Profile of a Mason

Walter David Smith, 32° KCCH

W. David Smith is a product of Montgomery County, Tennessee, born in Clarksville in 1958. He has two siblings, one brother and one sister. He graduated Clarksville High School in 1976. Married his childhood sweetheart, the former Jill Hamilton, who graduated with him the same year. They have four children, two daughters and two sons.
David received his first guitar at age 6. In five short years, at age 11, he sang and played guitar in local bands in Clarksville. In high school, at age 15, he began playing with a band in Nashville clubs. At age 16, he became a recording studio musician. With such success it is no wonder that he went on to record with famous entertainers, such as Ray Price, George Jones, and Loretta Lynn, to name a few. Also, his first road trip job was with David “Stringbean” Akeman.

David became a Master Mason in 1981 at Jere Baxter Lodge #742, now Ionic Lodge #254. He moved to Charlotte, Tennessee in 2008 and became a plural member of Charlotte Lodge #97 where he served as Worshipful Master in 2022. Active in his community, he is proud to be one of the organizers of Charlotte’s Community Breakfast held the first Saturday of the month. All revenue generated by the breakfast is dedicated to local charities and causes.

He became a Scottish Rite member in November 2017 where he works as a member of the Digital Audio Sound Committee and sings in the Choir during reunions. He is the current president of the Dickson County Scottish Rite Club. The Nashville Valley of the Scottish Rite recognized him as a Knight Commander of the Court of Honor in October 2023.

The Scottish Rite inspired him to join Al Menah Shrine Center where he is active in Shrine parades and the Paper Sale. He is honored to be Captain of the Greeters Unit this year.

He proudly proclaims his gratitude for masonry and says he is thankful to be a part of the brotherhood. The Scottish Rite feels the same high regard for his participation. He is a great example of the caliber of men who make up the Scottish Rite image in the Middle Tennessee community.