Edward Test
Edward Eugene Test passed away on March 2, 2025, at the age of 84.
Edward, or Eddie as many called him, grew up in Murfreesboro and Nashville, before moving to Chattanooga when he was 13 years old. He was fortunate to have attended Central High School on Dodds Avenue where he was blessed with many friends, several who remained close up until the time of his passing. While at Central, he discovered a love for basketball and was able to play for Coach Gordon Smith who impacted his life greatly. With natural athleticism and confidence, he excelled on the court and was named a high school All – American. He was recruited by many colleges to play basketball, but decided to attend the University of Tennessee at Knoxville on scholarship. While there, word got out that he had been a talented high school baseball player so he played one season of baseball while at UTK. Even though he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates, he was not as interested in baseball as he was in basketball, so one season was enough.
He graduated with a degree in business, and soon after married Nora Shrum. They settled in Chattanooga, and Eddie became a history teacher and coach at his beloved Central High School. He enjoyed coaching many young men, but soon decided to change directions and become a pharmaceutical sales rep. Being a highly intelligent man, he was very good at his job discussing products with doctors and became good friends with many of the doctors he called on.
A true entrepreneur, he noticed the need for a quality medical equipment store and found a small building in Ringgold, to start his business. All by himself, he began delivering equipment to people in the tri-state area in the family station wagon, In time, Nora and his four children (at various times) joined him to help grow the business. That was 39 years ago, and Eddie Test Medical Equipment is still serving the community. Eddie and Nora both truly wanted to help people in their time of need and saw it as their mission in life.
In addition to working at the family business, Eddie was a lover of travel. He was able to visit many foreign countries over the years, and traveled the United States extensively. He also enjoyed meeting with his “Purple Pounders” each month at the Central High School monthly luncheons. If he wasn’t wearing something orange for UTK, he was wearing purple! He also loved watching the VOLS play whether it be basketball, football or baseball . . .he was proud to be a “Vol For Life”. He also enjoyed listening to gospel music, his favorites being the Gaithers and The Florida Boys.
With four children growing up playing sports and other activities, one could imagine how many softball, basketball, and baseball games, and recitals he attended. Eddie and Nora enjoyed these years greatly, but maybe enjoyed watching their seven grandchildren play sports and perform on the stage a little more. Eddie loved his family immensely and was so proud of his children and grandchildren.
Eddie was preceded in death by his parents Eugene and Oneida Test, of Chattanooga.
He is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Nora Test, his children, John Test, Kelli Jordan, Brandon (Kim) Test, Amber (Adrian) Long and his sister Judie (Victor) Bowman and his two nieces Terri (Mark) Cline and Tracie (Alan) Bradbury. Also seven grandchildren: Avery (Seth) McCoy, Audrey Jordan, Reagan Long, Arden Jordan, Caroline Long, Harrison Test, and Navie Test.
There will be a celebration of life at Ringgold First Baptist on Saturday, March 15, at 2 p.m. We would love to have people share their favorite stories and memories of Eddie.
We would like to thank the ICU staff at Memorial Hospital for their excellent care, and also Kelly Capehart Carter at Tapestry Hospice for going above and beyond in our time of need. A big supporter of St Jude Hospital and the Shriners Children’s Organization, in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to these organizations in Eddie’s memory.