Overview

• FedEx confirmed that founder Fred Smith died on June 21 at age 80, with no official cause of death released.
• CEO Raj Subramaniam called Smith the “heart and soul” of the company and praised his mentorship and integrity.
• Smith launched FedEx operations in 1973 based on a hub-and-spoke delivery system he conceptualized as a Yale student, revolutionizing global shipping.
• A decorated Marine Corps veteran who served two tours in Vietnam, Smith’s military experience shaped the company’s disciplined culture.
• His philanthropic legacy includes major donations to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.