Ralph Louis Townes

RALEIGH – Ralph Louis Townes, 71, passed away Friday, April 19, 2024, at UNC-Rex Healthcare in Raleigh following an unexpected decline in health.

He was born in Raleigh on August 15, 1952, the son of Richard S. Townes and Norma Elizabeth Lawrence Townes. Ralph attended Enloe High School.

Ralph was a skilled seamster and decorator making custom draperies and accessories. In 1982 Ralph opened “Draperies By Townes” in the Village Mill Outlet. The business began to grow, and, soon, Ralph needed additional space. He would eventually open a freestanding storefront on N. Person St, and remained at that location until he retired and closed the business in 2022. Ralph was supported for decades by his employees, Linda Higgins, Grover Harris, Maria Macedo, Oneyda Blanchard and Fannie Davis. Together, the team would make draperies that can still be seen all over Raleigh and North Carolina. Ralph worked with the area’s best designers and decorators making draperies that displayed a craftsmanship that was truly second to none.

For years Ralph volunteered at Sacred Heart and Holy Name of Jesus Cathedrals. Ralph would wake at 5AM on Sunday mornings to ensure the vestments were properly prepared and that everything was ready for the morning mass. In addition to his volunteer work, Ralph was inducted as a Knight of the Order of the Holy Sepulcher. Upon his death, Ralph established the Ralph Townes Education Endowment Fund at the Cathedral School for the funding of need-based scholarships for elementary students of the school.

Ralph will be remembered for his unending wit and sense of humor; Ralph’s ability to hold a room captive in his hands while telling a belly-aching story with his cool southern drawl was unmatched. He was a character that everyone loved and a true southern gentleman. He will be missed by countless friends and will live on in their stories of great times together.

Above all else, Ralph will be remembered for his unwavering love and devotion to his mother, Norma. Ralph could be seen at his mother’s home daily, ensuring that her needs and wishes were always met. He was a fixture on his mother’s front porch almost every afternoon.

Ralph was preceded in death by his father, Richard S. Townes; sister, Jeannie T. Baisley; and by his brother, Richard David Townes.

He is survived by his mother, Norma Lawrence Marshburn; nephews, Martin Townes and Michael Townes; niece, Brittany Murray; along with a host of extended family, church family, and friends.

Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral in Raleigh with the Rev. Monsignor David Brockman and Father Chris Koehn officiating. The burial will follow in Historic Oakwood Cemetery, Raleigh. A reception, at 806 N. Bloodworth Street, Raleigh, will follow the graveside service for family and friends.

The family will receive friends and relatives from 5:00 – 7:00 PM on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home in Raleigh, with a Rosary service beginning at 6:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral: 715 Nazareth St, Raleigh, NC 27606; or to Ralph Townes Education Endowment Fund, ℅ The Cathedral School, being established in Ralph’s memory.

Funeral arrangements are by Bryan-Lee Funeral Home of Raleigh. Online condolences may be made at www.bryan-leefuneralhome.com