Walter Lee Tester

Walter Lee “Walt” Tester, age 68, of Unicoi, Tennessee, entered heaven on September 18, 2026.

Walt was born in Niagara Falls, New York, but he would want you to know he was not a Yankee, he was safely back in Tennessee before he could roll over. His family lived in Elizabethton before moving to Naples, Florida, in the 1960s. He graduated from Lely High School in 1976 and entered the United States Army, serving in Korea along the demilitarized zone as a radar operator.

Walt earned an associate degree in radiologic technology and a bachelor’s degree in health administration. He made his career in healthcare, serving as a director of facilities until his retirement. A man of faith and integrity, Walt was a friend and mentor to many. He loved old cars, guitars, antique engines, and animals.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Martha Lou (Armstrong) Tester; brothers, Wayne and Norman Louis Tester; and sister, Carolyn Weber.

Walt is survived by his wife of 45 years, Claudia (Hines) Tester; nine nieces and nephews; and many great-nieces and great-nephews, to whom he was affectionately known as “Papaw Walt.”

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. at Loudon Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel. A graveside service will follow at Loudon County Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Unicoi Animal Shelter, 185 N. Industrial Drive, Erwin, TN 37650, or Cool Cruisers of Southwest Florida, P.O. Box 9290, Naples, FL 34101-9290.