The man who reimagined package delivery has died at 80—remembering Fred Smith
- Replies 2
If you've ever tracked a package online, counted on overnight delivery, or mailed a birthday gift across the country with a few clicks, you’ve experienced the legacy of Fred Smith.
The founder of FedEx and a US Marine Corps veteran, Smith passed away this week at the age of 80.
His vision and determination transformed not just the shipping industry, but the way we all live, shop, and connect with loved ones.
Fred Smith’s life was deeply shaped by discipline, service, and big dreams.
He was born in Memphis, Tennessee, to a family familiar with entrepreneurship—his father built a fortune through a local bus company and other ventures.
But Smith carved his own path.
After graduating from Yale in 1966, he joined the US Marines and served two tours in Vietnam.
He earned commendations for bravery and injuries sustained in combat.
He often said it wasn’t his Ivy League education, but his military experience that prepared him for business.
"Everything I did running FedEx came from my experience in the Marines," he once told the Associated Press.
The idea for FedEx began as a college term paper.
While still at Yale, Smith proposed a centralized air cargo system with one main hub—what we now call the “hub and spokes” model.
It was a revolutionary idea that would soon become the foundation of modern express shipping.
In 1973, Smith launched Federal Express out of Memphis International Airport with just 14 small planes, aiming to serve 25 cities.
He chose the name “Federal Express” to sound important, hoping to land a contract with the Federal Reserve (a deal that didn’t materialize—but the name stuck).
Overnight shipping was unheard of at the time, and convincing people to trust a brand-new company with urgent packages wasn’t easy.
Smith’s leadership and persistence helped FedEx weather those early storms.
Slowly but surely, the company built trust, routes, and a reputation for speed and reliability.
That little startup is now a global powerhouse, averaging 17 million shipments every business day and reaching more than 220 countries and territories.
FedEx didn’t just change how mail moves—it reshaped the global economy, helping businesses operate on tighter timelines and global scales.
Fred Smith stepped down as CEO in 2022 but stayed on as executive chairman.
Along the way, he also became part-owner of the NFL’s Washington Commanders and watched his son Arthur rise as a coach in the league.
Despite his success, Smith stayed rooted in his hometown and values.
He rarely sought public attention, but he quietly supported numerous causes in Memphis—from the local university to the zoo.
His family also made generous donations to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, helping children of service members pursue education in science and technology.
Rep. Steve Cohen of Tennessee once called him “Memphis’s most important citizen,” highlighting how much Smith’s leadership and philanthropy meant to the city.
From your front porch to global warehouses, Fred Smith’s vision touches lives every day.
Whether it’s a prescription arriving just in time or a long-distance gift showing up at a doorstep, FedEx is part of our daily routines thanks to his foresight.
His influence even made its way into pop culture—Smith made a brief appearance in the 2000 film Castaway, starring Tom Hanks as a FedEx employee stranded on a deserted island.
It was a lighthearted nod to a company that had become woven into American life.
Fred Smith’s story reminds us that sometimes the biggest changes start with one idea, a little grit, and a lot of heart.
Read next: Grammy legend passes at 86: Uncover the surprising legacy of The Love Boat singer!
Do you have a FedEx story? Maybe you received a special package just in time, or you or someone you love worked for the company. Share your memories and help celebrate the legacy of a man who made the world a little smaller, faster, and more connected.
The founder of FedEx and a US Marine Corps veteran, Smith passed away this week at the age of 80.
His vision and determination transformed not just the shipping industry, but the way we all live, shop, and connect with loved ones.
From Memphis roots to military service
Fred Smith’s life was deeply shaped by discipline, service, and big dreams.
He was born in Memphis, Tennessee, to a family familiar with entrepreneurship—his father built a fortune through a local bus company and other ventures.
But Smith carved his own path.
Fred Smith, founder of FedEx and Marine Corps veteran, transformed global shipping with his bold vision and steady leadership. Image Source: YouTube /
WREG News Channel 3.
WREG News Channel 3.
After graduating from Yale in 1966, he joined the US Marines and served two tours in Vietnam.
He earned commendations for bravery and injuries sustained in combat.
He often said it wasn’t his Ivy League education, but his military experience that prepared him for business.
"Everything I did running FedEx came from my experience in the Marines," he once told the Associated Press.
Also read: Nationwide delivery heist: Are your FedEx-shipped AT&T devices safe?
From college paper to global business model
The idea for FedEx began as a college term paper.
While still at Yale, Smith proposed a centralized air cargo system with one main hub—what we now call the “hub and spokes” model.
It was a revolutionary idea that would soon become the foundation of modern express shipping.
In 1973, Smith launched Federal Express out of Memphis International Airport with just 14 small planes, aiming to serve 25 cities.
He chose the name “Federal Express” to sound important, hoping to land a contract with the Federal Reserve (a deal that didn’t materialize—but the name stuck).
Also read: Protect your packages: The disturbing truth about “disguised” delivery drivers and missing Amazon orders!
A risky start that paid off
Overnight shipping was unheard of at the time, and convincing people to trust a brand-new company with urgent packages wasn’t easy.
Smith’s leadership and persistence helped FedEx weather those early storms.
Slowly but surely, the company built trust, routes, and a reputation for speed and reliability.
That little startup is now a global powerhouse, averaging 17 million shipments every business day and reaching more than 220 countries and territories.
FedEx didn’t just change how mail moves—it reshaped the global economy, helping businesses operate on tighter timelines and global scales.
Also read: Outlaws Legend Freddie Salem Passes Away at 70
Beyond business: giving back and staying grounded
Fred Smith stepped down as CEO in 2022 but stayed on as executive chairman.
Along the way, he also became part-owner of the NFL’s Washington Commanders and watched his son Arthur rise as a coach in the league.
Despite his success, Smith stayed rooted in his hometown and values.
He rarely sought public attention, but he quietly supported numerous causes in Memphis—from the local university to the zoo.
His family also made generous donations to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, helping children of service members pursue education in science and technology.
Rep. Steve Cohen of Tennessee once called him “Memphis’s most important citizen,” highlighting how much Smith’s leadership and philanthropy meant to the city.
Also read: More than just a name in the ring—remembering George Foreman, the man behind the gloves
His legacy is all around us
From your front porch to global warehouses, Fred Smith’s vision touches lives every day.
Whether it’s a prescription arriving just in time or a long-distance gift showing up at a doorstep, FedEx is part of our daily routines thanks to his foresight.
His influence even made its way into pop culture—Smith made a brief appearance in the 2000 film Castaway, starring Tom Hanks as a FedEx employee stranded on a deserted island.
It was a lighthearted nod to a company that had become woven into American life.
Fred Smith’s story reminds us that sometimes the biggest changes start with one idea, a little grit, and a lot of heart.
Read next: Grammy legend passes at 86: Uncover the surprising legacy of The Love Boat singer!
Do you have a FedEx story? Maybe you received a special package just in time, or you or someone you love worked for the company. Share your memories and help celebrate the legacy of a man who made the world a little smaller, faster, and more connected.
% everyday! I remember before technology tracking, we used black magic markers to write on pkg. The destination code (which went by nearest largest city) …. I remember when the system hit 1 million packages, We were a FAMILY, you could not have been prouder to work for such a great company. Thank You Mr. Smith for the life FedEx provided for me and my family! RIP
