The North Carolina Mason

Page 12 The North Carolina Mason January/February 2020 Mileposts 145 GREENSBORO – All hands were on hand to celebrate Gen. Lloyd Wilkerson's 100th birthday in November. Among those celebrating the birthday of the 74-year Mason were six members of Semper Fidelis #680. Gen. Wilkerson is a member and past master of Semper Fidelis, and also is a member of Wilkerson College #760 and MESH #771, and is an honorary member of Blackmer #127. Semper Fi brothers at the celebration included, from left, WB Stephen Smith; WB William Fitz- patrick KCCH, Ill. Brother Tom Wilkerson; WB Joe Reyes, Wilkerson; Ill. Brother Howard Kahn; and Ill. Brother Ron Sortino. INDIANAPOLIS – One of North Carolina Masonry's own is hard at work this year as National Commander of The American Legion. James W. "Bill" Oxford was elected national commander in Au- gust at the organization's 101st national convention in Indianapolis. The Lenoir, NC, native has been a member of the nation's largest veterans organization since 1986. He is a member of Hibriten #262. His theme as national commander this year is A Foundation for the Future, as the organi- zation enters its second century of service. OXFORD – A much loved member of the School of Graphic Arts print shop re- tired. Faye Orr bid everyone a farewell at the July board meeting, receiving the heart- felt applause of her boss, coworkers and the entire board of the Masonic Home for Children at Oxford. She had been involved in the printing industry for 36 years, includ- ing 18 years as the print shop's graphics specialist. Her design work was recognized by the North Carolina Press Association several times. She was the driving force behind many NCMF projects, and was an eagle-eyed editor for the newspaper. CHARLESTON, SC – Mack Sigmon presented the final 70-year award of his tenure as Grand Master in November to Thomas Jules Mann, Past Master of Pha- lanx #31 in Charlotte. He presented the award at the Bishop Gadsden Retirement Community, where Mann lives. Mann was raised at Friendship #9 in Charleston, SC, in 1948, and affiliated with Phalanx a year later. He was coroneted 33rd Degree, Inspector General Honorary, in 1969 and reached the rare achievement of 50 years as a 33rd Degree Mason. WALNUT COVE – Walnut Cove #629 recently honored past master WB Gary Handy with an event recognizing his significant service to Masonry. Many brothers were in attendance to celebrate Brother Gary and all that he has done for Masonry. The Montfort medal winner has been a member of the lodge since 2003 and also is a member of Wilkerson College #760, Sophia #767 and Lux Libertas #772, and is an honorary member of Kernersville #669. He also is Grand Tyler this year.

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