PORTLAND – George E. Whipple, 82, of Elderberry Drive, formerly of Settler Road, South Portland, died Friday at a Portland hospital following a brief illness.

He was born in Bourne, Mass., a son of Harry C. and Mary Ainslie Whipple. He was a 1940 graduate of Bourne High School.

During World War II, George served in the Navy as a PT boat gunner in the South Pacific Theater of Operations. He served on campaigns in the Solomon Island, New Guinea and the Philippines. He received a Purple Heart for wounds sustained during combat. George served briefly with former President John F. Kennedy in the South Pacific.

On Jan. 10, 1948, he married the former June McCullum at St. Patrick’s Church in Portland.

During the Korean Conflict George was recalled to service with the Navy.

Following his military service, George worked briefly as a milkman for Old Tavern Dairy. For several years, he sold wholesale products to grocery stores for High Hat Distributions, covering the New England territory. He later co-owned Chubb’s Caf in Portland and worked several years at Hanson Chrysler Plymouth as an automobile salesman. In the mid-1960s, he accepted a position with the post office, retiring in 1983.

He enjoyed spending time with his family. He was an avid golfer and former member at Willowdale and Val Halla golf courses. He loved boating and was an avid fisherman. He was also a member of the American Legion, the VFW and the Elks Club.

He is survived by three daughters, Andrea Johnston of Augusta, Karen Farrell and her husband, Kevin, of South Portland, and Debra A. Whipple of Westbrook; four sons, Robert G. Whipple and his wife, Aileen, of St. Augustine, Fla., Donald M. Whipple of Augusta, David J. Whipple and his wife, Robin, of Augusta, and Thomas R. Whipple and his wife, Debra, of Lewiston; a sister; Norma Stowe of Bourne, Mass.; 12 grandchildren; and two great- grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his wife of 49 years, June, in 1995; and two sons, PFC Stephen Whipple in 1967, while he was serving in Vietnam, and W. Scott Whipple in 1997.

Copy the Story Link