Chester Tester Obituary

Chester David "Dave" Tester June 14, 1932- July 21, 2024

JOHNSON CITY - Chester David "Dave" Tester, age 92, passed away at the NHC Healthcare facility, in Johnson City, Tennessee on July 21, 2024, after an extended illness. He was born in Washington County, Tennessee on June 14, 1932, to Barney and Marie Tester. The family moved to Happy Valley in Carter County where he graduated from high school with the class of 1952.

He enlisted in the Air Force in 1953 during the Korean War; he received Airman of the Year and was honorably discharged as a Master Sargent. He returned to Carter County, attended East Tennessee State University, and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Arts. There he met and married Helen Patricia Winebarger of Kingsport, Tennessee. "Dave and Pat" moved to Piney Flats, TN in 1961. There, they raised three sons. He taught 9 years in the Bristol, TN school system, then 20 years at East High School in Sullivan County. He retired from teaching in1988 and became a self-employed electrician for several years.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Burl Tester (passed at age 7), and Norman Tester (Martha), brother-in-law Charles Lacy and sister-in-law Marilyn Stromberg Tester.

Survivors include wife of 66 years, Patricia Tester, brother Silas Tester and sister Helen Lacy; sons David Tester (Dwayne), Dale Tester (Kellie), and John Tester; grandson Andrew Tester (April), granddaughter Nicole Tester, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was a devoted husband, father, and educator. He was a 62-year member of Edgefield Methodist Church, a Master Mason for 66 years of the MM Martin Lodge and a community supporter of Piney Flats. In addition, he was an avid sports hunter, local bluegrass/classic country music enthusiast and a football fan of all levels.

The family of Chester David "Dave" Tester will receive friends from 2:30 to 4:00 pm Thursday, July 25, 2024, at Edgefield Methodist Church. The funeral service will follow at 4:00 pm with Pastor Estel Williams officiating. The graveside committal service will follow in Edgefield Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Tommy Tester, Tom Hodge, Mike Oliver, John Weaver, Phil Hensen and Paul Winebarger. Honorary pallbearers will be Mike Chapman and Steve Tester.

Special and heart-felt thanks go to the staff of NHC, station 3, for their kindness over the past three months.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www. tetrickfuneralservices.com. Tetrick Funeral Services, 3001 Peoples Street, Johnson City, TN 37604, is honored to serve the Tester family. (423) 610-7171