Charles L Smith

Companion Charles L Smith was born in Simpsonville, Greenville County, South Carolina, 20 February 1927. He attended public school in Simpsonville and was active in school activities. His under-graduate credits include courses in Accounting; Personnel Management; Counseling and Time and Motion studies. He entered the Army in 1944 and served in France, Germany, Luxembourg and Belgium. After World War II, he re-enlisted and retired from the-United States Air Force, 1 March 1975, in the grade of Chief Master Sergeant. He served more than 30 years active duty in the Army and Air Force.

Since retirement from the Air Force he has worked with the Internal Revenue Service as a Tax Examiner and with the Air Force as an Accounting Supervisor and Personnel Management Supervisor.

Companion Smith married Loucel Lanning, Knoxville, Tennessee, in July 1952. They are members and active in the First Baptist Church, in Seguin.

Companion Smith was Scout Master and Explorer Advisor for more than five years. He received several awards for his service to the Scouting organization. He is a life member of the Air Force Association; the Air Force Sergeants Association and the Non-Commissioned Officers Association.

Companion Smith and Loucel, Texans by choice, currently reside at 265 wildflower Lane, Seguin, Texas.

Companion Smith was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason, 23 March 1954, in McLeod Lodge No. 424, A.F. & A.M., Ocean Springs, Mississippi. He later affiliated with Guadalupe Lodge No. 109, A.F. & A.M., Seguin, Texas, and served as Worshipful Master of that Lodge in 1976-77.

He became a Scottish Rite Mason in November 1954, and currently holds Life Membership in that organization. He is a member of the 18th and 21st degree teams.

He was Exalted a Royal Arch Mason in Seguin Chapter No. 34,,R.A.M., 29 July 1972. He served as High Priest in 1976-77. Also, served as District Deputy Grand High Priest in 198O-81. He is the Representative of the Grand Chapter of New Jersey near the Grand Chapter of Texas. He served as Excellent Grand Principal Sojourner in 1978-79 and again in 1981-82. He was elected Right Excellent Grand Scribe in December 1983, passed through the chairs in the Grand Chapter and was elected Most Excellent Grand High Priest, 9 December 1986.

He was Greeted in Seguin Council No. 281, R.&S.M., 29 July 1972 and served as Thrice Illustrious Master in 1975-76. Served as District Deputy Grand Master of the 12th Cryptic District in 1977-78.

He was Knighted in San Marcos Commandery No. 56, K.T., 29 July 1972 and served as Eminent Commander in 1980-81. He is currently the Recorder and Instructor for his Commandery. He received the Distinguished Service Award for his service as commander and the Meritorious Service Award for service as Recorder. He is a member of the Grand Commandery Templar Instruction Committee and the Representative of the Grand Commandery of the State of Nevada, near the Grand Commandery of Texas. He served as General Co-Chairman of the 130th Grand Conclave, Grand Commandery Knights Templar of Texas.

Member of Omala Grotto in San Antonio.

He is a member of the Alzafar Shrine in San Antonio.

Holds-Endowed Membership in his Lodge, Chapter, Council and Commandery

He is a member of the Order of High Priesthood; Silver Trowel and, Excellent Master.

He is a Past Governor of Texas York Rite College No. 14. Holds then Honor

Award and the Order of the Purple Cross, York _Rite Sovereign College of North America.

He is a Life Member of the Royal Order of Scotland.

Having served as Presiding Officer in his Lodge and the York Rite Bodies , of Seguin, he was recommended for and received the Knights York Cross of Honour and is a member of Texas Priory No. 23.

He is a member of St. Austin Conclave of the Red Cross of Constantine, Austin, Texas.

He is Associate Member of the Texas Lodge of Research.