‘Most important Memphian of all time’ has died

Former Tennessee Gov. and U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander: “Very few Americans packed as much into 80 years as Fred Smith did. Decorated Marine, dedicated father, advocate for Memphis, founder and leader of a company that employs 500,000.I knew no one who had a clearer view of the world than Fred did. He was a friend for 50 years, and I will miss him.I want to express to the Smith family my respect and admiration for his life.”

U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn: “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.”

U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen: “I’m surprised and shocked. (There has been) nobody more important to Memphis in our history than Fred Smith. The jobs he’s brought, the contributions he’s made to our community, the investments in community resources and activities. He’s been Mr. Memphis. He was a great guy. I value the time I spent with him.”

University of Memphis President Bill Hardgrave: “Fred Smith was a titan of industry and a passionate Memphian who devoted more than 50 years to growing this city. A fierce advocate for education, he helped shape opportunities at the University of Memphis that have elevated our campus — investments that include top-tier facilities, academic programs and internships that connect our students to the height of corporate America. Through the Learning inspired by FedEx (LiFE) program, Fred Smith gave his employees the opportunity to acquire college degrees at the UofM, providing flexible schedules and tuition assistance to those who needed it most. His legacy will forever be displayed through the lives of our students, the strength of our programs and the deep bond between FedEx and our institution. Our thoughts are with the Smith family and the entire FedEx community as we mourn the loss of one of Memphis’s most transformative leaders.”

Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris: “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.”

Former Memphis Mayor Willie Herenton: “I used to always say when I was mayor, the Memphis we enjoy today would not have all the tremendous accomplishments of the city without Fred Smith and his brilliance in creating FedEx. He was brilliant and he cared about Memphis. I’m deeply saddened to hear that Fred has passed away. I send my condolences to his family.”

U.S. Rep. David Kustoff: “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. ... 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.”

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee: “Fred Smith was a generational leader and titan of business who pioneered the global logistics industry and — through his belief in the power of connection — enriched the lives of millions of Tennesseans and billions of people across the world. While his life was defined by a remarkable career, Fred Smith’s legacy will be his servant heart, his patriotism, and his relentless pursuit of a triumphant Memphis. Without a doubt, his greatest achievement was creating a wonderful family with children and grandchildren who will continue to dream big and expand opportunity for all. Fred made a profound impact on my life, and I was proud to call him my friend. Maria and I join all Tennesseans in mourning the loss of one of the finest men to call the Volunteer State home. We are praying for the Smith family and celebrating the blessing of Fred Smith’s life.”

Scott Morris, founder of the Church Health: “When I first tried to introduce myself to Fred Smith, he invited me into his office and talked to me for an hour. That was in 1990. He was always kind to me beyond measure. Is it possible to love Memphis more than he did? I don’t know what Memphis would be like without him. He has touched virtually everything in Memphis that is good.”

Shelby County District Attorney General Steve Mulroy: “For over half a century he not only presided over a revolution in transportation and logistics, but served as a key booster and anchor for Memphis. Memphis grew along with his company, and will miss him. All Memphians should pray for him and his family. ”

Jennie Robbins, CEO of Church Health Center: “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Fred Smith, whose visionary leadership shaped both our city and its heart. For decades, he stood as a pillar of innovation, generosity, and compassion. Always championing causes that uplifted countless families, supported small businesses, and inspired new generations of leaders. Where would Memphis be without him and his family’s dedication to this city and its commerce?”

Local philanthropist Gayle Rose remembered Smith calling her after her son Max was killed in a car accident in 2009. Smith’s daughter Wendy had passed away in 2005 of an undiagnosed heart condition: “Of all the stuff people will say about Fred, when I lost Max, my son, he called me personally because he’d lost his daughter Wendy. What he said to me was, ‘Gayle it’s awful. It’s just awful and I’m so sorry.’ He didn’t have any platitudes. He was just present.”

Former Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland: “Fred Smith was the most important Memphian of all time. He benefitted our city in every way possible, and he allowed generations of Memphians to achieve the American dream. Every good thing that’s happened in Memphis in the last 40-50 years, he, his family or the FedEx family has contributed to it. It’s immeasurable, his impact on this city. I am so sad for our city and for his family. To be in his presence for any period of time was just remarkable.”

State Sen. Brent Taylor: “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.”

Matt Thompson, president and CEO of Memphis Zoo: “Fred believed in the power of the Memphis Zoo to bring our community together. His legacy lives on in every guest experience, every conservation success, and every young mind sparked by the wonder of wildlife.”

Ted Townsend, president and CEO of the Greater Memphis Chamber: “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.’”

Memphis Mayor Paul Young: “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.”

The Memphis Zoo: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Fred Smith, a true friend to the Memphis Zoo and one of our most visionary supporters. His leadership and generosity helped shape some of the Zoo’s most beloved spaces, including his instrumental role in bringing giant pandas to Memphis, an achievement that placed our city on the global conservation stage. Fred’s support went far beyond funding. He championed animal care, education, and community connection, helping us build immersive exhibits like Teton Trek and expand our reach as a leader in wildlife conservation. His belief in the Zoo as a unifying force for Memphis inspired our team and touched generations of visitors. Fred Smith leaves behind a legacy of innovation, service, and heart. Our thoughts are with his family and all who were privileged to know him.”

Managing editor James Overstreet and reporter Jody Callahan contributed to this story.