Richard Ransom Explained

Birth Date:	13 September 1919
Known For:	founding Hickory Farms

Richard K. Ransom (September 13, 1919 – April 11, 2016) was an American businessman and founder of Hickory Farms.

Life

Ransom graduated from DeVilbiss High School (Toledo, Ohio) in 1938.^[1] He served in World War II, at Okinawa. Starting in 1951, he built a specialty foods business, using the technique of "free samples". He sold Hickory Farms to General Host Corporation in 1980.^{[2] [3]}

Philanthropy

He was on the board of the Toledo Zoo and Riverside Hospital. He was board chairman of St. John's Jesuit High School and Academy.^{[4] [5]}

Notes and References

1. Toledo Blade obituary
2. News: Richard K. Ransom, Founder of Hickory Farms Specialty Foods Chain, Dies at 96. Walsh. Mary Williams. 2016-04-16. The New York Times. 0362-4331. 2016-04-28.
3. News: Richard Ransom Founded Hickory Farms Chain: 1919–2016. Hagerty. James R.. 2016-04-22. Wall Street Journal. 0099-9660. 2016-04-28.
4. Web site: Richard K. Ransom (1919–2016): Businessman aided children's charities. Toledo Blade. 2016-04-28.
5. Web site: Hickory Farms founder's real passion was civic philanthropy. Toledo Blade. 2016-04-28.