• FedEx founder Fred Smith died at the age of 80.
• Smith revolutionized the express delivery industry starting in 1973.
• He served in the Marine Corps before founding FedEx, which now handles 17 million shipments per day.
• Smith's legacy includes a significant impact on global logistics and philanthropy.
• Memphis leaders praised him as a dedicated citizen and a visionary leader.

Fred Smith, the founder of FedEx Corp. and a pioneering force in the express delivery industry, has died at the age of 80. The announcement came from the company, highlighting his pivotal role in reshaping logistics since the company began operations in 1973. Under his leadership, FedEx evolved into a company that averages 17 million shipments daily, establishing itself as a global icon in transportation and logistics, according to Reuters, Channel News Asia, and HuffPost.

Smith founded FedEx using a business theory he developed during his time at Yale University, creating a hub-and-spoke delivery system that changed how businesses approach logistics and inventory management. A Marine Corps veteran, Smith utilized skills honed during his service to successfully navigate the challenges of starting a delivery service in a time when overnight shipping was a novel concept, according to NPR and SFGate.

With roots in Memphis, Tennessee, Smith started with just 14 small aircraft and 389 employees, a far cry from FedEx's current scale, which includes over 700 aircraft and a fleet of more than 200,000 vehicles worldwide. His vision led to the company becoming an essential player in global commerce, significantly shaping how time-sensitive deliveries are conducted across industries, according to BBC and CBS News.

Smith was known not only for his business acumen but also for his philanthropy. In a 2023 interview, he expressed his belief in giving back, stating, “America is the most generous country in the world," emphasizing the importance of contributing to public interests, as noted by HuffPost and SFGate.

Memphis Mayor Paul Young and U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen both praised Smith posthumously, highlighting his significant role in shaping the local community and the broader economy. His legacy as a visionary leader extends beyond the business realm, reflecting a deep commitment to his city and country, according to Channel News Asia and BBC.