The North Carolina Mason

March/April 2016 The North Carolina Mason Page 7 Mileposts MIDLAND — Looks like the dawning of the Nash era at Union 618. Pictured here at the lodge's officer installation are the lodge's 2016 top three officers. Tommy Nash, center, is the new master with his son David (the new senior warden) on his right and his son John (junior warden) on his left. — R. Darrell Long BAHAMA — The master's chair at Knap of Reeds 158 will see family action of a refreshing type this year. Kent Dixon sits in the East as master of Knap of Reeds Lodge. His daughter Emma Dixon will use the same chair as she serves as worthy advisor on Rain- bow Assembly #86. — Kent Dixon CHARLOTTE — West Gate 738 was flashing experience when they in- stalled officers this year. Their four in- stalling officers had a total of 237 years of Masonic experience. They were, from left, Roland Smith with 74 years; John Litaker, 59 years; Charlie Sherer, 54 years; and Bill Navy with 50 years. Each is a past master and certified lec- turer, and each has served as district deputy grand lecturer and/or district deputy grand master. — Gary Cooke OLIN — Dick Norris turned 100 March 2. His lodge, Olin 226, threw him a party a few days before his birthday. ey paid tribute to Norris with several special gifts, including a United States flag that flew over the capital in Ra- leigh, a centennial clock, and messages from Grand Master Bryant Webster and NC Governor Pat McCrory. Nor- ris joined in 1963 and remains active in the lodge, currently serving as chaplain. At the age of eight, he was helping with most of the duties around the farm. After graduating from high school and working on the farm with his father for a few years, Norris received his draft no- tification, and went into the Army Air Corps. He spent more than two years on several islands in the South Pacific as an aviation mechanic until the end of the war. Norris came back to the states, set- tling in Washington, DC, where he met his wife, Shirley, and got married. eir son was born in Washington, but with- in a few years polio fears pushed them to move back to North Carolina. ey settled into the family farmhouse and began a life of farming. Norris farmed for most of his life, giving it up just a few years ago. — Donna Swicegood Here at Norris' day are, from left, Olin 226 Master Skip Douglas, Dick Norris, and Norris' nephew Johnny Lundy. Olin celebrates 100-year-old HUNTERSVILLE — Williams 176 member David Ragan has joined BK Racing for the 2016 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Watch for him on Sunday afternoons driving the Number 23 Dr Pepper Toyota Camry. Ragan has been racing for 15 years in national touring divisions and has 93 top-ten finishes, 33 top-fives, and four victories. His last trip to the winners circle came in Talladega in 2013. "I'm happy to be part of something that has so much growth potential," said Ragan. "I feel that we'll be in a position to bring the team to the next level. I'm looking forward to the season." "We're very excited to have a driver of David's caliber join our team," said team owner Ron Devine. "In addition to being a race winner, I feel that his input and leadership qualities will benefit the team on many levels. Our entire organi- zation is energized to work with him." Ragan has been active in his public support for Shrine Hospitals, including carrying the charity's banner on his car. Ragan gets a new ride

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