Oliver Anderson Smith III

Oliver A. Smith lll, Esq. peacefully passed away on January 2, 2026, surrounded by his loving family and caretakers. A devoted father, grandfather, and great grandfather, Oliver was third in the line of five generations of Oliver Smiths that have called Knoxville their home. He was an extreme adventurer on a grand scale, hunting and fishing with his son throughout the world. He was known nationally as a famous big game hunter and sport fisherman. He also was an avid reader and historian, with a fishing and hunting library unparalleled. Oliver was a skilled piano player, in the style of Jerry Lee Lewis, whom he loved. With his appreciation of this style, he was always attracted to the soulful music of the old hymns in church.

Born on February 17, 1941, Oliver went on to graduate from the Tennessee Military Institute for high school, then continued his secondary education at the University of Tennessee and the University of Tennessee College of Law.

Together with his father, Oliver A. Smith Jr, he moved to the family’s development, West Town Mall, in the early 1970’s, where he set up a solo law practice, something that was almost unheard of at the time. Specializing in personal injury, medical malpractice, and real estate, he was a natural litigator at heart. Tall, dark and intimidating when needed, and trustworthy to multiple generations of clients and friends, he had a storied legal career of which he was very proud. During his young formative years as an attorney, Oliver also became the cornerstone of bringing the plot bear hound to America, which is now the state dog of North Carolina. He was named as one of the cofounders of the breed SmithVale plot hound. The love of his hunting life was his most famous dog, Cascade Big Timber, who is still widely considered to be one of the greatest bear hunting dogs in history. Oliver was also instrumental in making the striper fishery a regional attraction for sportsman here in East Tennessee.

He retired from his practice 25 years ago and acquired an ocean captain’s license. For a period of years, Oliver and his beloved wife Carol traveled and bill fished throughout the Caribbean, Mexico, as well as Central and South America. They finally settled in Vero Beach, Florida on the coast, but were always looking for the next sporting hobby. He took up sporting clays during his time in Florida, and with his usual exceptional commitment to becoming accomplished in whatever field he undertook, Oliver became a nationally ranked shooter, winning numerous tournaments throughout the Southeast.

Family and legacy were of the utmost importance to Oliver. From trips to Africa with his granddaughter, to play time on the living room floor with his great grandchildren, to discussing his grandson‘s new real estate career, Oliver leaves behind his love and admiration for them all.

He will be sorely missed now and for generations to come by his son, Oliver A. Smith IV, and daughter-in-law, Sarah, grandchildren, Olivia Smith and Oliver A. “Crosse” Smith V, and his wonderful great grandchildren, Savina and Lev. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carol, parents, Oliver and Evelyn Smith, and sisters, Diana Flaherty and Carol Tombras.

The family wants to express our deepest appreciation to his caregivers Dawn Hammond, Sharon Evans, Kimberly Rosasco, and Kenny Wolfe for their tireless assistance and care during the last several months. A special thank you goes to Faye Hacker who is like a family member and who always offered him friendship, support and love.

Oliver‘s earthly departure is mourned with heavy hearts. He was a son of East Tennessee, with its beautiful mountains, lakes, and culture. For those who knew him, there was a respect and admiration for a rugged individual who sought to become the very best at whatever endeavor he pursued. To his family, he was an icon who lived life to the fullest and with great vigor.

There will be a private celebration of life for the family and close friends. We ask, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Riverview Baptist Church in Fort Pierce, Florida, 4601 N Old Dixie Hwy, Fort Pierce, FL 34946, https://www.riverviewbaptistfortpierce.com/, in his name. Online condolences are greatly appreciated and may be expressed at www.berryhighlandwest.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Oliver A. Smith lll please see Berry Highland West at 9913 Sherrill Blvd, Knoxville, TN 37923 or call (865) 693-9547.