John Marcus Kester III, 64, of Vero Beach and formerly of Charlotte, N.C., passed away March 25, 2010, in Salisbury, N.C. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. and Mrs. John Marcus Kester Jr. He is survived by his wife, Grace W. Kester and daughter, Allison K. Bolick and husband, Kevin, of Charlotte, N.C, and son, Justin M. Kester of Tallahassee and brother, George W. Kester and wife, Karen, of Lexington, Va. He served in the United States Army in the 196th Infantry and was awarded the Purple Heart when he was wounded in combat during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in 1969. John was a friend to all people, young and old, he never met a stranger. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his name to Hospice and Palliative Care at VAMC WPB General Host Fund 8024, 7305 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach, FL 33410. Please share condolences online at www.hankinswhittington.com.