James A. Smith, PGM 2006-2007

MW Jamie Smith was born June 28, 1941, in Chickasha, Oklahoma to Arthur Lindsey and Stella Lee (Wade) Smith. After graduating from Ozark High School (now Carroll High) in 1959, Bro. Jamie attended Troy State Teachers’ College for a short time before going to work with various contractors at Ft. Rucker, Alabama. He finished his college career in 1974, graduating from Troy State University and being named to Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. Bro. Jamie retired from Ft. Rucker contract work in 2004.

Brother Jamie married Betty (McFadden) Smith on November 6, 1965, after which Betty returned to school to finish her college education. She taught special education in the public schools for 35 years, retiring in 2003. They have three children: Leslie, Brian, and Jason. They also have two grandchildren with a third expected in March 2007.

Brother Jamie is a member of First United Methodist Church in Ozark where he serves on the Administrative Board, a member of the Men’s Club, and a sound system operator. He has also participated in Make-a-Difference projects.

Brother Jamie is a member of Claybank Lodge No. 908, in Ozark and Harmony Lodge No. 46 in Eufaula. He was initiated an Entered Apprentice at Claybank on October 25, 1971, passed to the degree of Fellowcraft on November 22, 1971, and raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on December 13, 1971. He served his lodge as Worshipful Master in 1975-76. He is a member of the Scottish Rite Bodies, Valley of Dothan, and the Dothan York Rite Bodies. He was invested a Knight Commander of the Court of Honor in 1995, and received the 33rd degree in 1999. In 2003, he was elevated to the rank of Knight of the York Cross of Honor.

Brother Jamie was elected to the office of Junior Grand Warden in 2003. He progressed through the Grand line and was installed Grand Master of Free and Accepted Masons of the state of Alabama on November 22, 2006.
[ALGL PROCEDINGS]

Frank W. Little, PGM 2005-2006

Frank Wesley Little was born April 11, 1947, in Birmingham, Alabama. He is the youngest son of the late Ray and Sarah Little of Leeds, Alabama and the brother of the late Jimmy Ray Little of Leeds. Frank attended public school in Leeds and graduated from Leeds High School in 1965. He enrolled at Jacksonville State College in the fall of 1965; however, his education was interrupted in the summer of 1966 when he enlisted in the United States Army. After 21 weeks of training Frank was sent to Vietnam where he spent one year serving with the 281″ Assault Helicopter Company as a crew chief and door gunner from January 1967 until January 1968. He served the remainder of his enlistment at Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, Georgia training helicopter pilots and received an Honorable Discharge on July 25, 1969. He currently serves as Junior Member at Large of the 281st Assault Helicopter Company Association, a group of veterans of the 281″ that meets once a year to renew old friendships forged under difficult circumstances and to honor the memory of their 46 fallen comrades.

Frank has two daughters, Michelle who resides in Georgia and Hope who lives in Florida, He has been married to his wife Margaret for 25 years and they currently reside in Irondale where they are members of the First Baptist Church.

Frank retired from Alltel in April of 2002 after 33 years of service. He enjoys many hobbies such as hunting, fishing and beekeeping. He is currently president of the Beasley Hunting Club in Sumter County where he began hunting with his dad at age 12. He is past President of the Jefferson County Beekeepers Association and two-times past President of the Alabama State Beekeepers Association. He currently serves as Quartermaster of Leeds VFW; Post # 6440.

Frank was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on May 21, 1996, in Leeds Lodge # 446 where he is a Past Master and presently serves as Secretary. He received the 4Ih thru 32°” Degree of Scottish Rite Masonry in the fall class of 1996, invested a Knight Commander of the Court of Honor in Charleston, S.C. in October, 2002 and received the rank and title of Inspector General Honorary 33rd Degree on December 10, 2005. He currently serves as Co-Class Director for the Valley of Birmingham. He is a member of the Birmingham Metro York Rite, Cahaba Chapter # 222 Order of the Eastern Star, where he serves as Marshal, and is Director of the Knights of Mecca of Zamora Temple. He is President of the Central Alabama Square and Compasses Club and Knight Companion of the St. Dunstan Conclave of the Red Cross of Constantine.

Frank was awarded the Grand Lodge Certificate of Proficiency on June 30, 1998, and is a past District Lecturer of District 17. In 1999 MWPGM Jerry Underwood appointed him to the Constitution and Edicts Committee. In November 2002 he was elected Junior Grand Warden. In 2004 MWPGM Darrell Neill appointed Frank Conference Chairman of the 44th Annual Southeastern Masonic Conference held in Birmingham. In February 2005 at the Conference of Grand Masters of North America held in Calgary, Alberta he was elected to serve on the Time and Place Committee for the 2006 Conference in Nashville, TN. On November 23, 2005, at the Annual Communication of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of F. & A. M. of Alabama Frank was elected Grand Master of Masons in Alabama.

Gene Anderton, PGM 2004-2005

Brother Anderton was born March 7, 1963 in Lawrence County, Alabama to Sherman Wayne and Bobbie Anderton. He attended public school in Town Creek, Alabama where he graduated from Hazel wood High School in 1981.

In 1981, he was hired by Saginaw Steering Gear, a division of General Motors, where he is still employed. He married Cindy Ray on August 12, 1983. Cindy is the daughter of Fred and Estella Ray of Hartselle, Alabama. Brother Anderton and Cindy have three children, Meagan, Matthew and Mindi. Meagan is married and lives in Knoxville, Tennessee and Matthew and Mindi both attend college. He has one brother, Wayne Anderton, Jr. of Moulton, Alabama. Brother Anderton is a member of Moulton Baptist Church in Moulton, Alabama.

Brother Anderton began his Masonic career by petitioning Town Creek Lodge No. 361 in Town Creek, Alabama on February 12, 1987. He was elected on February 26, 1987 and initiated on March 12, 1987. He was passed on March 26, 1987 and raised to a Master Mason on April 9, 1987. He served his Lodge as Worshipful Master in 1991 and also served as Secretary of Town Creek Lodge from 1993 through 1996 and again in 1998 through 2000. He received his Grand Lodge certificate in February, 1988. He is also a dual member with Hatton Lodge No. 879. Brother Anderton’s first Grand Lodge appointment was as Assistant District Lecturer of District 4 in 1989 and served for seven years. He served on the Committee on Work for Group 2 in 1996. He was appointed to the Grand Lodge line as Senior Grand Steward in 1997. He was reappointed to the Committee on Work in 2000 and served until 2001. Brother Anderton was elected to the office of Junior Grand Warden in November 2001. He has advanced through the Grand Line to the honor of Grand Master of Masons of the State of Alabama in November 2004. Brother Anderton is a member of the Cahaba Shrine in Huntsville, Alabama and the Scottish Rite Bodies of the Tri-Cities Valley. He was honored in 2003 by being invested with the K.C.C.H. He is a member of the Northwest Alabama Proficiency Club and also the National Sojourners, Inc., Chapter No. 365.

Darrell Neil, PGM 2003-2004

Brother Neill was born May 16, 1947 in DeKalb County, Alabama to William L. and Juanita Neill. He started public school in Dale County, Missouri and his family moved back to Alabama in 1954 where he finished school in DeKalb County.

Brother Neill married Patsy Brewer on October 22,1964. Patsy is the daughter of Betty and the late Ralph Brewer of Fyffe, Alabama. Brother Neill and Patsy have one son, Scott. Scott and his wife Stacie, all of Crossville, Alabama, blessed the Neill family on October 10,1990 with the birth of their daughter Courtney Neill. Scott is also a Master Mason and is a Past Master of Fyffe Lodge No. 697. Brother Neill has one sister, Cheryl Hood of Dawson, Alabama.

Brother Neill has been a member of the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church near Oak Grove, Alabama for twenty years.

Brother Neill and his son Scott are the owners of Neill Trucking and raise cattle on their farms.

Brother Neill began his Masonic career by petitioning Fyffe Lodge No. 697 in Fyffe, Alabama on September 14, 1979. He was raised to a Master Mason on March 14, 1980. He is also a Dual Member with Geraldine Lodge No. 838. He has served his Lodge as Worshipful Master in 1986 and 1990. He received his Grand Lodge Certificate in 1983. Brother Neill’s first Grand Lodge appointment was as Assistant District Lecturer of District 7 in November 1983. He has since served eleven years as a District Lecturer. He served six years on the Committee on Work and was Chairman of that Committee in 1999. Brother Neill was elected to the office of Junior Grand Warden in November 2000. He has advanced through the Grand Line to the honor of Grand Master of Masons of the State of Alabama in November 2003.

Brother Neill is a member of the Cahaba Shrine in Huntsville, Alabama and the Scottish Rite Bodies of Huntsville. He was honored in 2003 by being elected as a member of K.C.C.H. He is a member of the DeKalb and Jackson County York Rite Bodies, The DeKalb and Jackson County Square and Compass Club and the National Sojourners, Inc. Chapter #365. Brother Neill was elected to the Planning Committee of the North America Grand Masters conference in February 2003 to serve on that Committee in February 2004 in Washington D.C.

Billy C. Ford, PGM 2002-2003

Brother Ford was born in Winston County, Alabama on the 14th Day of November 1929. He is the Son of I. L. and Irene P. Ford and attended elementary and high school in the Haleyville School System. He later attended Reppert Auction College in Decatur, Indiana and furthered his education by attending the University of Alabama Law School. He holds an Advanced Certificate in Probate Court Law.

Brother Ford began his start in Masonry on November 21st, 1969. He was passed on December 2nd, 1969 and raised December 9th, 1969. Brother Ford received a Grand Lodge Certificate in 1987 and served as District Lecturer until 1995 when he was appointed as a member of the Committee on Work by Most Worshipful Grand Master Luther Grooms. He was elected Junior Grand Warden in 1999. Brother Ford is a member of Birmingham Scottish Rite, York Rite, and Zamora Temple. He was honored in 1999 by being selected as a member of K.C.C.H.

Brother Ford was a member of the Winston County Commission for six years and was elected Judge of Probate for eighteen years.

Brother Ford served his country during the Korean conflict. He was a member of the 82nd Airborne Division and later served with the 20th Special Forces.

Brother Ford is a member of Corinth Heights Baptist Church.

He is married to Lorene “Penny” Ford and the father of two daughters, Mitzi Patrick and Mia Posey. Mitzi is a graduate of UAB School of Nursing and Mia is a graduate of the University of Alabama with a degree in Elementary Education. He has two grandsons, Hunter and Dillon Posey.

Roger A. Simmons, PGM 2001-2002

Grand Master Simmons was born in Clayhatchee, Alabama February 25th, 1937 to the late Walter Simmons and Blondell Bryan Simmons. He has been happily married to the former Sally Ann Williams of Dale County for over 44 years. Brother Simmons has served his church through the years as Usher, Adult Men’s Sunday School Class Teacher, Chairman, Board of Deacons, Chairman, Board of Trustees, Lay Leadership Director, Church Training Superintendent and Financial Secretary. He and his wife are members of Newton Baptist Church, Newton, AL. Both are active in the Newton Ruritan Club where Brother Simmons has served as a member of the Board of Directors and as Vice President. He graduated from Ozark High School in 1955 and attended the University of Alabama Extension Branch at Dothan, Al. Brother Simmons retired in April 1999 from the Quality Control Department at Fort Rucker, AL ending a 43-year career.

Brother Simmons has faithfully served the Masonic craft for many years. He began his Masonic career in Newton Masonic Lodge No. 224 located in Newton, Al. He received his Master Mason Degree in 1963. He served as Worshipful Master in 1981 – 1984, and again in 1992 – 1994 and is currently serving as Lodge Secretary.

He was appointed District Lecturer of Masonic District 27 in 1981 and served the Alabama Grand Lodge in that capacity through 1988, at which time he was appointed to serve as Group Six Member of the Committee on Work until 1998. During that time, he served as Chairman of the Committee on Work in 1992. In November 1998, Brother Simmons was elected The Right Worshipful Junior Grand Warden of The Grand Lodge of Alabama. He has progressed through the Grand Line and was installed as the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Alabama at the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge in November 2001.

Brother Simmons has been very active in the York Rite Bodies both locally and State-wide. He joined the Dothan York Rite Bodies in 1964 and has served in many capacities. He has served as Excellent High Priest in Dothan Chapter #113, as Thrice Illustrious Master in Dothan Council #68, and as Eminent Commander of Dothan Commandery # 25. He is a Past Most Excellent Grand High Priest, Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Alabama; Past Most Illustrious Grand Master, Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of Alabama; and Right Eminent Grand Commander, Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Alabama. He served the Alabama Priory #31, KYCH as Prior and in 1992 he was honored as recipient of the K.Y.G.C.H. Brother Simmons joined the Dothan Scottish Rite Bodies in 1972. He has served as Master of Kadosh, Venerable Master in the Lodge of Perfection and Wise Master of the Chapter of Rose Croix. He served as President of the Dothan Scottish Rite Honor Club for two years. In 1989, he was invested with the distinction of K.C.C.H. In October 1999 he was honored by the Supreme Council of the Southern Jurisdiction of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite with the 33rd Degree. Brother Simmons is a Shriner and member of Alcazar Shrine Temple A.A.O.N.M S.

Brother Simmons spends much time managing his property and live stock interests. He and Sally’s (and Princess their prized Chihuahua) most pleasurable past time is traveling in their Motor Home. Brother Simmons has served as National President of the National Camping Travelers, Inc. (NCT). This organization is a Masonic Family Camping Club exclusive for Master Masons in good standing.
[ALGL PROCEDINGS]

V. Wayne Causey, PGM 2000-2001

Bro. V. Wayne Causey was born April 12, 1946 in Birmingham, Alabama to Vester Lane and Evelyn (Duke) Causey. Bro. Causey’s father was a long time member and a past Master of Central Park Lodge 808. After graduating from Ensley High School in Birmingham, Bro. Causey attended Jacksonville State College and graduated from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa in 1968. After completing his undergraduate degree, he attended Officer Training School in the United States Air Force and completed his military service with the rank of Captain. He returned to Birmingham and was employed first at Alabama Oxygen Company, and later with Alabama Power Company as a systems analyst. Ever pursuing his quest for knowledge, Bro. Causey began work on a Master’s in Business Administration degree at Samford University while working fulltime at Alabama Power Company. He earned his MBA degree from Samford in 1974 and then began work on a law degree at Birmingham School of Law. Bro. Causey received his Juris Doctor degree in 1978 and was admitted to the Alabama State Bar the same year. He started his law practice in Birmingham, later moving his law office to Calera, Alabama where he and Donna now reside. In 1992, he joined the Alabama Department of Industrial Relations as Assistant General Counsel.

Bro. Causey married Donna R. (Morgan) Causey on August 27, 1966 while attending the University of Alabama. Donna was a special education teacher in Jefferson County and Hoover, Alabama school systems for many years. They have two sons, Michael, and Brian, both graduates of Auburn University and currently residents of Tennessee and Georgia, respectively.

Bro. Causey is a member of the Calera First United Methodist Church and a past Chairman of the Administrative Board. He has been a member of and actively participated in various civic and professional organizations through the years, including the Sigma Delta Kappa law fraternity and the Civitan and Lions clubs. He is an avid golfer and played for many years at the former Buxahatchee Country Club in Calera where he has registered two “holes in one”. He also enjoys listening to music and books on tape while traveling.

Bro. Causey is a member of Shelby Lodge No. 140, Columbiana, Shelby County, Alabama, having been initiated an entered apprentice on March 5, 1981, passed to the degree of fellowcraft on April 2, 1981, and raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on May 7, 1981. He served as Worshipful Master of his lodge in 1985 and 1995. He is a member of Crandle B. Dodd Scottish Rite Memorial Degree team, Valley of Montgomery; Scottish Rite degree team, Valley of Birmingham; Scottish Rite Bodies, Valley of Birmingham and is a 32° KCCH; Birmingham York Rite Bodies; and Noble of Zamora Shrine Temple, where he is a member of the Knights of Mecca. Bro. Causey is also a member of the National Sojourners, Montgomery Chapter 365 and Heroes of ’76.

Bro. Causey was elected to the office of Junior Grand Warden in 1997. Bro. Causey progressed through the Grand line and was elected and installed Grand Master of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Alabama on November 22, 2000.