Jason Smith discussed Monday's (8/11) "Fred Smith Celebration of Life" event in which Geoff Calkins covered at FedExForum.
AUDIO:
Monday, August 11th, would have been Fred Smith's 81st birthday. Hundreds gathered at FedExForum here for the Celebration of Life honoring the legacy of Smith. Obviously Smith will forever be known as the founder and guiding spirit of FedEx.
As Calkins discussed, the ceremony featured mayors, his family, Pitt Hyde, and celebrity tributes via video format. Many heartfelt musical tributes included the Memphis Symphony Orchestra along with impactful words about a man that transformed Memphis.
Pastor Tim Bowers, visibly moved, led attendees in paying tribute, saying, “Thank you for sharing him with the world,” and urging those gathered, “Let us honor him with our best”. A symbolic and emotional moment came during the St. Jude Championship weekend when a FedEx plane, bearing Smith’s initials, made a flyover followed by a moment of silence — a powerful nod to his indelible mark on the industry and the community.