Most Illustrious Past Grand Master
Cryptic Masons of Tennessee
2008
Gary W. M. Davis
Gary W. M. Davis
Born October 29, 1949 in Washington County, Tennessee, the son of Fred and Ruby Mays Davis. He was educated in the public schools of Unicoi County and the University
of Tennessee, and is self-employed in two-way radio sales and service.
He is past chairman and currently serving on the Civil Service Commission for the City of Johnson City.
Companion Davis married Brenda Presley on June 15, 1968. They have one son, Craig Steven and wife Aylin of Kingsport, Tennessee.
Brother Davis was raised in Johnson City Lodge No. 486 on October 24, 1977 and served as Worshipful Master in 1981. He has served his Lodge as Secretary since 1982. Brother Davis has served the Grand Lodge as: Junior Grand Deacon in 2006, a member of the Dispensation and By-Laws Committee, and Chairman for District No. 29.
He was exalted in Thomas E. Matson Chapter No. 131 on May 13, 1978 and served as High
Priest in 1983 and 2002; he is currently serving as Treasurer of that body. He received the Order of High Priesthood on March 21, 1983 and served as Grand President of the Grand Council of the Order of High Priesthood, State of Tennessee in 1999. In the Grand Chapter, he served as Grand Principal Sojourner in 1985.
Companion Davis was greeted in Holston Council No. 101 on May 14, 1978; served as Illustrious Master in 1984, and is currently serving as Treasurer. He received the Order of Silver Trowel on March 21, 1984 and served as Illustrious King of Tennessee Council of Anointed Kings in 1993. In the Grand Council, Companion Davis served on the Ways and Means Committee from 1995 to
2006 and chairman of the Jurisprudence Committee in 1995. He was elected Grand Captain of the
Guard on March 26, 1990 and advanced each year being elected Most Illustrious Grand Master on March
23, 1993. He served the General Grand Council of Cryptic Masons International as Ambassador in
Tennessee from 1996 to 1999 and on November 12, 2005 was cited with the General Grand Council
Columbian Award for the South East Region in the triennium of 2002-2005.
Sir Knight Davis was knighted in Watauga Commandry No. 25 on May 14, 1978; served as
Eminent Commander in 1989, and is currently serving as Treasurer. He was inducted into the Knights
Crusader of the Cross on April 21, 1989 and served on the Grand Commandry Credentials Committee from
1990 to 1994.
He was inducted into Tennessee Priory No. 15 Knights of the York Cross of Honour on March
26, 1990 and received the distinction of Knights of the York Grand Cross of Honour on March 23,
1993.
Brother Davis is: Past Celebrant of the High Council Masonic Societas Rosicruciana in
Civitatibus Foederatis, Past President of the Upper East Tennessee York Rite Association and Past
Patron of Nolachuckey-Grand View Chapter No. 194, The Order of the Eastern Star. He is a charter
member and Past Governor of the Northeast Tennessee York Rite College No. 153 and was honored and
awarded the Order of the Purple Cross by the York Rite Sovereign College in North America in 1992
He is also a member of: Charles Newton Bush Past Masters’ Association, Jericho Shrine Temple, Royal
Order of Scotland, Chattanooga Scottish Rite Bodies, Tennessee Lodge of Research, Tralee Council
Knight Masons’ of the U. S. A. and St. Mathias Conclave Red Cross of Constantine.
Due to the untimely death on December 18, 2007 of Companion M. F. Green, Right
Illustrious Deputy Grand Master, Brother Davis was selected to fill the vacancy; being elected Most
Illustrious Grand Master on March 24, 2008.
THE GRAND YORK RITE BODIES OF TENNESSEE
More Light being the object
100 Seventh Avenue North Suite #3
Nashville, TN 37203-3726