Today, Congressman David Kustoff (R-TN) paid tribute to Frederick W. Smith, the founder, chairman, and CEO of FedEx Corporation, on the House Floor. Smith passed away on June 21, 2025, at the age of 80.
In his remarks, Kustoff highlighted Smith’s significant contributions to industry and his lasting impact on Memphis. “To many people, Fred Smith will likely be remembered as a titan of industry and the founder of FedEx,” said Kustoff. He added that Smith was also “a champion for the City of Memphis” and “a man who loved his country.”
Smith was born in Marks, Mississippi, and raised in Memphis. He served as a Captain in the United States Marine Corps in Vietnam before founding FedEx. His vision for overnight package delivery grew into a global enterprise that revolutionized international supply chains.
FedEx now operates in over 220 countries with its headquarters in Memphis. The company has played a crucial role in transforming Memphis into a logistics hub and is Tennessee’s largest Fortune 500 company.
Former Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland praised Smith’s influence: “Fred Smith was the most significant Memphian in history.” Strickland noted Smith’s philanthropic efforts which supported various organizations.
Smith’s legacy includes bringing the NBA’s Grizzlies to Memphis by securing naming rights for their arena. He also donated $50 million towards stadium upgrades at the University of Memphis and contributed to saving local events like the FedEx St. Jude Golf Championship.
Kustoff recounted an anecdote involving Chris Richards, former General Counsel at FedEx. Despite initial reservations about participating in a film where a FedEx plane crashes—“Cast Away”—Smith saw potential benefits for both FedEx and future projects like fundraising for a World War II memorial.
The congressman concluded by honoring Smith’s lifetime achievements: “We celebrate a Marine, a Memphian, and a really good man.” Addressing Dianne Smith and family members directly, he expressed condolences: “Roberta and I mourn with you.”
Kustoff emphasized that the nation lost an innovator whose life left everyone better off.
