Ralph Louis Deutsch, Jr.

Ralph Louis Deutsch, Jr., age 78, of Asheboro, died Saturday, November 15, 2008 at his home. Mr. Deutsch was born March 10, 1930 in New Rochelle, New York to Ralph and Gladys Deutsch. He spent his early childhood in Larchmont, NY and graduated from Mamaroneck High School in New York. He was a graduate of Nichols Junior College and NC State University (School of Furniture Engineering). He was a resident of Asheboro for over 45 years. Ralph started in the family owned furniture manufacturing company in Ramseur, NC. After the sale of the family business, Ralph formed Randolph Furniture Distributors, and established his own sales agency. He represented several major manufacturers and was currently representing Elliott's Designs & Mantua Manufacturing. Ralph has received several furniture award achievements including "Outstanding Manufacturing Sales Representative" at Tupelo, Mississippi Furniture Market in 2001, was honored in Furniture Today's Who's Who in the Furniture Industry in 2004, and most recently named "Dean of the International Home Furnishings Representatives Association" in 2007. He was an active member of the Virginia-Carolinas Home Furnishings Association for over 30 years, serving on their board for 10 years. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Barbara P. Deutsch, his parents, and his sister, Audrey Weinburg. Ralph enjoyed sailing, showing horses, and living at Badin Lake. He is survived by his wife, Jeanette Deutsch of the home; sons, Michael G. Deutsch and his wife Sharon of Ocean Isle Beach, NC; Robert S. Deutsch and his wife Anne of Greensboro, NC; step daughter, Lisa Wentz and her husband Lucas of Kutztown, PA; grandchildren, Lindsay Laney and Brian, Stephen, and Philip Deutsch; and brother, Peter M. Deutsch of Georgetown, SC. A private family memorial service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the NC State Engineering Foundation, Ralph L. Deutsch, Jr. Scholarship, Campus Box 7901, Raleigh, NC 27695-7901. Pugh Funeral Home in Asheboro is in charge of arrangements.