Randy P. Shook – Grand Exalted Ruler 2023-24

Nashville, Tennessee is the birthplace of country music, bluegrass, and Randy Paul Shook who was born it its rolling hills on the 25th of November. Along with his parents, D. Webster Shook, Sr. and Joyce Fay (Sims) Shook, his younger sisters, Pam and Patty, Randy grew up and went to school in Loretto, a small town in Lawrence County.

Completing school in 1974, Randy worked in the fam- ily farming operation until 1977 when he joined the team at Genesco, a shoe manufacturer in nearby Pulaski. His career advanced while at Genesco, as he was promoted to Assistant Department Manager in 1980 and Department Manager in 1982.

Randy’s time at Genesco is significant for another reason: in 1981, this is where he met the love of his life and his soulmate, Wanda. They have been partners in life, love, and laughter ever since.

In 1984, Randy discovered his vocation while studying Real Estate, Banking, and Economics at Columbia State Community College and became an affiliate real estate broker. After continuing to take courses through the Tennessee Real Estate Educational System and graduating from the Nashville Auction School, Randy became a licensed Real Estate Broker and Auctioneer in 1986. He served as President of the Southern Middle Tennessee Board of Realtors in 1989.

Randy founded his company, Appraisals Plus, in 1992 after becoming a Certified Real Estate Appraiser. He remains the sole proprietor of Appraisals Plus which serves seven counties in southern Tennessee. For more than 20 years his son, Billy, and niece, Kristy have worked side-by-side with Randy as Certified Appraisers.

Randy was proposed and initiated into Lawrenceburg Lodge No. 2206 in 1993 and continues to this day to be an active and dedicated member. He was elected Esteemed Loyal Knight in 1995-1996, Exalted Ruler in 1996-1997 and 1998-1999, and Trustee from 1999 to 2001. Randy was named Lawrenceburg Elk of the Year in 2008-2009. He was elected Treasurer from 2010 to 2015 and again in 2019-2020.

Randy began his service to the Tennessee Elks Association in 1998-1999 as Vice President-Elect and was Vice President in 1999-2000. He was elected President-Elect in 2004-2005 and as Tennessee State President in 2005-2006. His service continued as Government Relations State Chair from 2003 to 2016, Raffle Committee State Chair from 2005 to 2018, Budget Committee State Chair from 2010 to 2022, Executive Committee from 2009 to present, and the Board of Directors and Advisory from 2006 to present. He was named Tennessee Elk of the Year in 2007-2008 and was inducted into the Tennessee Elks Hall of Fame in 2012-2013.

At the Grand Lodge level, Randy was appointed Esquire to District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler in 2000-2001. In 2001-2002, he served as District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler for the Middle District of Tennessee. Randy was named Area 3 Grand Lodge Government Relations Member from 2007 through 2009. He was elected Grand Treasurer for 2009-2010. Randy was named Area 3 Public Relations and Marketing Member from 2014 to 2018. In 2018, he was elected to represent Area 3 on the Board of Grand Trustees, serving as Building Applications–West Member in 2018-2019, as Pensions and Benefits Member in 2019-2020, as Secretary of the Board in 2020-2021 and Chairman of the Board in 2021-2022.

Along with his service to the Elks, Randy has demonstrated his civic commitment through his service on various Boards and Commissions within his community. He was appointed to the Lawrenceburg Regional Planning Commission in 2003 and served until 2023, serving as the Chairman for the past ten years. He was also on the Zoning Board of Appeals from 2003 to 2023, Lawrence County Joint Economic Board from 2011 to 2023 and Historical Planning from 2019 to 2023. Randy is a 32nd Degree Mason and has been a Shriner for over thirty years.

Randy and Wanda were married on March 19, 1982, and together they have two sons: Brad and Billy. When Brad was 21 years old, Randy had the honor of initiating him into the Elks. When Billy was 21, Randy was the District Deputy of Tennessee’s Middle District and was present as Billy was initiated into the Order. Tragically, Brad died in 2021 after a brave fight against pancreatic cancer. Randy and Wanda continue to reside in Lawrence County, Tennessee where they are surrounded by extended family, friends, and most importantly, their four wonderful grandchildren: Madison, Jacob, Griffin, and Vaida.

Randy and Wanda are looking forward to the adventures ahead and are thankful and humbled to represent the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America as Grand Exalted Ruler and First Lady. We welcome the opportunity to meet new friends and let our communities know that:

“We Are The Elks”