Robert Bryant Wilson III

Robert Bryant Wilson, III, was born in Cleveland, TN on October 7, 1952. His life on this earth ended on May 26, 2026.

Preceding Robert in death were his parents, Robert B. Wilson, Jr. and Patsy Owens Wilson; parents-in-law, Bryant and Margaret Smiley; brothers-in-law, David Smiley and Jack O'Grady; grandparents, Robert B. Wilson, Sr. and Mary Moore Wilson (Mam and Pap), Thelma and Walter Woods.

He is survived by his wife, Sherry Smiley Wilson; sons, Rob Wilson (Angela) and Tim (Mari Beth) Wilson; grandsons: Bryant, Carter, Wyatt, and Wesley; sisters, Patti (Ron) Kuhns, Kansas City, Missouri, and Sally O'Grady, Cleveland; nieces, Dr. Jessica Smiley Thomas (Matt), Madisonville, Angela Smiley Asel (Blake), Texas, Beth Young (Derek), Soddy Daisy, Jenni Evans (Brian), Rome, Italy; nephews, Forest Smiley, Vonore, David Kuhns (Dena), Kansas City, Missouri, Ty O'Grady, Chattanooga, Sean O'Grady, Wahington, DC; aunt, Mary Tim Wilson Burgin; cousin, Lynn Burgin, Bloomington, Indiana.

Robert served as an Elder at the Charleston Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He was often heard to express his faith by saying, "I'm so glad Someone bigger than I is in charge!" and "God doesn't make mistakes".

Robert was born into a dairy farming family and spent his teen years on the Walker Valley family farm working with his dad and grandfather bringing the first dairy herd of Brown Swiss cows to Bradley County.

Robert was an honor graduate of Charleston High School, Tennessee Wesleyan, and the University of Tennessee College of Law.

His legal career began with William K. Fillauer in their law firm, Fillauer and Wilson. Robert's law practice spanned 43 years before his retirement in 2020. He cherished the conversations and friendships he shared with his many clients-those connections were the heart of this work.

Outside of his private law practice, Robert answered the call of public service. In 1978, he was appointed as Municipal Judge for Charleston, TN, a post he held until his retirement in 2024. He was one of the longest serving Municipal Judges to serve in the State of Tennessee.

Robert loved nature and enjoyed hiking trails in the Great Smoky Mountains, in the Cherokee National Forest and the trails on the family farm. He enjoyed fishing in the lake at the family farm with his sons and grandsons. He enjoyed his deep-sea fishing trips on the Gulf of Mexico.

Robert and Sherry purchased the family river farm from his grandmother This farm is a living piece of family heritage. He enjoyed working on the farm, riding his red tractor through the fields and woods as he maintained the River House, barns, and trails; and he shaped wood from the land's own oak and walnut trees into beautiful furniture. The farm has become a beloved gathering place for family and friends. It was Robert's favorite place on this earth.

In every part of his life, as a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, attorney, judge, craftsman, and Elder, Robert built a legacy of service, kindness, and quiet strength that will continue to shape his family and the community he loved.

Visitation for Robert will be on Monday, June 1, 2026, from 4:00-7:00 PM with the funeral service to follow at 7:00 PM at Companion Funeral Home, Ridge Sanctuary.

Memorials may be made to Charleston Cumberland Presbyterian Church, P. O. Box 476, Charleston TN 37310.