William “Bill” Whipple III
June 24, 1938 - March 22, 2021
William “Bill” Whipple III of Middletown, DE, passed away on Monday, March 22, 2021, at the age of 82.
Born in Omaha, NE on June 24, 1938 to Brig. Gen. William Jr. and Dixie Whipple, Bill lived all over the US as well as in Germany and France. He was a proud graduate of both Princeton University in 1960 and Harvard Law School in 1963. Bill then fulfilled his Army commitment, graduating from Officer’s School at Fort Sill, OK and serving as a Captain in South Korea. After being honorably discharged, he moved to Wilmington, DE to work for DuPont where he met his loving wife, Valerie. Bill worked both in Wilmington and Sao Paulo, Brazil in the tax and planning divisions for 26 years until his retirement. Not done yet, he became a practicing lawyer in Pennsylvania and co-authored a book (Partnering for Performance).
Bill was a voracious reader and prodigious writer. He was dedicated to our country and used his talents to write a weekly blog for the SAFE (Secure America’s Future Economy) website. He also was an active member in the Conservative Caucus of Delaware. Bill enjoyed vacationing with his family every year, playing chess with his grandchildren, and walking his dogs.
Bill is survived by his wife of 54 years, Valerie (Smolka) Whipple; daughters, Julie Jefferson (Davis), Lara Whipple, and Jennifer Wagner (James); grandchildren, Caroline Jefferson, James Wiest, Anna and Andrew Wagner; and siblings, Anne Andersen, Claire Stech, and Philip Whipple.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 4 pm until 5 pm on Tuesday, March 30, 2021, at the Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 275 East Main Street, Middletown, DE, followed by a funeral service at 5 pm. Face masks will be required for all in attendance. Interment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Bill’s memory to The Little Sisters of the Poor, 185 Salem Church Road, Newark, DE 19713.
Hallie Salmi
I am so sorry that I will unable to attend in person. All of you are in my thoughts. May his memory be a blessing and you find comfort and joy in the time you had together.
Kate Van Name
Dear Julie and Davis – a loss so great means a love so great. There is no greater proof of his great life then the two of you and your whole family. My sorrow for you is lifted to joy that this wonderful man is now with our Lord. May the Lord Bless you and Keep you. Love you both. – Kate
Chris & Debra Kaye
Valerie we were so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. Please accept our condolences and we are keeping you and your family in our prayers.
Love , Chris, Deb & Olivia
Carol Ann ZARUBA (Smolka)
WHAT A GUY! Bill was not only my brother-in-law but my friend. He was the smartest man, I ever knew.
I can still see him walking down the street with Leo, his, golden retriver and Laya, Vals carin terrier.
I will truly miss his, gentleness, kindness and just being Bill. God Bless You Bill, lots of love and kisses.
I will miss Bill. He was gentle, kind etc
Barbara Henry
My Thoughts and Love are with you Valerie and your Family. I do Understand your emptiness and pain, Bill was a very special Man , indeed, may God Bless his Soul.And comfort Each and every one of you….
Elaine and John Anisko
Val, you have our deepest sympathy during this difficult time and in the days to come. We will always remember Bill as being a dedicated husband, Dad and Grandad to you, to your children and grandchildren. As a brother-in-law, he was always ready for a challenge no matter how complicated it could be. Being in California and during these days of covid, we are unable to come back east but hopefully this summer, we will all be able to get together. God Bless you all!
John Nichols
Bill was a great friend and mentor. He championed fiscal responsibility and was always willing to help a friend in need. He will be sorely missed.
Pat Bobb
To Val and family
So very very sorry to hear about Bill. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Pat and Bill
John E. Greer, Jr.
I was shocked and saddened at Bill’s sudden passing. He was a fine gentleman, steadfast in efforts to inform and help his state and country. He will be missed.
Walt and Jean Whipple
Our condolences to Walt’s cousin Bill’s family on his passing.
Alisia Carnovsky
Julie and Jen
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you both and your families. God Bless you both.
Alisia
Chris Green Alderman
What a shock to know that our cousin Bill is gone! Our mother and Bill’s father were always close, so we saw their family as often as possible over many years. Bill was always kind and thoughtful, gentle and smart. He left a loving family who will always miss him….. as will we.
Anna Lanham
Julie & Jen,
So sorry to hear of your loss. Sending prayers to you & your family.
Bob and Mary Gene Woods
My wife and I were sorry to read of Bill’s passing. Bill was my boss when I joined DuPont in 1979. We was a good boss, good role model, and a friend. He was also brilliant. In later years, Bill and I kept in occasional communication, including just in the last few weeks.
We are genuinely sorry for your loss.
Bob and Mary Gene Woods
Beverly Andersen
My condolences to the family. May God comfort you and give you peace.
Miguel de la O
My condolences to the entire Whipple family. Bill was a kind soul. May his memory always be a blessing to you all.
Neal R. Sonnett
I was so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing, and I send my sincerest condolences to the entire Whipple family. Bill was one of the smartest and nicest men I ever met, and his memory will be a blessing.