MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Fred Smith, founder and executive chairman of FedEx Corporation, has died.

Smith died on Saturday, sources confirmed to WREG. He was 80 years old.

Smith was born in Marks, Mississippi, in 1944 and earned his degree from Yale in 1966. After four years of service in the United States Marine Corps, Smith launched FedEx operations in 1973. FedEx is headquartered in Memphis.

FedEx would go on to become a multi-billion-dollar corporation that serves more than 200 countries. Memphis is home to several FedEx hubs, including the FedEx World Hub in the airport area.

Smith served as CEO of FedEx until 2022, when he stepped down and became executive chairman. FedEx states that Smith used his time as chairman to focus on “board governance, as well as issues of global importance, including sustainability, innovation, and public policy.”

FedEx released a statement on Smith’s death.

It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that I share that Frederick W. Smith, our founder and executive chairman, died earlier today.

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 – its PSP culture, values, integrity, and spirit. He was a mentor to many and a source of inspiration to all. He was also a proud father, grandfather, husband, Marine, and friend; please keep the entire Smith family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

As we begin to process this tremendous loss, it is important that we take care of one another and demonstrate the passion and compassion that Fred embodied every day. In the coming days and weeks, I know we will all find ways to honor his memory and pay tribute to his legacy.

Raj Subramaniam

Senator Brent Taylor released a statement on Smith’s passing, calling him a “visionary leader and cherished member of our community.”

I’m deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Fred Smith, a visionary leader and cherished member of our community.

As the founder of FedEx, Fred revolutionized global logistics, creating countless jobs and opportunities right here in Memphis. His entrepreneurial spirit, dedication to innovation, and commitment to Memphis will leave a lasting legacy. He truly did Make Memphis Matter to the world.

My thoughts are with his family, friends, and the entire FedEx team during this difficult time.

Tonight, I say to Mr. Smith, go be with God as God has been with you.

Senator Marsha Blackburn said she was “deeply saddened” by Smith’s death.

“As the founder of FedEx, his leadership and innovation transformed global commerce, and he will be remembered for his relentless drive, patriotism, and commitment to service,” Blackburn posted on X. “His legacy will endure not only through the company he built but through the countless lives he touched. Praying for his wife, children, and family.”

Congressman Steve Cohen called Smith Memphis’s “most important citizen.”

“Federal Express is our economic engine. But also, in anything that affected Memphis, Fred Smith was there as Citizen Smith,” Cohen posted on X. “From the FedEx Forum to Liberty Stadium—which is being updated with his help—to our world-class zoo. Thank you, Fred!”

The Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority released a statement on Smith’s death on Saturday.

“The Memphis Shelby County Airport Authority extends its deepest condolences to the Smith family and FedEx. Fred was an innovator, a leader, and a cornerstone of the Memphis community. His impact on the airport and our great city cannot be understated.”

Chairman Michael Keeney

Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris called Smith’s death “an incalculable loss to Memphis, Shelby County, and the world.”

“Fred Smith’s death is an incalculable loss to Memphis, Shelby County, and the world. His genius, leadership, and commitment to community and family cannot be replicated. The huge shoes he leaves behind will forever be empty,” Harris posted on X.

In a statement released on Saturday, Memphis Mayor Paul Young praised Smith’s “innovative spirit” and said that Smith “changed the way the world moves.

The Memphis Branch of the NAACP also released a statement, calling Smith an “astute businessman, international business icon and family man.”

The NAACP Memphis Branch offers condolences to the family of FEDEX Founder Mr. Fred Smith. He was an astute businessman, international business icon and family man. FEDEX has been a partner and supporter of the NAACP Memphis Branch, and TN NAACP State Conference for decades. His impact to this community is unmatched.

Mr. Smith will be missed.

Kermit Moore,
President
NAACP Memphis Branch

Greater Memphis Chamber President Ted Townsend hailed Smith as “the architect who transformed Memphis into a global logistics powerhouse and our identity as America’s Distribution Center.”

“Mr. Smith’s revolutionary vision created tens of thousands of jobs for Memphians and established our city as a crucial hub in the global economy,” Townsend said in a statement. “The impact of his leadership extends far beyond FedEx, touching every corner of our business community and setting the foundation for Memphis’ continued economic growth, including coining the term ‘Digital Delta’.”