Memphis and Tennessee leaders react to Fred Smith's death: 'An incalculable loss'
This story will be updated.
Memphis is mourning the death of FedEx founder Fred Smith, who died June 21 at the age of 80.
"Fred Smith was the most significant Memphian in history. He benefited our city in every way possible and allowed generations of Memphians to achieve the American dream," former Memphis mayor Jim Strickland posted on X. "God bless Fred Smith. My condolences to the Smith family."
Here is a look at some other reactions from across Memphis and Tennessee.
"Fred Smith was more than a business leader — he was a visionary whose ideas reshaped not only the global economy but the very identity of Memphis. When he founded FedEx, he didn't just launch a company, he changed the way the world moves. What started as his bold belief in overnight delivery became a global force, connecting people, powering businesses, and linking communities across continents. And he chose to do it from Memphis. Fred's innovative spirit challenged all of us to think bigger. To dream beyond the limits. To imagine what's possible, and then deliver it. In many ways, he gave our city wings. FedEx has brought jobs, investment, and international recognition to Memphis, and Fred's impact is woven into the fabric of who we are today. On behalf of the city of Memphis, I offer our deepest condolences to the Smith family and the entire FedEx community. Fred Smith was a legend in every sense of the word, and his legacy will continue to move Memphis, and the world, forward."
"Fred Smith's death is an incalculable loss to Memphis, Shelby County, and the world. His genius, leadership, and commitment to community and family cannot be replicated. The huge shoes he leaves behind will forever be empty."
'The Memphis Shelby County Airport Authority extends its deepest condolences to the Smith family and FedEx. Fred was an innovator, a leader, and a cornerstone of the Memphis community. His impact on the airport and our great city cannot be understated.'
"Fred Smith was more than just a business icon – he was the architect who transformed Memphis into a global logistics powerhouse and our identity as America's Distribution Center. Mr. Smith's revolutionary vision created tens of thousands of jobs for Memphians and established our city as a crucial hub in the global economy. The impact of his leadership extends far beyond FedEx, touching every corner of our business community and setting the foundation for Memphis' continued economic growth, including coining the term 'Digital Delta'."
"I'm deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Fred Smith, a visionary leader and cherished member of our community. As the founder of FedEx, Fred revolutionized global logistics, creating countless jobs and opportunities right here in Memphis. His entrepreneurial spirit, dedication to innovation, and commitment to Memphis will leave a lasting legacy. He truly did Make Memphis Matter to the world. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and the entire FedEx team during this difficult time. Tonight, I say to Mr. Smith, go be with God as God has been with you."
"I am deeply saddened by the passing of Fred Smith. As the founder of FedEx, his leadership and innovation transformed global commerce, and he will be remembered for his relentless drive, patriotism, and commitment to service. His legacy will endure not only through the company he built but through the countless lives he touched. Praying for his wife, children, and family."
'Memphis has lost its most important citizen, Fred Smith. 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. From the FedExForum to Liberty Stadium—which is now being modernized with his support—to the University of Memphis and our world-class zoo, Fred's impact can be seen everywhere you look. Thank you, Fred, for everything you gave to Memphis.'
"Before building one of the most influential companies in modern history, Fred Smith served his country with honor as a U.S. Marine Corps officer in Vietnam. After returning home, he continued his service by profound investment in our state and the great city of Memphis. It is hard to fully capture the impact he had on our city. His work and philanthropy touched every corner of Memphis. He invested in our children, our schools, our sports, and our future. Fred Smith gave hope to the people of Memphis because he believed so deeply in our potential. He never stopped showing up for Memphis. Fred Smith was a friend to all. He was a builder and a leader. I have no doubt that his legacy will live on forever."
"Fred Smith was truly one of the greatest and most transformational figures in history, truly an epic leader. Fred's heart was as large as his fortune as evidenced by his countless philanthropic initiatives—on behalf of not only the Memphis 901 community but as well all over the world. Fred was a hero to me, an individual that I have looked up to my entire life.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: FedEx founder Fred Smith's death: Memphis and Tennessee leaders react
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Fred Smith, the FedEx founder who revolutionised the express delivery industry, has died aged 80. FedEx started operating in 1973, delivering small parcels and documents more quickly than the US postal service could. Over the next half-century, Mr Smith, a veteran US Marine, oversaw the growth of a company that combined air and ground service and became something of an economic bellwether because so many other companies rely on it. Based in Memphis, Tennessee, FedEx grew into a global transportation and logistics company that averages 17 million shipments per business day. Mr Smith stepped down as chief executive in 2022 but remained executive chairman. A 1966 graduate of Yale University, he used a business theory he came up with in college to create a delivery system based on co-ordinated air cargo flights centred on a main hub – a 'hub and spokes' system, as it became known. The company also played a major role in the shift by American business and industry to a greater use of time-sensitive deliveries and less dependence on large inventories and warehouses. Mr Smith once told The Associated Press that he came up with the name Federal Express because he wanted the company to sound big and important when in fact it was a start-up operation with a future far from assured. At the time, he was trying to land a major shipping contract with the Federal Reserve Bank that did not work out. In the beginning, Federal Express had 14 small aircraft operating from Memphis International Airport flying packages to 25 US cities. Mr Smith's father, also named Frederick, built a small fortune in Memphis with a regional bus line and other business ventures. Following college, Mr Smith junior joined the US Marines and was commissioned a second lieutenant. He left the military as a captain in 1969 after two tours in Vietnam where he was decorated for bravery and wounds received in combat. He told The Associated Press in a 2023 interview that everything he did running FedEx came from his experience in the Marines, not what he learned at Yale. Getting Federal Express started was no easy task. Overnight shipments were new to American business and the company had to have a fleet of planes and a system of interconnecting air routes in place from the start. Though one of Memphis's best-known and most prominent citizens, Mr Smith generally avoided the public spotlight, devoting his energies to work and family. But despite his low profile, he made a cameo appearance in the 2000 movie Castaway starring Tom Hanks. The movie was about a FedEx employee stranded on an island. 'Memphis has lost its most important citizen, Fred Smith,' said US representative Steve Cohen of Tennessee, citing the FedEx's founder's support for everything from the University of Memphis to the city's zoo. '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.' Sign in to access your portfolio
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MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Fred Smith, the FedEx Corp. founder who revolutionized the express delivery industry, has died, the company said. He was 80. FedEx started operating in 1973, delivering small parcels and documents more quickly than the post office could. Over the next half-century, Smith, a Marine Corp. veteran, oversaw the growth of a company that combined air and ground service and became something of an economic bellwether because so many other companies rely on it. Memphis, Tennessee-based FedEx grew into a global transportation and logistics company that averages 17 million shipments per business day. Smith stepped down as CEO in 2022 but remained executive chairman. Smith, a 1966 graduate of Yale University, used a business theory he came up with in college to create a delivery system based on coordinated air cargo flights centered on a main hub, a "hub and spokes" system, as it became known. The company also played a major role in the shift by American business and industry to a greater use of time-sensitive deliveries and less dependence on large inventories and warehouses. Smith once told The Associated Press that he came up with the name Federal Express because he wanted the company to sound big and important when in fact it was a start-up operation with a future far from assured. At the time, Smith was trying to land a major shipping contract with the Federal Reserve Bank that didn't work out. In the beginning, Federal Express had 14 small aircraft operating out of the Memphis International Airport flying packages to 25 U.S. cities. Smith's father, also named Frederick, built a small fortune in Memphis with a regional bus line and other business ventures. Following college, Smith joined the U.S. Marines and was commissioned a second lieutenant. He left the military as a captain in 1969 after two tours in Vietnam where he was decorated for bravery and wounds received in combat. He told The Associated Press in a 2023 interview that everything he did running FedEx came from his experience in the Marines, not what he learned at Yale. Getting Federal Express started was no easy task. Overnight shipments were new to American business and the company had to have a fleet of planes and a system of interconnecting air routes in place from the get-go. Though one of Memphis' best-known and most prominent citizens, Smith generally avoided the public spotlight, devoting his energies to work and family. Despite his low profile, Smith made a cameo appearance in the 2000 movie 'Castaway' starring Tom Hanks. The movie was about a FedEx employee stranded on an island. 'Memphis has lost its most important citizen, Fred Smith,' said U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen of Tennessee, citing Smith's support for everything from the University of Memphis to the city's zoo. '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." Smith rarely publicized the donations he and his family made, but he agreed to speak with AP in 2023 about a gift to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation to endow a new scholarship fund for the children of Navy service members pursuing studies in STEM. 'The thing that's interested me are the institutions and the causes not the naming or the recognition,' Smith said at the time. Asked what it means to contribute to the public good, he replied: 'America is the most generous country in the world. It's amazing the charitable contributions that Americans make every year. Everything from the smallest things to these massive health care initiatives and the Gates Foundation and everything in between,' he said. 'I think if you've done well in this country, it's pretty churlish for you not to at least be willing to give a pretty good portion of that back to the public interest. And all this is in the great tradition of American philanthropy.'
