Ralph Ketner
| Ralph Ketner | |
|---|---|
| Born |
Ralph Walter Ketner September 20, 1920 Rimertown, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Residence | Salisbury, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Alma mater | Tri-State College |
| Occupation |
Chairman-emeritus of Food Lion Philanthropist |
| Spouse(s) | Anne Blizzard (present) |
Ralph Walter Ketner (born September 20, 1920)[1] is an American businessman and philanthropist. He is known for being the founder of Food Lion (originally founded as Food Town).[2]
Ketner founded the grocery store chain in the 1950s. During his career, Ketner has been an active philanthropist. He has donated about 35% of his profit to charity especially those that tackle child hunger.[3] He is the current chairman-emeritus of Food Lion.
Personal life
Ketner was born in Rimertown, North Carolina.[3] He grew up during the Great Depression. He was educated at Tri-State College in Angola, Indiana. He was enlisted in the US Army in 1935 to fight in World War II. Ketner is married to Anne Blizzard. They have two children. He is a Presbyterian.[4]
In March 2016, Ketner was hospitalized and diagnosed with colon cancer in Salisbury.[5]
Honors
The Ralph W. Ketner School of Business at Catawba College in Salisbury is named after Ketner.[6]
References
- ↑ "Food Lion Founder Ralph Ketner Turns 94". Progressive Grover.com. Retrieved March 17, 2016.
- ↑ "FOR RALPH KETNER, THERE IS LIFE AFTER FOOD LION". Greensboro.com. Retrieved March 17, 2016.
- 1 2 "North Carolina History Project: Ralph W. Ketner (1920-)". North Carolina History Project.com. Archived from the original on September 18, 2015. Retrieved March 17, 2016.
- ↑ "My Heart's Journey: Rising to rehab challenges". Salisbury Post.com. April 4, 2016. Retrieved April 8, 2016.
- ↑ "Food Lion co-founder Ralph Ketner hospitalized in Salisbury". WBTV.com. Retrieved March 17, 2016.
- ↑ "Catawba College Plans to 'CEED'". Salisbury Post.com. April 7, 2016. Retrieved April 8, 2016.
External links
- Mr. Ralph W. Ketner, D.B.A at Catawba.com