Billie Carroll Courtney

Companion Billie C. Courtney was born on May 20, 1924, in Greenville, Texas. Graduate of Greenville High School in 1941. Attended Oklahoma City University and Arkansas State College.

Served in the U. S. Air Corps from 1941-47 and again in 1950-51.

Married Helen Harrison of Greenville, Texas on September 11, 1943, in Lone Oak, Texas. Born out of this union were two daughters, Carol and Kay, and three grandchildren, one girl and two boys.

He was employed by the Naval Air Systems Command as Supervisor of the Quality Verification Branch at the L.T.V. plant in Grand Prairie, Texas until his retirement in August 1977, having completed thirty one years federal service.

He is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

Companion Courtney was raised in Greenville Lodge No. 335 AF&AM in 1954. Affiliated with Cotton gin Lodge No. 154 in Kirvin, Texas in 1982 and served as Worshipful Master in 1986. Served as District Deputy Grand Master of the 22nd District in 1990. Received the Golden Trowel Award in 1990.

He was Exalted a Royal Arch Mason in Arlington Chapter No. 376 in 1956 and served as High Priest in 1961. Affiliated with Teague Chapter No. 320 in Teague, Texas in 1978, and served as High Priest in 1983. Served as District Deputy Grand High Priest in 1982. Received the Order of High Priesthood in 1961.

He was Greeted in Arlington Council No. 314 in 1956, served as Thrice Illustrious Master in 1962. Affiliated with Teague Council No. 256 in 1978, and served as Thrice Illustrious Master in 1984. Served as District Deputy Grand Master in 1986. Received the Order of the Silver Trowel in 1963.

Knighted in Arlington Commandery No. 107 in 1956, served as Commander in 1962. Affiliated as a dual member of Crockett Commandery No. 91 in Teague, Texas in 1990.

Knighted in Texas Priory No. 23 K.Y.C.H. in 1986.

Knighted in Ascension Conclave Red Cross of Constantine in Tyler, Texas in 1990.

Received the Scottish Rite Degrees in Dallas Valley in 1964. Affiliated with Waco Bodies in 1983.

Invested a Knight Commander of the Court of Honour October 9, 1995, in the Waco Valley.

Served as President of the Heart of Texas York Rite Association in 1989.

Received the Orders in Texas York Rite College No. 14 in 1983, and served as Governor in 1988. Received the Order of the Purple Cross in 1992.

Initiated in Arlington Chapter No. 395 O.E.S. in 1959, and served as Worthy Patron in 1964. Affiliated with Teague Chapter No. 408 in Teague, Texas in 1983, and served as Worthy Patron in 1990.

M: I: Companion Courtney was elected Illustrious Grand Principal Conductor of the Work in December 1990 and was installed as Most Illustrious Grand Master of the Most Illustrious Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of Texas on December 1, 1992.

Elected Grand Scribe of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Texas in December 1995. Installed as Most Excellent Grand High Priest of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter in December 1998.

Presided over the 150th Annual Convocation of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Texas, December 6th and 7th, 1999.