Ralph Edward Causby

1935 - 2026

Ralph Edward Causby

January 21, 1935 - March 11, 2026

Ralph Edward Causby, a man of faith, generosity and a genuine, light-hearted approach to everything in life, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2026. He was 91 years old.

Ralph was born in January 1935 to Nora Andersen and William Thomas Causby. He was the first in his family to attend college and had a strong belief in the value of education throughout his life. Ralph earned a degree in History and Education for the deaf from Lenoir-Rhyne University and a Master's in Audiology from the University of Tennessee. His early career took him to the Tennessee School for the Deaf in Knoxville, and then to Western Carolina University, where he set up speech and hearing clinics across eight counties in western North Carolina, providing access to critical services in rural communities.

Ralph had a positive, lasting impact on the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. He was instrumental in founding a preschool for hearing-impaired children (PATH) and helped establish the Central School for the Deaf in Greensboro. Ralph also served with distinction at the North Carolina School for the Deaf and later became a Professor of Audiology at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where he started the Audiology department and shaped the next generation of audiologists.

After he retired from UNCG, Ralph worked with local ENT physicians, fitting patients with hearing aids and making friendships that would last for years. Along the way, he ran a successful side business restoring antiques and repairing antique wicker furniture, work that required an endless amount of patience and meticulousness, perfectly suited to his character.

Ralph wore a lot of hats, from Professor to Wicker Man, husband and dad, to granddad, uncle, great uncle, brother and son. For those of us who were lucky enough to know him, he was a warm, friendly person with a fun sense of humor. Ralph always made an effort to make people feel comfortable and never took life too seriously.

Ralph was a caring and wonderful father who never stopped looking for a way to help and support his family. His faith was steady, and his instinct was always to look for the bright side. He made time for his family without fail.

He is survived by his wife, Rebecca (Becky) Causby; his sons, Garrett Causby and his wife Terry; Fritts Causby and his partner Tina Weldon; his grandchildren, Corbin Causby and his wife Susy Causby; Jack Causby, and Bridget Causby; his sister, Faye Clontz and a family that will carry his warmth and wit forward in everything they do.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Nora and William Thomas Causby, and his brother, Paul Causby.

Ralph is no longer in pain. He is at peace and those who loved him can take comfort in knowing that is exactly how he would have wanted it.

Services

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 18, at 1 p.m. in the narthex of First Lutheran Church, Greensboro, North Carolina, followed by the funeral service at 2 p.m. A reception will immediately follow the service.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, March 19, at 2 p.m., at Sandy Creek Cemetery in Tyro, North Carolina.

Donations can be made to First Lutheran Church.