Talbert Wayne Smith

Tab was born on May 12, 1945, in Jacksonville to Talbert and Dorothy (Trice) Smith. He was a 1963 graduate of Alfred Dupont Senior High School. Upon graduation, Tab joined the United States Navy where he served for several years in Honolulu, HA. After his discharge, he moved to Nashville, TN to pursue a songwriting career. Always a prolific writer, he became a member of BMI and experienced success with several of his songs in the gospel music field. Those songs included “I Never Knew Love” and “I Believe Jesus” recorded by many gospel artists including The Florida Boys and Roger McDuff.

After a brief time in Nashville, TN, Tab returned to his hometown of Jacksonville, FL where he lived the remainder of his life. A Godly and gentle man, he enjoyed spending time with his family and his church family. He was a long-time and much-loved member of The Jacksonville Assembly Church pastored by Brother Paul Dyal.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy (Trice) Smith and his father, Talbert Smith both of Jacksonville, FL. He is survived by his three brothers – Ronald Eugene Smith of Tallahassee, FL; Walter Banner Smith of Jacksonville, FL; and Davy Allen Smith of Nashville, TN; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 22nd at 11:00 AM ET at Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel and Cemetery in Jacksonville, FL.