Fred Smith
Memphis paused for the passing of critical citizen and FedEx founder Fred Smith last week with praise, personal testaments to his character, and listing his many contributions to the city.
His nephew, Joseph Davis, offered an inside look at the man in a Facebook post with several intriguing details. In his car, Smith “literally jammed out to college marching band fight songs.” He co-founded Ardent Studios when he was 15. And Smith only ever really bragged about his kids and grandkids.
Davis also pointed to a 2021 interview with Arthur Smith, Fred Smith’s son and former head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, on the Bussin’ with the Boys podcast. In it, Arthur calls his dad live to tell (and confirm) the famous and true story of how he once took FedEx’s last $5,000 to Las Vegas to save the company. He won $27,000 on blackjack, enough to cover the company’s $24,000 fuel bill at the time.
Hell
“If you want to experience what hell feels like, come to Memphis — 100 and rising,” tweeted @TrumpIsBack7 last week. The account’s location is Memphis and the user identifies as a member of the Memphis Police Department. “Heat index 110. Unlike places with dry heat like Arizona, we have really high humidity, which is way worse.”
Celtic
Details of the car that crashed through Celtic Crossing Irish Pub’s patio were few as of press time. We’re hoping for a speedy rehab for the pub and any injured.