Billionaire FedEx founder dies aged 80, leaving behind legacy and 10 children

Fred Smith, the billionaire entrepreneur who transformed the global delivery industry by founding FedEx, has died at the age of 80.
Smith launched FedEx in 1973 with a groundbreaking idea: a faster, more efficient way to deliver small parcels and documents than the traditional postal service.
Starting with just 14 aircraft operating out of Memphis International Airport, the company serviced 25 U.S. cities in its early days. His innovative 'hub and spokes' model, coordinating air cargo flights around a central hub, quickly became a cornerstone of modern logistics.
Under Smith's leadership, FedEx grew into a global powerhouse, now delivering an astonishing 17 million parcels every day.
His cause of death has not yet been confirmed. Under Smith's leadership, FedEx grew into a global powerhouse, now delivering an astonishing 17 million parcels every day.
A Yale University graduate, Smith famously drew on a business theory he developed during his college years to create the foundation for FedEx.
Worth an estimated $5.3 billion at the time of his death, according to Forbes, Smith was also a dedicated philanthropist. He donated millions to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, supporting the families of those who served.
Though he stepped down as CEO in 2022, Smith remained deeply involved with the company as executive chairman. Fred Smith. Pic: Getty
His passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from political and business leaders alike.
Memphis's former mayor Jim Strickland called him 'the most significant Memphian in history,' adding: '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.'
Smith is survived by his wife and 10 children.

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Billionaire FedEx founder dies aged 80, leaving behind legacy and 10 children

Fred Smith, the billionaire entrepreneur who transformed the global delivery industry by founding FedEx, has died at the age of 80. Smith launched FedEx in 1973 with a groundbreaking idea: a faster, more efficient way to deliver small parcels and documents than the traditional postal service. Starting with just 14 aircraft operating out of Memphis International Airport, the company serviced 25 U.S. cities in its early days. His innovative 'hub and spokes' model, coordinating air cargo flights around a central hub, quickly became a cornerstone of modern logistics. Under Smith's leadership, FedEx grew into a global powerhouse, now delivering an astonishing 17 million parcels every day. His cause of death has not yet been confirmed. Under Smith's leadership, FedEx grew into a global powerhouse, now delivering an astonishing 17 million parcels every day. A Yale University graduate, Smith famously drew on a business theory he developed during his college years to create the foundation for FedEx. Worth an estimated $5.3 billion at the time of his death, according to Forbes, Smith was also a dedicated philanthropist. He donated millions to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, supporting the families of those who served. Though he stepped down as CEO in 2022, Smith remained deeply involved with the company as executive chairman. Fred Smith. Pic: Getty His passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from political and business leaders alike. Memphis's former mayor Jim Strickland called him 'the most significant Memphian in history,' adding: '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.' Smith is survived by his wife and 10 children.

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FRED Smith, the billionaire founder of revolutionary delivery firm FedEx, has died at the age of 80. FedEx started up in in 1973 delivering small parcels and documents more quickly than the postal service. 2 Fred Smith, founder of FedEx, has died at 80 Credit: Getty 2 Smith leaves behind 10 children Credit: Getty Smith oversaw its growth to a behemoth of the industry, relied upon by other companies all over the world. The business now delivers a staggering 17million parcels every day. His cause of death is yet to be confirmed. Smith, worth $5.3billion at his death according to Forbes, was also known for his philanthropy. He stepped down as FedEx's CEO in 2022, but remained at the helm as executive chairman. Memphis's former mayor Jim Strickland hailed him as "the most significant Memphian in history". He donated millions of dollars to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation - after serving for four years in the Marine Corps himself. Politicians and commercial figures have paid tribute to the legendary businessman. Most read in The US Sun Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn said: "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." More to follow... For the latest news on this story, keep checking back at The U.S. Sun, your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, sports news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures, and must-see videos . Like us on Facebook at