Ralph Louis Deutsch Jr., age 78, of Asheboro, N.C., died Saturday, Nov. 15, 2008, at his home.

Deutsch was born March 10, 1930, in New Rochelle, N.Y., to Ralph and Gladys Deutsch. He spent his early childhood in Larchmont, N.Y., and graduated from Mamaroneck High School. 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. Deutsch started in the family owned furniture manufacturing company in Ramseur, N.C.

After the sale of the family business, Deutsch formed Randolph Furniture Distributors, and established his own sales agency. He represented several major manufacturers and was currently representing Elliott's Designs & Mantua Manufacturing.  

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Barbara P. Deutsch, his parents and his sister, Audrey Weinberg. Deutsch enjoyed sailing and living at Badin Lake. In addition, Deutsch and his family were once very active in the walking horse world having owned and shown such horses as former world champions Country Jake, Son Of Panola and Perfection’s President.

He is survived by his wife, Jeanette Deutsch; sons, Michael G. Deutsch and his wife Sharon of Ocean Isle Beach, N.C.; Robert S. Deutsch and his wife, Anne, of Greensboro, N.C.; 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, S.C.

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.