A Visionary Who Changed the Way the World Ships
Fred Smith, the founder of FedEx, passed away on June 21, 2025, at the age of 80 in Memphis, Tennessee. Through his bold vision of overnight delivery, Smith not only revolutionized logistics—but also reshaped modern commerce.
From Yale Term Paper to Global Empire
Back in 1965, while studying at Yale University, Smith wrote a term paper proposing a fast-parcel delivery system for time-sensitive materials. That paper, reportedly graded a “C,” became the seed of a billion-dollar idea.
After his service in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War—where he earned the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and two Purple Hearts—he returned determined to bring his vision to life.
The Start of FedEx
In 1971, Smith founded Federal Express (now FedEx) with $4 million of his own inheritance and raised another $91 million in venture capital.
The company officially launched in 1973 with 14 aircraft, delivering to 25 cities. At one critical point, Smith famously took the last $5,000 in FedEx’s account and turned it into $27,000 in Las Vegas blackjack winnings—just enough to make payroll.
Explore how FedEx transformed modern logistics.
Legacy of Innovation
Smith introduced the hub-and-spoke model, which is still used globally. He also ensured FedEx was the first U.S. company to reach $10 billion in revenue without a merger or acquisition.
By the time he stepped down as CEO in 2022, FedEx had:
- Over 600 aircraft
- Nearly 700,000 employees
- Presence in 220 countries
- Over 17 million packages shipped daily
Dive deeper into Fred Smith’s innovation mindset.
Stepping Away and Staying Involved
In 2022, Raj Subramaniam took over as CEO, but Smith stayed on as executive chairman. He remained actively involved in policy, trade, and tech conversations that influenced FedEx and global commerce.
Personal Life, Family & Arthur Smith
Fred Smith had 10 children, including Arthur Smith, a former head coach of the Atlanta Falcons and now offensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Smith was also a minority owner of the Washington Commanders, blending business with sports in his later years.
Philanthropy and Public Praise
Smith gave generously to causes like the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation. He also supported education, veterans’ welfare, and local Memphis charities.
After his passing, tributes poured in:
- George W. Bush called him “one of the finest Americans of our generation.”
- Senator Marsha Blackburn praised his patriotism and innovation.
- Jim Strickland, former Memphis mayor, called him “possibly the most important Memphian in modern history.”
Net Worth & Business Impact
Smith’s net worth was estimated at $5.3 billion, according to Forbes. He ranked among the richest self-made Americans.
FedEx, the company he built from scratch, reported over $90 billion in annual revenue.
Cause of Death
At the time of this writing, the exact cause of death has not been publicly confirmed. However, sources say he passed peacefully in Memphis. We will update this article when further details are released.
Final Word
Fred Smith’s story isn’t just about packages or profit—it’s about perseverance, patriotism, and purpose. He turned a “C” paper into a global logistics empire, inspiring thousands along the way.
