When You Know, You Know

For Walter (known to his friends as Roy) and Carol Smith, it was never a matter of if they’d choose retirement living at Masonic Village at Dallas, but when the time came in 2019, and while it was a transition, it also felt like a homecoming.

Roy and Carol had spent years visiting the Irem Country Club for Masonic events and golf outings. Roy, a member of George M. Dallas Lodge No. 531, also belongs to the Irem Shrine and served as Potentate in 2010, bringing them to the campus weekly.

They considered moving to a villa several years ago, but the timing wasn’t right. Then one day in 2019, as they were on their hands and knees weeding their front yard in 90-degree heat, they looked at each other and said, “It’s time.”

“We called, and they had an opening. We absolutely love our villa,” Carol said. “Everyone has been so great. Noah and the other staff – they feel more like friends. Two of our very dear friends moved here, too, and I can see their houses from my window.”

“It was the right move because we wanted it to be,” Roy said. “We considered other places, but none came close to Masonic Village. The villa is exactly what we wanted. It’s so peaceful and secure. You get home, and you feel great.”

The two arrived in the United States from England in 1972. They settled into the Dallas area for much of their lives before moving to Kingston for about 10 years. When it came time to research retirement living options, it was only natural they looked to Dallas.

“I can’t imagine anywhere else being better,” Carol said. “You get taken care of if you need it, but you still have your independence. We should’ve done it sooner. I tell everyone how much I love it.”

“Everyone needs to find a place like Masonic Village,” Roy said. “They don’t hassle you with anything. They take care of the grounds. There is nothing you need to worry about.”

Whether they’re stepping outside to play a round of golf or dining with friends, Carol and Roy have found themselves at home … again.

“When you drive into the neighborhood, you just exhale,” Carol added. “We don’t know anyone who lives here who isn’t thrilled.”