written by Denise B. Young

Photo: Pillars of Charity at the House of the Temple in Washington, D.C. (Photo ©Maxwell MacKenzie, Washington, D.C.)

Brother Woody D. Bilyeu was born in 1953 in the rural north Louisiana town of Winnfield. He was the youngest son of John Perry, Sr. and Victorine Bilyeu. He grew up on the family farm just outside of Winnfield in a little town called Joyce. Living on a farm provided the opportunity for Woody to learn about hard work as he performed his assigned chores.

Woody was educated in the local school system and graduated from Winnfield Senior High School in 1971. He also attended Huey P. Long Vocational-Technical School and became certified in welding. Calling upon that background of hard work, he became a millwright with Tremont Lumber Company, and, in August of 1971, Ill. Bilyeu married Mary Harlan. In 1973, as they looked forward to the birth of their first child, Woody attended the Public Investors Insurance Institute and enjoyed a career as an insurance salesman. He worked his was up, beginning in field sales, moving to District Manager, and eventually becoming a Regional Manager. The field of welding kept calling to Bro. Bilyeu, and in 1976, he began working on pipeline projects as part of the Pipeliners Local No. 798. For five years, Woody traveled and worked throughout the United States. He attended St. Bryans College of Engineering and earned an A.S. in Petroleum Technology. The year 1982 took Ill. Bilyeu to Africa, as he served as a tool maintenance superintendent for Dowell-Schlumberger in Nigeria for two years. Tired of traveling and now with two young daughters, Woody decided to embark upon an entirely different career. In 1984, he purchased a satellite installations company and began installing the large satellite dishes. Over twenty years, Bro. Bilyeu grew his business from a one-man operation to a large regional company operating in seven states with over 1000 employees. During those years, Woody was also active in local civic organizations, including Winn Amateur Radio Club, Winn Parish Civil Defense, Winn Parish Red Cross, Winn Chamber of Commerce, Winnfield Rotary Club, Winnfield Kiwanis Club, and the Louisiana Council of Amateur Radio Clubs. For his efforts in the local business community, the Winn Chamber of Commerce named Woody 2007 Businessman of the Year.

In 1992 Ill. Bilyeu decided to pursue a personal interest and learned to fly. Over the years, Woody has progressed through various aircraft, beginning with a single-engine Cessna. As his business service area spread, Woody’s aircraft became larger and larger. Currently, Woody is the owner and pilot of a King Air C90.

In 2004, he sold his satellite company and formed another company that provides consulting services for other satellite businesses. This allows him more time for his Masonic endeavors.

Toward the end of Ill. Bilyeu’s welding career, he was introduced to Masonry. Woody became a member of the Eastern Star Lodge No. 151 in Winnfield, Louisiana, in early 1982. Woody has served twice as Worshipful Master, 1987 and 1989. Woody served as District Grand Lecturer in 1989 and District Deputy Grand Master for the Fifth Masonic District in 1993. In 1994 Woody became Treasurer for the Fifth Masonic District Lodge, and he still holds that position. Bro. Bilyeu has also served as the Grand Lodge of Louisiana as Grand Pursuivant (2005–2006), Grand Standard Bearer (2006–2007), and Grand Junior Warden (2007–2008). He became the Grand Senior Warden for 2008–2009. Woody holds perpetual membership in the following lodges: Eastern Star No. 151, Etoile Polaire No. 1, J. C. Stewart No. 460, and West Monroe No. 419.

Woody has also been active in the Eastern Star, serving as Worthy Patron. He was the Charter President of the Dugdemona High Twelve No. 711. He was also past state president of the Louisiana Association of High Twelve Clubs and was named International High Twelvian of the Year in 2005. In the York Rite, Bro. Bilyeu has been High Priest for Winnfield Chapter No. 59, Illustrious Master for Winnfield Council No. 43, Eminent Commander for Bethlehem Commandery No. 20, Puissant Sovereign for the Ouachita Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine. Woody is a member of both the El Karubah Shrine and the Barak Shrine.

In the Scottish Rite Ill. Bilyeu has served as Degree Master for 5°, 13°, and 18°. He has also served as Valley Membership Chairman for 2001–2003 and as Orient Membership Chairman for 2004–2005. He currently serves as Personal Representative. Woody was Venerable Master of the Monroe Scottish Rite Bodies in 2002. He received his 32° KCCH in 1995, Royal Order of Scotland in 2002, and 33° in 2003.

It was after a visit to the House of the Temple in Washington, D.C. that Woody decided to become a donor. His portrait now hangs in the Pillars of Charity Portrait Gallery at the House of the Temple in Washington, D.C. It is Bro. Woody’s hope that his donation will help to perpetuate the operations of the Scottish Rite.

Despite spending a majority of his time at Masonic functions, Woody enjoys spending time with his two young grandsons: Alon Deen Shelton and Caplan Joseph Young.

Denise B. Young is the daughter of Bro. Woody and Mary Bilyeu. She holds a B. A. in English and Spanish education, National Board Certification in Adolescent/Young Adult English Language Arts, and a Master’s in Educational Administration with Supervision certification. Denise is married with one stepdaughter, one son, and three dogs.