Frederick 'Fred' Smith, father of Pittsburgh Steelers OC Arthur Smith and minority owner of the Washington Commanders, passed away at the age of 80
(Image via Getty: Frederick Wallace Smith)
On June 22, Ari Meirov,
NFL
Insider, broke the news of the passing of
Fred Smith
, father of Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator
Arthur Smith
. Meirov wrote that
FedEx
founder Fred Smith — father of #Steelers OC Arthur Smith — has passed away at the age of 80.
Smith transformed global commerce and built one of the most iconic brands in the world. RIP.
United States Senator Marsha Blackburn tweeted a heartfelt obituary for Fred Smith. She wrote on her X - 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.
— MySportsUpdate (@MySportsUpdate)
Frederick Smith, the FedEx founder and billionaire father of the Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith, passed away, family members confirmed
FOX 13 News reported on June 22 - Fred Smith, the founder and former CEO of the FedEx corporation, passed away earlier this afternoon, family members confirmed. Smith is a Marks, Mississippi native, who founded FedEx in 1971 after serving in the U.S. Marines. He lived in Memphis for much of his life.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Costco Shoppers Say This Wrinkle Cream Is "Actually Worth It"
The Skincare Magazine
Undo
Frederick Smith is survived by his wife, Diane Smith, and his eight children. Diane Smith is his second wife. Arthur Smith is her son. The billionaire founder was previously married to Linda Black Grisham, with whom he has two children. In totality, he was the father of 10 children.
His children include Sandra Windland Smith Rice, an American Nature and Animal Photographer; Molly Smith, an American Film Producer; and his eldest son, Richard W.
Smith, Chief Operating Officer, International and Chief Executive Officer, Airline, at FedEx. Arthur Smith was a former college football player. He played guard for North Carolina Tar Heels football from 2001 to 2005. His coaching journey began in 2007.
Frederick Smith incorporated Arthur Smith into one of his businesses, the Washington Redskins(now, Commanders)
Fred Smith incorporated Arthur Smith into one of his vast businesses. The FedEx CEO and President was a minority owner of the Washington Redskins(now, Commanders) from 2003 to 2021.
In 2007, Arthur Smith began his NFL coach journey by becoming the defensive quality control coach of the Washington Redskins. Smith later went on to become a first-time head coach for the Atlanta Falcons only last year. But an 8-9 record in the 2024 NFL season led to his demotion and eviction.
He was then hired by the Pittsburgh Steelers as their offensive coordinator for the 2025 NFL season.
Tributes poured in for Arthur Smith's 80-year-old father and American
business magnate
and investor, Frederick Wallace Smith
Jim Strickland, former Mayor of Memphis, wrote on his X:
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. God bless Fred Smith. My condolences to the Smith family.
Paul Young, current Mayor of Memphis, wrote on his X:
My statement on the passing of Fred Smith. His legacy will continue to move Memphis, and the world, forward.
Marc Benioff, CEO of Salesforce.com, wrote on his X:
Deeply saddened by the passing of my friend, FedEx founder Fred Smith. A gentle, kind, and brilliant giant of business, he always offered me his hard‑earned wisdom and the warmest word. A Marine who led with core values and deep integrity. My thoughts are with his family. May the one who brings peace bring peace to all. ❤️
Also Read:
'When you don't win the whole thing, you failed': Sam Darnold blames himself for Seattle Seahawks' downfall in the 2024 NFL season | NFL News - Times of India
Follow all the live updates, scores, and highlights from the
India vs England Test match here
.
Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
Tel Aviv stocks soar as investors react to US strikes on Iran's nuclear sites
Israeli stocks hit an all-time high after they rose for a sixth consecutive session on Sunday. This happened in the light of US attacks on Iran's nuclear sites earlier today, reported Reuters. Israel's government bond prices have soared and risk premium has fallen low.(REUTERS) The broad Tel Aviv 125 index (.TA125), was recorded at 1.3% higher rate, while the blue-chip TA-35 (.TA35), was 1.2% higher in afternoon trading. Against the backdrop of Israel launching strikes across Iran since Jun 13, 2025, the country's shares rose during all five sessions last week, triggering a gain of 6%. After the US struck Iran in the early hours of today, US President Donald Trump stated that he had "obliterated" Iran's main nuclear sites in the overnight strikes with massive bunker-busting bombs. "The destruction of Iran's key nuclear facilities by the U.S. military is, of course, a positive development ... in terms of improving the regional security environment and reducing Iran's military and nuclear capabilities," said Ronen Menachem, Mizrahi Tefahot chief markets economist. 'It's a game-changer.' 'Looking at the medium- to long-term — which is relevant for many strategic investors — this could represent a genuine opportunity, possibly related to the prospect of closer ties between the Saudi and American axis,' Menachem said. For more than a week, local markets have aligned with Israel's actions in Iran. Government bond prices have soared, the shekel has appreciated, and Israel's risk premium has fallen low, said the report. As a counter to the US stepping into the conflict, Tehran defended itself and retaliated with a streak of missiles on Sunday, aimed at Israel, that wounded people and destroyed several buildings across Tel Aviv. Bond prices for today were up as much as 0.2%. The Israeli Shekel is closed for trade on Sunday, but it has rallied from 3.61 per dollar on June 11 to 3.48 on Friday and is up some 1% this month.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
'Have supplies of several weeks': Puri assures fuel stability amid US-Iran strikes; India leans on Russian Crude
NEW DELHI: As military conflict escalates between Israel and Iran, Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Sunday assured citizens that India's fuel supplies remain secure despite growing volatility in the Middle East. 'We have diversified our supplies in the past few years, and a large volume of our energy no longer passes through the Strait of Hormuz,' Puri posted on X, adding that Oil Marketing Companies have 'supplies for several weeks' and continue to receive fuel from multiple routes. His comments come as India dramatically increased Russian oil imports in June, buying more crude from Moscow than from all Middle Eastern suppliers combined. According to preliminary data from Kpler, Indian refiners are set to import 2 to 2.2 million barrels per day (bpd) from Russia, up from 1.96 million bpd in May. In comparison, total imports from traditional Gulf partners like Iraq, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Kuwait are projected to be slightly lower at around 2 million bpd. US strikes add to region's instability The latest geopolitical instability stems from a direct US military intervention in Iran. Yesterday, American forces bombed three Iranian nuclear sites, joining Israel's June 13 attacks on Iran's nuclear infrastructure. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Tehran has responded with strong warnings, including threats to close the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global chokepoint through which 40% of India's oil and 50% of its gas transits. Analysts believe a full closure is unlikely. 'Iran would risk hurting allies like China and Gulf neighbours, as well as provoke military retaliation,' said Sumit Ritolia of Kpler. 'At most, isolated disruptions could occur for 24–48 hours.' India's energy strategy pivots India's import strategy has shifted significantly since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Russian oil now makes up about 40-44% of India's crude basket, compared to under 1% before the war. US oil imports have also jumped, from 280,000 bpd in May to 439,000 bpd in June. Ritolia says India is now better prepared for supply shocks. 'Russian barrels come via routes detached from Hormuz. India is also sourcing more from the US, West Africa, and Latin America,' he noted. In the event of disruption, India may dip into its strategic reserves, which can cover around 9–10 days of imports. For now, Puri reiterated the government's commitment: 'We will take all necessary steps to ensure the stability of fuel supplies for our citizens.' Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
New Indian Express
3 hours ago
- New Indian Express
US strikes on Iran mark a dangerous turning point for the region and the world: Here's why
NEW DELHI: The American airstrikes targeting Natanz, Isfahan, and the fortified Fordow facility in Iran represent a dramatic escalation in the region's tensions. This could reshape the geopolitical landscape of West Asia, with wide-ranging consequences for diplomacy, regional stability, global oil markets, and India's energy security. What Are Iran's Options Now? Iran has several possible responses, each fraught with risk: Diplomatic De-escalation Iran could return to negotiations, potentially under the framework of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which the Trump administration previously abandoned. However, this route faces resistance from Iran's hardliners, who view the U.S. strikes as a humiliation and a betrayal of diplomacy. Tehran could also withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Closure of the Strait of Hormuz Iran's most potent non-military leverage is the Strait of Hormuz—a narrow maritime chokepoint through which over 20 million barrels of oil and a large volume of liquefied natural gas (LNG) pass daily. Iranian parliament has backed the proposal to close the strait while the final decision is yet to be made by Iran's top security body. The closure of Hormuz could trigger an oil price surge and widespread economic ripple effects. But this move would also harm Iran. Its own oil exports pass through Hormuz, and a closure would likely provoke military responses from Gulf Arab states and lead to further Western sanctions. Still, the threat alone could cause panic in energy markets. Military Counterstrike A more dangerous path is retaliation. Iran's military and political leadership have warned of striking U.S. military bases and naval assets in the region. Hossein Shariatmadari, editor of the hardline Kayhan newspaper, stated ominously: 'It is now our turn.' Iran possesses short-range ballistic missiles, drones, and naval assets that could be used in asymmetric attacks. The U.S., anticipating a reaction, has dispersed its forces and bolstered regional air defenses.
