Roy Lester Wheelock

Roy passed away peacefully on December 6, 2024 at the age of 78.

He is survived by his loving and adoring wife of almost 53 years, Laura (Buchanan); son, Scott (Corinne) Wheelock; his sister, Dorothy Chimienti; his brother, Larry Wheelock; his brother, Jerry (Nancy) Wheelock; nieces and nephews.

Roy was born on February 12, 1946 to Lester and Charlotte Wheelock in Milford, Delaware. He enjoyed growing up in a small town, often playing baseball until dark with the neighborhood kids. Later, Roy played clarinet in the band as well as running track and pole vaulting. He obtained his bachelor’s degree from the University of Delaware. Roy taught high school math for two years, then was drafted into the US Army. His basic training was in San Antonio, TX where he met the girl he would later marry. He served as a medic in Vietnam. Upon being discharged, Roy and Laura were married on December 24, 1971 and lived in Milford, DE. Roy taught school in Milford while obtaining his Master’s in math. After 10 years of teaching, Roy had a career change to computers, eventually becoming a database administrator, which brought them to Easley, SC where Roy worked for NCR, Fluor, finishing with IBM. 

Roy professed to serve the Lord when he was 18, which governed all his actions and gave him great peace. He was truly a feeder in the fellowship meetings. One of his last messages to me, his wife, was “finish strong” when he could barely speak. He was always ready to help another quietly, wanting no recognition. 

His wit and gentle humor were always a delight! He loved to surprise me with beautiful love songs he’d written, as well as funny songs for others, even writing a wedding song that fit the couple to a tee.

“Roy was humble and calm. He didn’t let small things distract him. He looked at the big picture and focused on what really mattered. He didn’t try to focus on himself. He genuinely cared about what you had to say, and that caring came through”, his brother in law, David, said.

“For me he was such a kind and loving father. Like Uncle David said, he was always witty and funny but never biting or cynical. I remember the time he always made for me after work. I never realized how special that was. I also remember how he was always patient and conscientious to teach me the right way to do things”, son Scott said.

The family will receive friends from 9:15 AM until 10:45 AM on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at Robinson Funeral Home - Powdersville Road. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM in the Chapel of Robinson Funeral Home – Powdersville Road. Burial will follow the service in Robinson Memorial Gardens.

Visit RobinsonFuneralHomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home & Crematory – Powdersville Road, Easley.