Obituaries

Jack Plank

ROSSVILLE Jack Wesley Plank, 70, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, Jan. 23, 2011, surrounded by his family after a long courageous battle with cancer.A native of North Georgia and a 1958 graduate of Chattanooga High School, Jack was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a wonderful friend to all. He was a longtime member of Fort Oglethorpe Church of Christ, where he and his wife Barbara were married 52 years ago.He was employed with U.S. Pipe and Foundry in Chattanooga, for many years as a superintendant of maintenance; he previously worked for Vestal Manufacturing, in Sweetwater, Tenn.; Vulcan Engineering in Helena, Ala., and Union Foundry in Anniston, Ala. Jack retired from Lodge Manufacturing Co. in South Pittsburg, Tenn., as vice president of special projects after years of employment. He was a minister of the Gospel at Chattanooga Valley Church of Christ. Jack showed love for his country by honorably serving in the United States Navy aboard the USS Ranger and in the Navy Reserve. He continued his support of the military throughout his life.He was an avid Tennessee Volunteer fan and loved playing golf with friends and family. He was a great listener and always had encouraging words of wisdom to all who were fortunate to know him. He was a member of the American Foundry Society (AFS), Tennessee Chapter and obtained his certificate in maintenance management from the University of Alabama.He was preceded in death by his father, Jack Dempsey "JD" Plank; and his mother, Mildred "Mickey" Plank.He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Beason Plank; two daughters, Pamela (Gary) Gibson, of Cohutta, Ga., and Jackie Fones (Roger Saylors) of Hixson; son, Wesley D. (Debbie) Plank, of Chesapeake, Va.; sister, Shirley (Jeff) Tingle, of Rossville; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.Condolences may be sent to www.lane-southcrestchapel.com.Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Wednesday in the South Crest Chapel with Minister C.G. Griffith officiating.Interment will follow in Chattanooga National Cemetery with his grandsons and nephews serving as Honorary Pallbearers.In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Foundation, Hospice of Chattanooga, or University Oncology and Hematology Associates, 979 E. Third St. #A0550, Chattanooga, TN 37403-2136.The family would like to give a special "thanks" to Hospice of Chattanooga for their loving care of Jack.The family will receive friends from 11-1 p.m. Wednesday at the South Crest Chapel of Lane Funeral Home & Crematory, Rossville.

Published January 26, 2011

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