Overview

• FedEx confirmed Smith’s death on June 21 at age 80, and CEO Raj Subramaniam described him as the heart and soul of the company.
• He pioneered the overnight delivery industry with his hub-and-spoke model, launching FedEx operations in 1973 and leading the company until stepping down as CEO in 2022.
• A decorated Marine Corps veteran who served two tours in Vietnam, Smith was a notable philanthropist who supported causes like the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation and local Memphis initiatives.
• He held a minority stake in the Washington Commanders from 2003 to 2021 and established enduring sports partnerships, including title sponsorship of the PGA Tour’s FedExCup.
• He is survived by his wife, Dianne Avis, and their ten children.