KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A veteran raised in East Tennessee celebrated his centennial on Wednesday. All the while, he showed his community that at 100 years he can still uplift his community.
Earl Ratledge served in the Korean War for around 8 months, in the frontline infantry company. He also works with his church and volunteers with a local food pantry. It is operated by FISH Hospitality Pantries, which provides groceries to over 7,000 families in the Knoxville area.
"This is the South Knoxville hospitality food pantry. It has been a place that I've worked for several years, maybe 15 years or so," he said.
He said he connected with the nonprofit through his church. There are four FISH Food Pantries, located across Knoxville.