For “the most important Memphian of all time,” Fred Smith, the journey to a successful business story began with a “C” grade on his university paper. Although Smith claimed in 2012 not to remember the grade, it has become a legendary tale that his professor dismissed his paper on overnight, reliable delivery service in the digital age. Less than a decade later, in 1971, he incorporated FedEx and officially launched its operations in 1973. Though the man behind the delivery giant is no longer among us, his legacy has impacted everyone, even the PGA Tour. And that is the exact reason why everyone, including Jay Monahan, is mourning his death at the age of 80.

The PGA Tour commissioner, Monahan, said, “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.” His company emerged as the Tour’s longest-standing sponsor, offering significant financial backing and contributing to the Tour’s expansion. UAs golfers tee off for the FedEx St. Jude Championship this summer – the first of the three FedEx Cup playoffs – they’ll undoubtedly be reminded of Smith’s legacy. Monahan continues, “We mourn the loss of a legendary business leader and philanthropist and offer our condolences to his family.”

The relationship between FedEx and the PGA Tour officially started in 1986 when the business giant became the title sponsor of the American circuit’s Memphis-area tournament, the FedEx St. Jude Classic. Over the years, this annual event has transformed, with FedEx sponsoring a World Golf Championships event from 2019 to 2022 and a FedExCup Playoffs event since 2022. Given his impact on the golf world, even Billy Horschel, among others, couldn’t hide their devastation.

Given the unfortunate news, Billy Horschel shared his condolences and wrote, “Saddened to hear of the passing of the @FedEx founder, Fred Smith. He was a tremendous businessman who was a great believer in the @PGATOUR and its players. Four decades worth of sponsoring and partnering with the PGA Tour that lead to the creation of the FedEx Cup.”

And Horschel’s emotions aren’t misplaced, especially given the profound impact Smith has had on the PGA Tour. Take, for instance, the 2007 season, wherein FedEx introduced a new era in the golf world by sponsoring the FedExCup, a season-long points competition that culminates in the FedExCup Playoffs. Ever since the 2007 season, it has awarded the top performer each season with the FedExCup title. In its inaugural season, Tiger Woods won the first FedExCup.

However, the news seems to have devastated more than a few people at the American circuit, with the new PGA Tour CEO, Brian Rolapp, joining in. In his message on X, Rolapp offered condolences to Fred Smith’s family and said, “His impact on golf, through nearly four decades of partnership, will be felt for generations to come. My condolences go out to Fred’s family at this difficult time.”

It goes without saying that Fred Smith’s impact would be felt everywhere in the business world, and even at the PGA Tour. However, his ten children survive him and will hopefully extend their father’s legacy in the world, especially in the Memphis area.

Fred Smith transformed Memphis by reshaping its “very identity”

Fred Smith’s passing on June 21 marks the end of an era for Memphis, a city he profoundly transformed through his visionary leadership at FedEx. His commitment to innovation and excellence not only propelled the company to global prominence but also reshaped the local economy, creating over 500,000 jobs and attracting significant investment.

Mayor Paul Young aptly noted that Smith “gave our city wings,” highlighting how FedEx’s presence has become integral to Memphis’s identity, making it a global logistics hub. Young said, “Fred Smith was more than a business leader — he was a visionary whose ideas reshaped not only the global economy but the very identity of Memphis.” Former Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland said, “Fred Smith was the most important Memphian of all time.” And Fred Smith aptly deserves that title.

Moreover, beyond business, Smith’s philanthropic spirit left a lasting impact on the community. His $10 million donation to the Memphis Zoo for the construction of Teton Trek, which houses grizzly bears and other wildlife, and the $92 million naming rights deal for FedExForum showcased his dedication to enhancing the city’s cultural and recreational landscape. Smith’s support for education is evident in the FedEx Institute of Technology at the University of Memphis, which focuses on advanced research in supply-chain management and robotics, as well as his $5 million pledge to Historically Black Colleges and Universities, including LeMoyne-Owen College.

But for the legendary FedEx founder, Fred Smith, there was more to life. Take art, for instance. Smith’s influence extended into the arts, as his early involvement in Ardent Records helped cultivate Memphis’s rich musical heritage, where artists like Big Star and ZZ Top recorded classic albums. His sponsorship of the FedEx St. Jude Championship further solidified his role as a patron of sports and community engagement. We offer our condolences to Fred Smith’s family.