Tab was born March 10, 1936 to Ance W. and Esther Smith in Munford, Alabama, he was the youngest of 15 children. After high school he entered the US Army and served 8 and a half years, during this time he served 3 years in Germany and 1 year in Korea. He served on the Honor Guard at Fort Benning, Georgia for 18 months and won medals on the pistol team at Fort Hood, Texas. He was married to Frances Sheppard Smith for 57 years. After discharge from the army they lived in Narco, Cal., for many years where he was active in city activities and his church as well as the Lion's Club. He was named Narco Man of the Year in 1972. Tab and his family moved to LaFayette in 1976. He worked at several car dealerships, retiring from Carl Gregory Ford, Lincoln, Mercury as used car manager in 1999. After that he worked as a bondsman with AAA Bonding. He served on several boards in LaFayette. He was a member of the Providence Baptist Church in Lanett, Alabama and served as Commander and Vice Commander of the American Legion Post 141 in LaFayette for many years.

Tab is survived by his wife Frances Sheppard Smith, 5 children Virginia Dale Weaver, Travis D. "Butch" (Karla) Smith, Jr., Donald W. Smith, Misty (Anthony) White, and Travis D. (Trey) Smith, III, 1 brother Harrison Smith, 7 grandchildren 7 great grandchildren, and many nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, 13 siblings and a granddaughter.