Leaving behind a legacy of American entrepreneurship, the Marine Corps veteran who founded FedEx and transformed global shipping has died at age 80.
Fred Smith’s revolutionary idea for overnight package delivery, conceived at Yale University, grew from a small operation with 14 aircraft into a global powerhouse employing over 500,000 people.
Smith, who passed away over the weekend, founded Federal Express in 1973 after serving two tours in Vietnam, during which time he earned medals for bravery and combat wounds.
He left the military as a captain in 1969, carrying the discipline and strategic thinking that would later define his business approach.
The shipping magnate developed his groundbreaking “hub and spokes” delivery system concept while still a student at Yale University.
Initially dismissed by a professor who reportedly gave him a C on the paper outlining the concept, Smith proved his critics wrong by building one of America’s most successful corporations.
Starting with just 14 small aircraft operating out of Memphis International Airport and serving only 25 U.S. cities, FedEx now handles an astonishing 17 million shipments per business day worldwide.
This remarkable growth demonstrates how free-market innovation can transform entire industries when combined with hard work and vision.
Smith chose the name “Federal Express” specifically to convey a sense of national importance and reliability – values that reflected his own commitment to service and excellence.
Smith maintained a low public profile throughout his career, focusing instead on building his business and supporting his family.
Unlike many wealthy business leaders who flaunt their philanthropy for public relations purposes, Smith preferred to make significant but often unpublicized charitable donations.
His support for conservative values included substantial contributions to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, creating new scholarship opportunities for the children of Navy service members.
Smith’s approach to giving reflected traditional American values, emphasizing substance over showmanship.
“The thing that’s interested me are the institutions and the causes not the naming or the recognition,” Smith once said.
#RIP pioneering businessman Fred Smith who passed away yesterday at the age of 80. Smith served two tours of duty on Vietnam as a U.S. Marine officer before founding the global delivery giant FedEx Corp. He said he owed the Marines a debt of gratitude for his business success. pic.twitter.com/ztpOJKwJfi
— U.S. Naval Institute (@NavalInstitute) June 23, 2025
Congressman Steve Cohen praised Smith as “Memphis’ most important citizen,” acknowledging his transformative impact on the city’s economy and the nation’s shipping industry.
“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.
Smith’s military background significantly influenced his business philosophy and success.
While many corporate executives today have never served their country, he credited his Marine Corps experience for giving him the leadership skills and strategic vision that helped build FedEx into a global giant.
His success story serves as a powerful reminder of how military service builds character and prepares individuals for success in civilian life.
Smith remained at the helm of FedEx until 2022, demonstrating a commitment to his company that spans generations of American business leadership.
In an era when corporate executives frequently jump from one opportunity to the next, Smith’s long-term dedication to building a lasting enterprise stands as a testament to traditional business values.
