Ralph Case; Popular Square Dance Caller

Ralph Case, 91, a square dance caller and country entertainer whose dance troupe performed at inaugural ceremonies for Presidents Nixon, Carter and Reagan. Born in Chandler, N.C., Case was known for a clear and energetic style of calling, and he attracted an enthusiastic following. During World War II, he led square dance exhibition teams that performed at war bond shows and USO centers. Case also helped launch the career of country entertainer Roy Clark, a banjoist who appeared in one of Case’s bands. “Ralph Case was one of my earliest and biggest supporters,” Clark wrote in his autobiography, “My Life In Spite of Myself.” Clark recalled that Case talked him into competing in a banjo-playing contest at Warrentown, Va. First prize was $500 and a chance to perform at the Grand Ole Opry. “Ralph not only convinced me to go, but he drove me down to the bus station and bought my ticket,” Clark recalled. “He shook my hand, looked me straight in the eye and said, ‘Now you go down and do good.’ ” Case’s cloggers later appeared on Clark’s “Hee Haw” television show. On Dec. 25 at his home in Maryland of complications from a stroke.