For Robert Bryant Wilson, III, every chapter of his life feels stitched into the land and community of Bradley County. Born in Speck Hospital in downtown Cleveland, Tennessee, Robert, a resident of The Harbor at Legacy Village of Cleveland, holds the proud distinction of being the oldest of three children raised by Robert and Patsy Wilson. The Wilson family marked their days on a dairy farm in Walker Valley. From his earliest years, Robert pitched in alongside his father and grandfather, learning both the daily lessons of farming and the deep bonds of family.

School brought its own achievements. Robert was an honor graduate at every step: first at Charleston High School, then Cleveland State Community College, and Tennessee Wesleyan College, before earning his law degree from the University of Tennessee School of Law. Even then, the family’s ethic of hard work traveled with him.

His legal career began with William K. Fillauer, and over the years, their partnership (Fillauer & Wilson, later Wilson Law) became an institution in Southeast Tennessee. Robert’s practice spanned thirty-eight years before being joined by his son, Tim, in 2015. With the firm now named Wilson Law, the family legacy grew even stronger. By the time Robert retired from private practice in January 2020, he had faithfully served the region for forty-three years. He especially cherished the friendships and conversations he shared with the many clients who came through his door—those connections were the heart of his work.

Outside of his private practice, Robert answered the call of public service. In 1978, he was appointed Charleston’s City Judge, a post he would hold with distinction for forty-six years until his retirement in 2024. He loved serving the Charleston community, whether presiding over municipal matters or representing the city at state and national judicial trainings, including time at the National Judicial College in Reno, Nevada. Early in his legal career, he also served as County Attorney for Polk County Government and its School Board.

It was during those years Robert’s personal life took a wonderful turn—an introduction to Sherry, the daughter of Polk County’s Superintendent of Schools, Margaret Smiley. Three months after they met, Robert and Sherry married, beginning a shared journey that brought them two sons, Rob (married to Angela) and Tim (married to Mari Beth). Their family grew to include four grandsons: Bryant, Carter, Wyatt, and Wesley. Robert finds endless joy in the company of his sons, daughters-in-law, and grandsons, relishing every chance to spend time together.

In 1987, Robert and Sherry purchased his grandmother’s farm—a living piece of family heritage. Robert found both work and delight there: riding his red tractor across the fields, maintaining the River House and barns, or shaping wood from the land’s own oak and walnut trees into beautiful furniture. On quiet afternoons, he could often be found with a fishing rod in hand, sharing the lake with his sons and grandsons. The farm has become a beloved gathering place for friends and family alike.

His passion for fishing sometimes called him further—from spontaneous road trips to the Florida panhandle to days spent deep sea fishing on a charter boat after closing up his law office. But no matter how far Robert’s travels took him, there was never any place he'd rather return to than Bradley County and the rhythm of life on the River Farm.

Robert’s faith is rooted just as deeply. Since childhood, he’s attended Charleston Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Like his great-grandfather, William Moore, he has served as an Elder—and today, his Aunt Mary Tim Burgin and his son Rob serve as Elders as well.



A lifelong resident of Bradley County, Robert has welcomed the world’s breadth but always finds his greatest contentment in coming home. In every facet of his life—son, brother, husband, father, attorney, city judge, craftsman, and elder—he has built a legacy of service, kindness, and quiet strength that still shapes the community he loves.