FedEx founder Fred Smith is dead at 80

Fred Smith, founder of FedEx, before a Senate hearing.

Tom Williams/Roll Call

• FedEx founder Fred Smith died Saturday at 80, the company said in a statement.
• Smith started FedEx over 50 years ago, turning it into an iconic brand.
• Smith was an influence player in Washington, DC, where he pushed for policies and nudged presidents.

Frederick Wallace Smith, the founder and former CEO of FedEx, died Saturday at the age of 80. 

Smith's death was confirmed by FedEx in a statement.