Most Worshipful Willis Vernon Fentress
Grand Master, Grand Lodge of Virginia: 1956
1892-1968
Willis Vernon Fentress was born in the city of Norfolk of April 2, 1982. He was reared in humble surroundings with no formal education as we know it today. He educated himself while working in an attorney’s office, utilizing the law books at his disposal whenever he could, and taking special courses at night school at every opportunity. He passed the Virginia State Bar exam in 1916.
He practiced law for 20 years in the city of Norfolk and was appointed to the bench by the late Governor George C. Perry in April of 1937. His efforts in dispensing justice in the community were marked with diligence and distinction.
Brother Fentress petition Ruth Lodge No. 89 on May 21, 1918, elected to received the degrees on June 18, 1918. Initiated on Entered Apprentice on June 25, 1918. Passed to the degree of Fellowcraft on July 5, 1918. Raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on July 12, 1918. He served as Worshipful Master of Ruth Lodge in 1944. He was appointed a member of the Grand Lodge Committee on Work on February 10, 1949, and served as Grand Lecturer until February 15, 1951, when his name was placed before the Grand Lodge of Virginia for the office of Grand Junior Deacon. On February 16, 1956, he was elected and installed as Grand Master of Masons in Virginia.
He was one of the very few living Masons to have a Lodge named in his honor. At Grand Lodge proceedings of 1968, Willis V. Fentress Lodge #0296-0296 was given its charter. Brother Fentress conducted the ceremonies of consecrating, dedicating and constituting the Lodge which has been named for him. Most Worshipful Brother Fentress passed away in April 1968, just two months after the Lodge received its charter.
Brother Fentress loved people and people loved him. This man has such a tremendous capacity, linked with knowledge and wisdom to do so many things well, especially that capacity to encourage and lead those interested in the better things in life, those intangible traits that neither money nor prestige can buy.
It is with little wonder that we are honored and privileged to have our Lodge named after so good a man as Willis Vernon Fentress.
Compiled by:
WOR Charles Richard Vick
Lodge Historian