Obituary of Arlis Carson Tester

Mr. Arlis Carson Tester, age 95, of Vilas, went to heaven peacefully on September 22, 2022 at the Life Care Center in Banner Elk. He was born on April 18, 1927, in Watauga County and graduated from Bethel High School. After earning his diploma, he enlisted in the US Army in 1945. He served in Germany at the end of World War II. Upon his return from the service, he became well known in the community as the owner of Tester's Service Station in Vilas for over 45 years. Arlis retired for one year before re-entering the work force and delivered auto parts for Advance Auto Parts and Charlie's Auto Parts in Boone until the age of 84 because he missed being around people and helping others. He was an avid gardener and spend many hours tending and cultivating his crops. His specialty was tomatoes and green beans. Arlis loved being outside soaking up the sunshine and God's wonderful creation and in his latter years spent countless hours sitting on his front porch. He was always lending aid to anyone who needed it. He was the embodiment of Philippians 2:3 "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves". Arlis was a man of unwavering faith and love. He was always the first to greet anyone with a wide smile. He worked hard and when he was not working, he was volunteering his time and talents to better everyone's lives. After his retirement he was often seen in the halls of local nursing homes and assisted living facilities visiting family and friends and caring for them. He was a charter member of the Cove Creek Volunteer Fire Department, a consistent volunteer for Operation Christmas Child at Samaritan's Purse, a member of Alliance Bible Fellowship, and a frequent blood donor to the American Red Cross. He consistently gave blood at every opportunity until his physician ordered him to stop in his late 80's. He is preceded in death by his son, Larry Kent Tester. He is survived by his loving wife of 74 years, Bina Mast Tester, of Vilas, two sons, Duane and Laurie Tester of Cary, NC, and Wayne and Esther Tester of Anchorage, AK. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren, Carson Stahlsmith (Zachary) of Holly Springs, NC, Katherine Abernethy (Cameron) of Sanford, NC, Stephen Tester II of Cary, NC, Bradley Tester (Emily) of Madison, AL, Brandon Tester of Johnson City, TN, Shannon Hammond (Chase) of Virginia Beach, VA, Amy Tester Lewis (Brad) of West Jefferson, NC, and Derrick Scott Tester of Vilas, NC. The Tester Family would like to express their profound appreciation for the nurses and staff of Watauga Medical Center 3rd Floor, Life Care Center in Banner Elk, and Amorem Hospice for their exceptional care of Arlis during his final days on earth. In lieu of flowers or food, the family respectfully requests that donations be made in his honor to Samaritan's Purse, PO Box 3000 Boone, NC 28607. Funeral services for Mr. Arlis Carson Tester will be conducted Sunday afternoon, September 25, 2022 at 2pm at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home in Boone. Officiating will be Pastor Doug Cheshier and Pastor Scott Andrews of Alliance Bible Fellowship. Graveside services will be held immediately after at Cove Creek Baptist Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the American Legion, Boone, NC and the National Guard. Austin and Barnes Funeral Home is Serving the Tester Family. Online condolences may be shared at austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com