Robert E "Whipper" Wheelock Sr.

AUGUSTA, MAINE
Robert E. "Whipper" Wheelock, Sr., age 86, passed Sunday, January 26, 2025 at the Alfond Center for Health in Augusta, following a brief illness. He was surrounded by his family and a very dear friend during his peaceful transition. He was born in Augusta, ME on December 26, 1938, a son of the late Leroy and Leta D. (Mitton) Wheelock.
Mr. Wheelock was a graduate of Cony High School, class of 1958 and served in the US Marine Corps Reserve.
He was the longtime owner/operator of Whippers Pizza in Augusta and Waterville, working many long hours and days. He began working at Damon's Market on Western Avenue at a very young age. He, along with his mother and brothers, eventually became ownership partners in the business with the original owner, Leland Damon Howard.
At the age of 22, he started his first business, Whipper's Pizza, in downtown Waterville. In 1964 he opened Whipper's Pizza on Bangor Street. In the mid 1970's he opened Whipper's Car Wash and owned & operated several other businesses and real estate over the next 50 years. Whipper was always an entrepreneur at heart.
He also served on the Board of Trustees of local Augusta banks, Dirigo and Cushnoc Savings and went on to pursue a career in real estate with Ross, Rizzo & Hanna for many years.
Whipper was an avid outdoor sportsman and Master Maine Guide, whose passion was hunting and fishing. His love of hunting for trophy big game led him to Alaska, British Columbia, the Yukon and other Western states.
He enjoyed many adventures at his camp on Moosehead Lake and in the North Maine Woods with his family and many close friends.
He was a highly respected businessman, friend, father and husband who had a positive impact on the many lives he touched over the years.
Whipper was pre-deceased by sister and brother-in-law Patricia and William Havey; brothers, Vance and David Wheelock; nephew, Vance Wheelock Jr.; half-siblings Leroy, John, Billy, Gordon Wheelock, Nancy Lacasse, Phyllis Sutter, Dianne Carr and Joyce Wheelock.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Rita K. (Kinsey) Wheelock of Augusta; two sons: Robert E. "Bobby" Wheelock, Jr. and his wife Sarah Rae of Rockwood and Damon H. Wheelock and his partner, Shelly M. Wilson of Augusta; a sister, Sandra Crockett and her husband Stephen of Winthrop; sister-in-law Roberta "Bobbi" Wheelock of Lakeland, FL and sister-in -law, Eva Wheelock of Augusta; half-siblings: Donna Perkins, Lillian Massie, Florance Sutter, Carole Meyer, and Ronald Wheelock; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Relatives and friends may visit on Friday, January 31st from 4-7 PM at Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta. A funeral service will be held on Sunday, February 2nd at 2:00 PM at the United Methodist Church on Main St. in Winthrop. Burial and committal prayers will be in the spring at Kling Cemetery, Augusta.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Camp North Woods @ Youth Education Donation - MDIFW.