FedEx founder Fred Smith passed away at age 80. Smith, a Marine Corps veteran and Yale graduate, revolutionized the express delivery industry with his innovative "hub and spoke" system, establishing FedEx in 1973. The company, initially operating with 14 aircraft, grew into a global logistics giant averaging 17 million shipments daily. Smith stepped down as CEO in 2022 but remained executive chairman. He was known for his business acumen and philanthropy, prioritizing contributions to institutions rather than public recognition.

Prepared by Christopher Adams and reviewed by editorial team.