John William Tester Sr.

Canton-John W. Tester, Sr., 77, of Canton died on Tuesday, September 16, 2014, at Baptist Medical Center. John was born in Deep Creek Lake, MD on May 2, 1937, to the late Andrew and Virgie Delp Tester. He enjoyed fishing and hunting, especially with Stacy and his sons. John was also a wonderful ballroom dancer, gardener, and a terrific cook.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by a sister, Betty Lee McKinney; and two infant brothers, Bobby and Ancel.

John is survived by his wife of 13 years, Brenda; 3 sons, Christopher (Penny), Mark (Linda), and John Jr. (Shelley); 3 daughters, Julia Tester, Sharon Rausch, and Colleen McCartney; 2 stepsons, Jason Martin and Dave (Lisa) Martin; stepdaughter, Stacy Martin; 4 sisters, Joyce Eaby (Curt), Irma Jean Rich, Janet Nelson (Ray), and Nancy Tester; 15 grandchildren, and 6 step-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, September 19, 2014, in the chapel of Garrett Funerals and Cremations with the Reverend Tim Butler officiating. Entombment will follow at Garrett-Hillcrest Memorial Park mausoleum. The family will receive friends from 6-8 PM at Garrett Funerals and Cremations.

Memorial contributions may be made to Wake Forrest Baptist Hospital Cancer Center c/o Office of Development and Alumni Affairs, PO Box 571021, Winston-Salem NC 27157.

The family would like to offer their thanks to the caring doctors, nurses, and staff at Wake Forrest Baptist Hospital Cancer Center, especially, Sherry and Kokou.

Garrett Funerals and Cremations is caring for the Tester family. www.garrettfuneralsandcremations.com