Cryptic Masons of Tennessee

2026

Ronald Lee McVey Jr. was born in Dallas, Texas, on February 12, 1964, to Ronald Lee and Shirley Dean (Henderson) McVey. He was lovingly raised by his parents and his stepfather, David Alan Laster.  As the first of two children, Ron grew up in the Dallas Independent School District, where he attended public schools enjoying time spent playing soccer. He later pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor of Business Administration with a focus on Management from Amber University, along with an Associate of Business Administration and an Associate of Radiologic Sciences.  Ron married Christy Marie (Kierstead) McVey on August 21,1999.  They have built a life together and have 3 children, Joey, Mason and Kelsey. 

Ron’s Masonic journey began on August 7, 1985, when he joined the Dallas Chapter Order of DeMolay. He reached Majority at the age of 21 and continued to serve in DeMolay as a mentor, Chapter advisor, and Chapter Dad. His dedication was recognized when he received the Order of Chevalier from Richardson Chapter Order of DeMolay on June 19, 2004.

Ron was initiated as an Entered Apprentice in Dallas, Texas, at Tannehill Lodge 52 on February 3, 1998. He passed to the Degree of Fellowcraft on December 15, 1998, and raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason on January 26, 1999, through courtesy work from Vickery Masonic Lodge 1351 in Dallas, Texas, for Tannehill Lodge 52. Ron then transferred to Vickery Lodge 1351 and later joined James A. Smith Masonic Lodge 395 in Farmers Branch, Texas. He served in various offices in both James A. Smith Masonic Lodge 395 and Vickery Lodge 1351, ultimately serving as Worshipful Master at James A. Smith in 2003-2004 and Vickery Lodge 1351 in 2009-2010.

Ron’s York Rite journey began in Love Field Chapter 478 and Love Field Council 396 in Dallas, Texas, and Dallas Commandery 6 KT. He was exalted as a Royal Master, greeted as a Select Master, and knighted as a Knight Templar on January 19, 2002. Over the years, he served in several offices in both bodies, culminating in serving as High Priest in 2006-2007 and Illustrious Master in 2007-2008.

In 2004, he had the honor of installing his stepfather, David Alan Laster, as Worshipful Master and the officers of Vickery Masonic Lodge 1351.

In May 2010, Ron moved to Tennessee. He joined Donelson Jere Baxter Chapter 197, Nashville Council 1 R&SM, and Nashville Commandery 1 KT. He served these bodies as High Priest in 2022, Illustrious Master in 2021, and Eminent Commander in 2016. In 2018/2019, he had the honor and privilege of participating in the Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and raising his son, Mason Jakub Malkus McVey, to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason in McWhirtersville Masonic Lodge 375 in Donelson, Tennessee. He then saw Mason exalted to the August Degree of Royal Arch Mason in Donelson Jere Baxter Chapter 197 RAM and greeted as a Select Master in Nashville Council 1 R&SM.

Ron is also a 32nd Degree in Scottish Rite Valley of Dallas, Royal Order of Scotland, Masonic Order of Athelstan, The Operatives, Commemorative Order of St. Thomas of Acon, Lebanon Masonic Lodge #98, Marion K. Crum Fellowship, Knight Crusaders of the Cross, Knights Of the York Cross of Honor, Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests, Knight Masons, Allied Masonic Degrees, and Knights of the Red Cross of Constantine.  He was honored with the Daniel Carter Beard Masonic Scouter Award (2011) and Tennessee Cryptic Mason of the Year (2021).

Ron served the Grand Council Cryptic Masons of Tennessee as the Grand Master’s Personal Representative (now DDIGM) from 2017 to 2021, serving four MIGMs and helping develop the role of what is now the District Deputy Illustrious Grand Master and its responsibilities. He was elected to the Grand Council line in 2023 as Illustrious Grand Captain of the Guard and continued to elected and serve in the Grand Council line each following year. Ron was elected to the office of Most Illustrious Grand Master in March 2026 to serve the Companions of the State of Tennessee.