### The Heartbreaking Tragedy of Tom Smith from Misfit Garage

Tom Smith, the charismatic mechanic and comedian from *Misfit Garage*, captivated fans with his humor, talent, and unapologetic personality. Behind the scenes, however, lay a life of personal battles, professional setbacks, and unspoken struggles that painted a tragic portrait of a man who seemed unstoppable. From his humble beginnings to his rise—and fall—in the world of automotive TV, Tom’s story is one of resilience marred by heartbreak.

Born in Ohio and raised in Georgia, Tom was a curious kid who dismantled anything he could get his hands on, often failing to reassemble them. At age 10, he joyrode his uncle’s 1974 Pontiac Granville, crashing into a police car—earning a spanking but no lasting harm. By 12, he lived with his grandmother, and after high school, he returned to Ohio, opening an auto shop in a rough neighborhood.

Married with a child, he bought a 1967 Ford Galaxy convertible amid Chevy fans, quipping, “I am not going to ride over a cliff with you in a Chevy, so I bought a Ford.”

Mentored by racing legend Carl Parsons, Tom honed his skills in Texas at Driver’s Edge, specializing in performance enhancements. He joined Gas Monkey Garage, starring in *Fast and Loud*. But in 2014, a dispute over a photo near Richard Rawlings’ Rolls-Royce led to his firing alongside Jordan Butler. Tom swore at the manager, and both were let go. He called it the best thing that happened, comparing himself to Bill Gates.

Teaming with Scott McMillan and Thomas Weekes, they founded Fired Up Garage, birthing *Misfit Garage* on Discovery Channel. The name—”FU Garage”—was a nod to Tom’s childhood dream, but it fueled rivalry with Gas Monkey.

The feud, partly staged for drama, escalated with accusations of poaching and unethical practices. Despite this, Tom thrived, showcasing builds like a 1970s AMC Gremlin he sank in a lake as a boat experiment.

Tom’s passion for classic American cars was fierce. He railed against metric bolts in old engines, calling the metric system “the devil” and a chaos-bringer. His humor shone off-camera too; he performed stand-up at clubs like the Dallas Improv.

But beneath the laughs were challenges: health issues, financial strains, and lineup changes. Jordan Butler left over disagreements, Scott McMillan started his own shop, and Kevin Clark departed amid drama.

*Misfit Garage* faced criticism for disrespecting classics, like chopping a 1957 Chevy into a gasser. The show ended after six seasons in 2018, with rumors of a seventh never materializing. Profits were slim—$2,000 per build—relying on ad revenue from 1.3 million viewers.

The “tragedy” peaked with Tom’s reclusive final years. After quitting the show due to back surgery, he withdrew, rarely posting online. During COVID-19, he entertained via live comedy and rescued dogs, but hints of a solo auto show fizzled. Fans wondered if he’d get a fresh start.

Tom’s story reveals the toll of fame: from joyous builds to bitter rivalries, personal losses, and unfulfilled dreams. His legacy endures as a reminder that even the funniest mechanics face heartbreaking realities.