News Summary
FedEx will hold a public celebration of life for its founder, Fred Smith, on August 11. The event will occur at FedExForum, featuring speakers and performances. Community members are invited to register online. Smith, who passed away in June, was instrumental in establishing FedEx as a leader in the logistics industry, and his legacy will also be honored with the renaming of Memphis International Airport.
Memphis to Honor Late FedEx Founder Fred Smith
FedEx has announced plans for a public celebration of life service for its late founder, Fred Smith, scheduled for Monday, August 11. The event will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee, coinciding with what would have been Smith’s 81st birthday. This event invites the public to come together to honor the legacy of a significant business leader.
The commemorative program will feature various speakers and musical performances, with detailed information about the participants set to be released closer to the date of the event. Community members who wish to attend are required to register online at www.fedexremembers.com.
Security Measures and Attendee Guidelines
Security protocols for the celebration will align with those used on game days for the Memphis Grizzlies, including the implementation of clear bag policies and the use of metal detectors to ensure the safety of all attendees.
Legacy of Fred Smith
Fred Smith, a native of Marks, Mississippi, spent the majority of his life in Memphis. He founded FedEx in 1971 in Little Rock, Arkansas, later relocating the company to Memphis in 1973. Smith served as the chairman and CEO of FedEx for the majority of his tenure, guiding the company to become a global leader in the shipping industry. He passed away from natural causes on June 21, 2023, at the age of 80.
Since his passing, numerous lawmakers, city leaders, and employees of FedEx have expressed their tributes and reflections on Smith’s impact. Furthermore, the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority Board has approved a measure to rename Memphis International Airport in his honor, solidifying his legacy within the community.
A Life of Achievement
Born on August 11, 1944, Fred Smith was raised by his mother in Memphis following the death of his father in 1948. He demonstrated exceptional leadership and vision that transformed FedEx into an essential player in the global logistics arena, establishing innovative practices that revolutionized the industry.
The upcoming celebration will serve not only as a remembrance of Smith’s illustrious career but also as an opportunity for the community to reflect on the lasting impact he has made in both the business world and the city of Memphis.
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Additional Resources
- Commercial Appeal: Celebration of Life for Fred Smith
- Fox 13 Memphis: FedEx Announces Celebration of Life Service
- WREG: FedEx to Hold Public Memorial for Fred Smith
- FedEx Newsroom: Frederick W. Smith Passes Away
- Wikipedia: Frederick W. Smith
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
