Rube was the son of William H and Francis Ardena Baird Tackett and spent his very early years around Delaney. He served in France during WWI between 1917 and 1918. Rube lived as a bachelor most of his adult years in Fayetteville, Washington Co, Arkansas and only married very late in life. He could be seen occasionally riding one of his horses as he traveled around Fayetteville. It was not uncommon to see him carrying a pale on one arm and one or two dogs following along. Rube never owned a car and did not drive; he remained fixed in a time that he was accustomed to living. In his very late years, Rube made a profession of faith and stood by his commitment to his Lord until his death.