Obituary: Bill Plunk (March 23, 1941 – October 9, 2024)

After spending 83 years on this earth, Bill Plunk died and went on to claim his Heavenly reward. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at North Oxford Baptist Church (304 CR 101, Oxford, MS 38655). A celebration of life will immediately follow at 6:00 pm, also at North Oxford Baptist Church. Bro. Randy Bain will officiate. Coleman Funeral Home of Oxford is in charge of arrangements.

Bill (known then as Billy) moved north from Bruce in 1962 to attend Ole Miss and like many others, he never left Oxford. For work, he served as The Chancery Clerk of Lafayette County for around 28 years before taking what he called his “forced retirement.” After leaving public service, he “went to the farm,” where he spent the last 20 years of his life buying and selling a few cows and trying to go to as many livestock or equipment sales as he possibly could. It’s also worth mentioning that he loved Ole Miss Football Games and never missed going to Vault Hemingway. That was until he claimed ticket prices got too expensive. He then watched every game on TV and joked the restroom lines were much shorter at the house anyway.

He loved North Oxford Baptist Church where he was a faithful member for over 60 years. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing on the Men’s Basketball Team always wearing the number 55. Those old enough to remember him considered his blocking with the elbow to be borderline “un-Christian like” behavior. After retiring his jersey, he valued being a member of his Sunday School Class and loved each and every class member like family.

He took care of himself as well as anyone and stayed active more than most, but no one lives forever. His body was getting tired, and he knew it. One of his greatest fears was the thought of giving up his independence. He never wanted to live in any sort of retirement community (nor is there one that could have held him). His family takes solace in the fact that he was able to depart with no long battles and with no tubes or wires attached.

Bill is survived by his daughter, Jenny (Mike) Edwards of Oxford; his son, Jason (Collin Hill) Plunk of Oxford; three grandchildren, Lucas Edwards, Logan Edwards, and Anna Claire Plunk, all of Oxford; one brother, Ted (Jane) Plunk of Bruce, MS; one sister, Judy (Joe) Carnaggio of Derma, MS; his close friend, Fergie Crill of Oxford; and a host of nieces, nepews, and extended family members.

Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Gloria Plunk; his parents, T.W. Plunk and Francis Plunk; and one brother, Jerry Plunk.

Donations and memorials in honor of Mr. Bill Plunk may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org/donate).