Robert Lee "Buck" Kester

Mr. Robert (Buck) Lee Kester, of High Point, passed away on February 23, 2025 at Hospice Home of High Point. Because of his deep faith and love of Jesus Christ, he died peacefully after a brief and courageous battle with cancer.
Buck was the son of William Vance Kester Sr. and Emily Lucille Sutton, born on January 29, 1947 in Henderson, North Carolina. He graduated from High Point Central in 1965, where he was captain of the football team and the proud winner of the 1964 Thom Mcan MVP trophy, presented by the sports staff at the High Point Enterprise, or as his family called it, "the golden shoe award." Buck graduated from Guilford College in 1969 and subsequently joined the Army National Guard.
In 1971, he married the former Nancy Sherrill Lyles of High Point, who survives of the residence. Also surviving are his three children, Nancy Jane Kester Brewer (Darren), Sherrill Kester Dempsey (Trey) and Robert Lee Kester Jr. (Mary Ruth); seven grandchildren, Rainey Brewer, Guy Brewer, Lucy Dempsey, Lawrence Dempsey, Nora Rose Kester, Buddy Kester and Burton Kester; two brothers, Bill Kester (Jean) of High Point and Gene Kester (Jane) of High Point; and his sister-in-law, Kathy Kester. Buck was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Tom Kester.
Buck worked at his family-owned company, Rose Furniture, for over 30 years, alongside his brother and many other family members. He was a member of Wesley Memorial Methodist Church and served on the Administrative Board and chaired the Every Member Commitment Campaign. He also was Board of Trustees Chairman at Westchester Country Day School, Chairman of the Endowment Committee and President of the Trustees at High Point Regional Hospital for two years, while serving as a board member for ten years. Buck also served on the building committee and was Chairman of the Board at High Point Country Club, a committee member of the Nido Qubein Scholarship, and Chamber of Commerce Small Business Person of the Year in 2000. Often, he was tapped for leadership roles in the community due to his fairness, unbiased opinions, respect, and ability to get along with everyone. He was known for his contagious smile and never-ending positive attitude. He was a kind hearted and generous soul with a constant desire for everyone to be happy. Buck was a lover of Panthers football, golf, HPU basketball, all things Duke, a good cigar, a historical book, the Bible, travels with family and friends, and all the text messages he had with his grandchildren. He especially treasured the lessons and fellowship of John Willett's Men's Bible Study. Most importantly, everyone enjoyed his amazing pecan pie.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, February 28, at Wesley Memorial Methodist Church with Dr. Jeff Patterson officiating. Visitation will follow the service in the Asbury Room at the church. A secondary visitation will be held from 4:00-6:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 27, also in the Asbury Room at the church.
The Kester family would like to thank the amazing nurses at High Point Medical Center and also the loving staff and nurses of Hospice Home of High Point, who were truly angels sent by God.
Memorials may be directed to Wesley Memorial Methodist Church at 1225 Chestnut Dr. High Point, NC 27262 or to Hospice Home of High Point at 1803 Westchester Dr. High Point, NC 27262.
Cumby Family Funeral Service in High Point is assisting the family. Condolences may be made through www.cumbyfuneral.com.