Ralph Ketner

Ralph W. Ketner (September 20, 1920 – May 29, 2016)[1] was an American businessman and philanthropist. He was known for being the founder of Food Lion (founded as Food Town).[2] He founded the grocery store chain in the 1950s. During his career, Ketner has given away 35% of his profit to charity.[3]

Ketner was born in Rimertown, North Carolina.[3] He grew up during the Great Depression. He studied at Tri-State College in Angola, Indiana. Ketner is married to Anne Blizzard. They have two children. In March 2016, Ketner was hospitalized and diagnosed with colon cancer.[4] He died on May 29, 2016 in Salisbury, North Carolina from the disease at the age of 95.

References

  1. ↑ Food Lion Founder Ralph Ketner Turns 94Progressive Grover.com. Retrieved March 17, 2016.
  2. ↑ FOR RALPH KETNER, THERE IS LIFE AFTER FOOD LIONGreensboro.com. Retrieved March 17, 2016.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 North Carolina History Project: Ralph W. Ketner (1920-)North Carolina History Project.com. Retrieved March 17, 2016.
  4. ↑ Food Lion co-founder Ralph Ketner hospitalized in SalisburyWBTV.com. Retrieved March 17, 2016.

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