Eustis, FL - Reverend Harold Gene Tester, age 78, a former resident of Sugar Grove, NC, died Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at his home in Eustis.  Born in Baltimore, Maryland, he moved to Eustis in 2000 from his home in Sugar Grove.

He was Pastor at Sandy Acres Baptist Church in Umatilla, FL prior to his retirement.  He is a United States Air Force Veteran serving during Vietnam.

Reverend Tester is preceded in death by his Parents, Fred Newton and Georgia Arnette Tester, his Daughter, Wanda Lee Tester and a Brother, Mack Tester.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Shirley Mae Smitherman Tester of Eustis, FL; his son, Reverend Doug Tester and wife, Angie of Eustis, FL, his foster son, Daniel Yates and wife, Sherry, and children of Sugar Grove, NC; his brother, Dewey Tester, and wife, Rebecca, of Shelby, NC; his sister, Wanda Nave of Fort Myers, FL; Grandchildren, Trayton and wife, Taylor; Hannah, and Noah Tester, also a number of nieces and nephews.

A service celebrating the life of Reverend Gene Tester will be held 2:00 PM Thursday, April 6, 2023, in the Chapel of Hampton Funeral Service in Boone, NC with Reverend Doug Tester officiating.  Military Honors will be accorded by the DAV Chapter 90 and the American Legion Honor Guard.  Burial will follow in the Greene Cemetery in Sugar Grove.

The family will receive friends on Thursday from 12:30 until 2:00 prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests contributions be made to the Greene Cemetery Fund, C/O Tommy Tester, 2345 Peoria Road, Sugar Grove, NC 28679.

Online condolences may be sent to the Tester Family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com

Hampton Funeral Service of Boone is in charge of arrangements.