Dr. Ralph Burnett Tower Jr.

1940 - 2025

Dr. Ralph Burnett Tower, Jr.

Jan 7, 1940 - Oct 16, 2025

Dr. Ralph Burnett Tower, Jr., Wayne Calloway Professor Emeritus of Taxation at Wake Forest University, died October 16, 2025, in Winston-Salem, N.C. Dr. Tower was born in Canton, Ohio, on January 7, 1940, to the late Ralph Burnett Tower Sr. and Celia Warne Tower. After growing up in West Virginia and western New York, Dr. Tower received AB (1961) and PhD (1978) degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapell Hill and an MBA (1963) from Cornell University. After receiving his PhD, Dr. Tower entered academia with a brief appointment at Emory University before nearly 35 years Wake Forest University. At Wake Forest University, he mentored many students and authored numerous books, journal articles, and national and international conference presentations. Across his career, Dr. Tower received several honors including the Pioneers of the Program for Cornell University's Sloan Program in Health Administration, KPMG Professor in residence, and the Calloway School's Graduate Class Teaching Award. He was also an active member of international and national accounting associations, including being a life member of the American Accounting Association, while still maintaining an active CPA license in North Carolina and Florida. Throughout this life, Dr. Tower developed a passion for travel. His adventures spanned Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America with some of his favorite places including northern Italy and Tasmania, Australia. During each trip, Dr. Tower enjoyed learning about the culture and history of each location. In addition to travel, Dr. Tower was long-time supporter of the Winston-Salem Symphony, The National Chestnut Foundation, as well as many wildlife and animal rescue organizations, and historical preservation groups. He is survived by his beloved daughter and son-in-law, Lauren Camden and Matthew Camden of Blacksburg, Va.; two granddaughters, Kristen Camden and Kylee Camden of Blacksburg; and two special cats, Holly and Whiskers. He is preceded in death by a sister, Marjorie Tower Johnson.

Dr. Tower will be honored in a private family service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Winston-Salem Symphony or the American Chestnut Foundation. Send condolences online at www.salemfh.com.

Salem Funeral Home

2951 Reynolda Rd. Winston-Salem, NC 27106