Veteran, visionary, and philanthropist remembered for lifelong service
Fred Smith, founder of FedEx and decorated Marine Corps veteran, passed away at 80, the company confirmed. Widely regarded as a logistics visionary, Smith revolutionized global delivery services while dedicating his life to public service and philanthropy.
After graduating from Yale in 1966, Smith served two combat tours in Vietnam, earning the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and two Purple Hearts before leaving the military in 1969 as a captain. His military experience would profoundly shape his business philosophy and leadership style.
From battlefield to boardroom
In 1973, Smith launched FedEx from humble beginnings, turning it into one of the largest transportation companies in the world. He often credited the Marine Corps — not his Ivy League education — for his business acumen. “Everything I did running FedEx came from the Marine Corps,” he told the Associated Press in 2023.
FedEx, headquartered in Memphis, became an economic cornerstone, supporting countless businesses globally and establishing Smith as a private but powerful figure in American enterprise.
A legacy of giving back
Smith’s commitment to service extended far beyond business. He co-chaired efforts for the U.S. World War II Memorial and the National Museum of the Marine Corps. In 2022, he donated $65 million to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation to support children of Navy and Marine families pursuing STEM education.
“I never went to graduate school, but I joke that I got an extra degree from U-S-m-C,” Smith once said. “The Marine Corps defined my life, and it makes me want to give back.”
Tributes pour in
Former President George W. Bush called Smith “one of the finest Americans of our generation.” Congressman Steve Cohen described him as Memphis’ “most important citizen.”
Despite his immense success, Smith often avoided the spotlight. Asked about contributing to society, he once said: “If you’ve done well in this country, it’s pretty churlish not to give a good portion of that back.”
For his unmatched contributions in military service, business, and philanthropy, Fred Smith was named Military Times’ 2024 Veteran of the Year.
