Frederick W. Smith

Frederick W. Smith
Smith in 2025
Born
Frederick Wallace Smith

(1944-08-11)August 11, 1944
DiedJune 21, 2025(2025-06-21) (aged 80)
Burial placeArlington National Cemetery
EducationYale University (BA)
Occupations
  • Business magnate
  • investor
  • philanthropist
Years active1971–2022
Known forFounder of FedEx Corporation
Political partyRepublican
Spouses
Linda Black Grisham
(m. 1969; div. 1977)
Diane Smith
(m. 2006)
Children10, including Arthur, Windland and Molly
Parents
Military career
Allegiance United States
Branch U.S. Marine Corps
Service years1966–1969
Rank Captain
ConflictVietnam War (WIA)
AwardsSilver Star
Bronze Star
Purple Heart (2)

Frederick Wallace Smith (August 11, 1944 – June 21, 2025) was an American business magnate and investor. He was the founder and chairman of FedEx Corporation, the world's largest express transportation company. Smith stepped down as CEO in June 2022 and was succeeded by Raj Subramaniam. Considered one of the most successful transportation entrepreneurs in the world, Smith had an estimated net worth of $5.3 billion at the time of his death according to Forbes.