Cryptic Masons of Tennessee

2025

Joey Donald McKnight was born in Hardin County Tennessee, the son of Joe Omby McKnight and
Marguerite Harmon McKnight. After graduation from Hardin County High School in 1971 he attended
the University of Tennessee Martin studying agriculture. In May of 1972 he married Cheryl Tenry
McKnight. They have two daughters and three grandchildren. After retiring from Goodyear Tire and
Rubber Company in 2009 he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and golfing along with many other activities with
family and friends. In 2021 they returned to Hardin County to the family farm where he enjoys farming
and timber management.

Joey was raised to the subline degree of Master Mason on March 17, 1980 at Western Sun Lodge #88
(Life member) where he served at Worship Master in 1986 and 1995. He is a member of Savannah
Lodge #102 where he received a Proficiency card. He was honored to serve as Grand Senior Deacon in
2017.

Joey was exalted in Union City Chapter #132 and served as High Priest. He was greeted as R & SM in
Union City Council #122 and served as the Illustrious Master and current treasurer. He was Knighted in
Union City Commandery Knight Templar #29 , where he served as Eminent Commander.

His other Masonic affiliations include Memphis Scottish Rite 1983 (KCCH), Al Chymia Shrine 1983,
Goodwill Shrine Club Past President Secretary and Treasurer, Pickwick Shrine Club, Tall Cedars of
Lebanon Forrest #213 Past Grand Tall Cedar and current Grand Tall Cedar (Life member), Order of Easter
Star Adamsville, Tennessee Lodge of Research (Life member), Knight Mason Trailee Council #41 (Life
member) Past Excellent Chief, West Tennessee Past Master Association, Sanhedrin York Rite Sovereign
College #213 (Charter member and 1 st Grand Governor), West Tennessee York Rite Sovereign College
#141 Past Governor (Life Member), St. Stephens Red Cross of Constantine, Masonic Veterans
Association of Tennessee (Life member), Order of the Silver Trowel, Order of High Priesthood, Knight of
the York Cross of Honor Priory #15, Lexington York Rite Chapter #168, Roy Holland Council #89, West
Tennessee Regional Commandery #13 Knights Templar, Marshal Horn Council #141 (Charter member),
Super Excellence Master’s Card, Emerald Isle Council #346 Allied Masonic Degrees serving as Tiler,
Phillip Lacy Commandery #46 Knight Templar (Charter member) , Past District Chairman District #3, Past
President North West Tennessee Scottish Rite Club, Rosslyn Chapter #33 Commemorative Order of St
Thomas of Acon, Masonic Order of Athelstan Tennessee Court #122.

Joey was elected Grand Captain of the Guard of Grand Council Cryptic Masons of Tennessee in March
2022, advancing each year and was elected Most Illustrious Deputy Grand Master of Grand Council of
Cryptic Masons of Tennessee in March 2024.