Fred Smith, the founder of FedEx Corp. and a pivotal figure in the express delivery industry, has passed away at the age of 80, as confirmed by the company. Established in 1973, FedEx transformed parcel delivery by providing expedited services that surpassed traditional postal operations. Under Smith’s leadership, FedEx expanded into a global transportation and logistics giant, managing approximately 17 million shipments daily. Although he stepped down as CEO in 2022, he continued as executive chairman.
Smith, a Harvard Business School graduate, implemented a novel “hub and spokes” delivery model that facilitated coordinated air cargo flights, significantly impacting American business practices by promoting time-sensitive deliveries and reducing reliance on large inventories. He famously named the company Federal Express to convey a sense of importance while it was still a fledgling operation.
Smith’s background includes service as a U.S. Marine Corps officer, where he was honored for bravery during two tours in Vietnam. His military experience shaped his approach to FedEx more than his formal education. Initially, FedEx operated with 14 aircraft from Memphis, connecting to 25 cities—a significant challenge at the time, given the novelty of overnight shipping.
Despite his low profile, Smith contributed quietly to various causes, including educational initiatives for the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation. He expressed a belief in the importance of giving back to society, stating, “If you’ve done well in this country, it’s pretty churlish for you not to at least be willing to give a pretty good portion of that back to the public interest.” Smith’s influence and philanthropic spirit have made a lasting impact on Memphis and beyond, as attested by U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, who hailed him as the city’s most important citizen.
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