Preston Anthony Brown III was born March 26, 1945 in Palestine, Texas to Tommie and Climmie (Barrett) Brown. He was the ninth of ten children. He was adopted by his uncle and aunt, Preston and Mamie Brown at two months old.

Preston was raised in Montalba, Palestine, Texas. He attended A.M. Story High School, Paul Quinn College for Bachelor's Degree, Stephen F. Austin University for his Masters Degree, and M. Ed,  MBA Studies from the University of Dallas, and an LLD Certification from East Texas State University.

He accepted Christ early in life and united with AME Connectional Churches, Grant Chapel and Bethel AME Church.

Preston was a teacher and owner of M & P Contractors Construction Company.

Preston married Merle Kay Clark in 1972, this union was blessed with three children.

He was a member of NAACP, Concerned Citizens Acton Group of Anderson County, Anderson Charter for City of Palestine, served on Advisory Board to Palestine ISD, Lay President of North Texas Conference, Elected to general conference, delegate to annual & bi-annual conference, Steward, Trustee, district trustee and conference trustee, he served on Steward Board and served as the Superintendent of Sunday School, member and mentor for the school district, Member of the Mass Choir, Men's Choir, and Bethel Gospel Choir. He was a decorated Vietnam Veteran. He also served on the board for Meals on Wheels.

Preston's rest came on June 11, 2016 in Tyler, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, Tommie and Climmie Brown and three brothers, Willie Alford Brown, Benzie Brown and Dilly Brown.

Those who are left to remember sweet memories are: loving wife, Merle Kay Brown, Palestine, TX; devoted sons, Rev. Preston Anthony Brown IV, Oak Point, TX and Princeston Adrian Brown, Pflugerville, TX, daughter, Pristen Ann Brown, Little Elm, TX; four brothers, Eddie Frank (Martha) Brown, C.W. Brown, Rev. Preston Edward Brown all of Palestine, TX and Raymond Brown, Dallas, TX; two sisters, Lena Ruth Hodges (Brown) and Vergie Mae Pinson (Brown) both of Palestine, TX. Extended family members, Kenyan Arthur.  A host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other relatives, extended family and friends.