SALISBURY, N.C. — The co-founder of Food Lion, Ralph Ketner, died Sunday at 95, according to Summersett Funeral Home staff.
The Food Lion empire he helped create now has more than 1,100 stores spanning 10 states.
Ketner’s funeral is set for 2 p.m. Sunday, June 5, at Keppel Auditorium at Catawba College.
Food Lion issued a statement on the passing of Ketner:
"On behalf of our 63,000 associates, Food Lion mourns the loss of our founder, Ralph Ketner. We extend our deepest sympathies to the Ketner family during this difficult time. He had a profound and lasting impact on the entire grocery industry and he has left a tremendous legacy not only at Food Lion, but through his philanthropy and kindness in the Salisbury community as a whole. Forever a welcome and vital part of our family, even at 95 years old, Mr. Ketner still attended several Food Lion events. Our associates adored and respected him and we will miss him dearly."
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