America has lost a true patriot and business icon as FedEx’s visionary founder, who transformed American delivery systems, died.
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Fred Smith, a Marine Corps veteran and embodiment of the American entrepreneurial spirit, passed away at 80.
He built an empire that now employs over 500,000 people worldwide and stands as a monument to free market success.
Smith founded Federal Express in 1973, starting with just 14 small aircraft operating out of Memphis International Airport.
The company initially served only 25 U.S. cities but grew into the global shipping giant we know today, which handles an astounding 17 million shipments per business day.
The name “Federal Express” was deliberately chosen to convey importance and reliability – values that Smith, who served two tours in Vietnam and earned medals for bravery and combat wounds, carried from his military service into his business leadership.
Smith’s revolutionary “hub and spokes” delivery system concept was a business innovation and a fundamental transformation of American commerce that enabled countless businesses to thrive through reliable overnight delivery services.
“Fred was more than just the pioneer of an industry and the founder of our great company. He was the heart and soul of FedEx,” said Raj Subramaniam, who succeeded Smith as CEO.
“He was a mentor to many and a source of inspiration to all. He was also a proud father, grandfather, husband, Marine, and friend,” he added.
Contrary to many of today’s vocal corporate leaders pushing woke agendas, Smith maintained a notably low public profile throughout his career, focusing instead on his work, family, and charitable giving rather than political grandstanding.
He served as CEO of FedEx until 2022, guiding the company through five decades of growth and innovation.
Smith’s military background profoundly shaped his business approach.
After graduating from Yale University, where he first developed his delivery system concept, Smith served as a Marine Corps officer in Vietnam before leaving the service as a captain in 1969 to pursue his business dreams.
U.S. Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN) praised Smith as “Memphis’s most important citizen” and acknowledged the tremendous economic impact of his vision.
“FedEx is the engine of our economy, and Fred Smith was its visionary founder. But more than that, he was a dedicated citizen who cared deeply about our city,” Cohen stated.
“The thing that’s interested me are the institutions and the causes not the naming or the recognition,” Smith once said, reflecting his humble approach to philanthropy despite his tremendous success.
Furthermore, Smith’s philanthropic efforts included significant support for the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, establishing a new scholarship fund for children of Navy service members.
Unlike many corporate leaders who use charitable giving for publicity, Smith’s family often made substantial donations without seeking recognition.
Beyond his business accomplishments, Smith maintained diverse interests, even making a cameo appearance in the 2000 movie “Castaway.”
He was also a minority owner of the Washington Commanders NFL team until 2021.
Fred Smith’s life and legacy represent the very best of American entrepreneurship. He was a patriotic veteran who built a world-changing business through hard work, innovation, and dedication.
All of this while maintaining the humility and commitment to service that characterized his generation of business leaders.
FedEx founder, executive chairman Fred Smith dead at 80: ‘Pioneer of an industry’ https://t.co/C4ij3mDBmo pic.twitter.com/180Emsyhbt
— New York Post (@nypost) June 22, 2025
