Frederick Smith, founder of FedEx and one of the PGA Tour’s most loyal partners, has died at the age of 80. Smith passed away on Saturday after suffering a heart attack. FedEx has maintained a long-standing partnership with the PGA Tour, most notably through its title sponsorship of the FedExCup.
“The PGA TOUR is saddened to learn of the passing of Frederick W. Smith the visionary of FedEx who led every day with tremendous character and values,” said PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan.https://t.co/XQ1yORTA7u
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) June 22, 2025
How Visionary Leader Smith Started FedEx with a Bold Idea
Smith started FedEx in the early 1970s with a bold idea. As a college student at Yale, he wrote a paper that imagined a system to deliver packages overnight. Most people saw it as unrealistic, but Smith believed in his vision. In 1973, he launched FedEx and, over the decades, turned it into one of the world’s largest and most reliable delivery companies. Today, FedEx ships millions of packages each day and connects over 220 countries.
Smith served as FedEx’s CEO and later as Executive Chairman for several years. He stepped down in 2022 and handed the role to Raj Subramaniam, who called Smith the company’s “heart and soul.” Under Smith’s leadership, FedEx didn’t just grow in size — it changed how the world moves goods. He introduced faster, more efficient shipping, pushed for better trade agreements, and worked closely with world leaders to support global commerce.
His influence reached beyond business. Smith served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He earned two Purple Hearts and a Silver Star for bravery. He once said that his time in the military shaped how he ran his company. His leadership style reflected a deep respect for discipline, action, and loyalty.
PGA Tour Mourn Smith’s Passing
Smith also had a long and meaningful relationship with the PGA Tour after FedEx became the title sponsor of the Memphis-area PGA Tour tournament in 1986. His company became the Tour’s longest-running sponsor, providing major financial support and helping the Tour grow its reach. Players, fans, and Tour leaders respected Smith’s commitment to the game.
“The PGA TOUR is saddened to learn of the passing of Frederick W. Smith the visionary of FedEx who led every day with tremendous character and values,” outgoing PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan said in a statement. “FedEx has been a tremendous partner for nearly 40 years, and its influence on our sport through tournament sponsorship and its involvement from day one of the FedExCup has been monumental. Fred and his company made significant contributions to the growth and popularity of PGA TOUR golf, and the TOUR continues to benefit from his and FedEx’s influence, which will be felt for generations to come. We mourn the loss of a legendary business leader and philanthropist and offer our condolences to his family.”
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