and English bulldogs as well as Persian and stray cats both as pets and photography subjects, as were other wildlife. Natural settings and subjects brought him beauty and peace. Although he grew up in church, he admits he did not seek or foster a relationship with his Savior until later in adulthood, becoming stronger in his faith since moving from Chapel Hill to Monroe, NC where he resided until his recent death. He fostered relationships in the community and with his family, focusing more on togetherness than his previous accomplishments. He relied on multiple people to assist him with his work and his daily life as he grew older, but he still fought for his right to do what he was able to do. He had many gifts, but perhaps his demonstrated strength of will to carry forward was his greatest. A testament that everyone that knew him could account for in some capacity.

The photographer/videographer, artist, author, publisher, public servant, and Grandpa (his favorite) is preceded in death by his parents, Mr. Charles Kennon Strowd, Sr. and Mrs. Clementine Raiford Strowd, his brother Elvin Emerson Strowd, and one son, Marcus Edwin Strowd. Charles is survived by another son and daughter Charles Kennon Strowd, III, (Barbara) and Michelle Strowd White, (Greg), five grandchildren; Kennon Strowd, Jacq Strowd, Jaxon White, Landon Strowd, and Grayson White as well as four nephews and several cousins. He prepared his burial suit to be joyful, and wildly colorful, for when he would finally get to meet his Saviour. The family is saddened by his passing, yet joyful in his reunion, and his freedom from chronic pain. We invite those that loved and remember him fondly to celebrate his renewed ability to dance, run and walk in heaven, at one of the available services.

Light refreshments/snacks will be served during a visitation with family members at 2:30 pm followed by funeral services at 3:00 PM on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at Benton’s Cross Roads Baptist Church, 109 E. Lawyers Rd. Unionville, NC 28110.

Another funeral service will also be held the following day, Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Cedar Grove United Methodist Church, 2791 Jones Ferry Rd. Pittsboro, NC 27312, with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Light refreshments will be served in the fellowship hall directly after the service for family and guests.

Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com.

Gordon Funeral Service and Crematory, 1904 Lancaster Ave, Monroe, NC 28112 is honored to be entrusted to care for the Strowd Family.