William "Bill" Kelly Plunk

William "Bill" Kelly Plunk, 83, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2026. 

Bill was born on January 15, 1943, in Trimble, Tennessee, to J.D. and Margaret Plunk. He was one of four children and graduated from Rives High School. He attended the University of Tennessee at Martin and the University of Memphis before entering the workforce and ultimately retired from Lucent Technologies in 2000 after many years of service.

Bill had many passions, some of his favorites included: woodworking, gardening, hunting, collecting old tractors and old cars, and anything that involved tinkering. If something was broken, he would try to fix it, often expanding his tool collection to do so. However, the durability of his repair often kept him busy in the future.

Spending time in his garden was one of his favorite activities. Every year he looked forward to growing tomatoes, hot peppers, okra and turnips. Family and friends knew they could count on him to share what he grew. When he wasn't in the garden, he was usually working on an old tractor, a car, or a four-wheeler.

He loved being outdoors, especially during hunting season. His favorite season was deer season. Some of his favorite times were spent taking his grandchildren hunting and teaching them to appreciate the outdoors. 

He was also known for helping others. If someone needed a hand, Bill was there. Whether it was fixing something, lending a tool, or helping with a project, he was always willing to help. 

Bill was a faithful member of the Church of Christ, serving as a deacon at Wooddale Church of Christ, then moving to Southwind Church of Christ before settling at Germantown Church of Christ in August 1999.

More than anything, Bill loved his family. 

He is survived by his sister, Mary Ann Rush; his sons, Joseph "Joe" Plunk (Kimmer), and Michael Plunk (Terri); his grandchildren, Reagan Plunk, Harrison Plunk, Skyler Plunk, Hazel-Grace Plunk, and Riley Plunk; and his great-granddaughter, JoAnn Plunk-Anderson. 

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Betsy Gardner Plunk; his parents, J.D. and Margaret Plunk; his brother, Edward Plunk; and his sister, Carol Rawdon. 

Services for Mr. Plunk will be officiated by Pastor Dave Phillips at 11:30 AM Friday morning July 10, 2026 at Germantown Church of Christ. Burial will follow in the Red Banks Baptist Church Cemetery in Red Banks, Mississippi. A visitation for Mr. Plunk will be from 9:30-11:30 Friday morning at the church.

The family would like to thank everyone who cared for Bill during the last years of his life and all those who have offered their love, prayers, and support. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association in Bill's memory.