Tom Smith Death – Well-known Philanthropist and former head of Food Lion has sadly passed away. He died on Friday 2nd June 2023 after battling with illness. He was confirmed dead through a post that says “Today, we gather with heavy hearts to remember and honor a true pillar of our community, Tom Smith. His untimely passing leaves a void that will be felt by all who knew him, especially in the arts organizations he passionately supported throughout Rowan County”.
Tom Smith Career
Tom Smith began his career at Food Town when he was still in high school working as a bagger. He continued working there all the way through college, eventually becoming a store manager while attending college at night. After receiving a degree in business administration from Catawba College in 1964, he worked for Del Monte Sales Co. for more than six years before coming back to Food Lion in 1970 to take a position as a buyer in the corporate office.
He worked his way up through the ranks and eventually became Ralph Ketner’s replacement when the latter made the decision to retire in 1981. In 1986, he assumed the role of chief executive officer of the company. Between the years 1981 and 1999, when he retired at the age of 57, he led the firm through a period of extraordinary expansion, which resulted in it having more than 1,000 stores and more than 100,000 employees.
What you need to know about Tom Smith
Smith felt it was time for a new challenge after working for the same company for the previous 29 years. Tom’s continuous attempts to elevate the arts and inspire creativity in everyone he came into contact with were evidence of his undying dedication to our community and his love for this place. His warm-heartedness, generosity, and contagious enthusiasm left an indelible mark on a great number of people’s lives, and their memories of him will go on in perpetuity.
He was a private man who did a lot for his community and those in need. He also led Catawba College’s board of trustees until 2009 and the Children’s Miracle Network’s board of governors. Smith served on the American Red Cross’s President’s Advisory Committee, 1998 Hurricane Cabinet, and North Carolina Business Council of Management and Development, which advises the governor on economic development and education.
Tom Smith’s obituary will be released by the family
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