Frank "Chip" B. Plank III

After a twelve-year cancer battle and a short stint in hospice, Frank B. Plank III, known to most as Chip or Pastor Chip, passed away on January 23, 2024. He valiantly endured his diagnosis, never feeling sorry for himself, but rather choosing to use his sojourn to further his ministry to God's glory. Chip and Barbara constantly prayed for those in waiting rooms around them and for the medical providers who served him. 

Chip graduated from Furman University with a double major in Economics and Business. He served 2 years in the Army, stateside at Fort Rucker, AL during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged with the rank of 1st Lieutenant after specializing in ordinance and sharpshooting.

Chip worked in sales at Rich's Department Store(Atlanta), Gorham Silver Company(Providence, R.I.), and for Logos International Fellowship(Plainfield, NJ) before being called into ministry. He received his Master of Divinity from New Brunswick Theological Seminary in NJ. Chip served as Senior Pastor at Plain Congregational Church in Bowling Green, OH from 1981-1990 and at Plantation Community Church in Plantation, FL from 1990-2012. 

Chip had a great passion for missions and received his Doctorate of Ministry focusing on missiology from Ashland Theological Seminary(Ashland, OH). Chip and Barbara led youth and adults on countless short-term mission trips throughout their ministry together. In his retirement, he worked to secure over a million dollars in equipment and materials to start a hospital with Ministerios Vida for the people of San Pedro Sula, Honduras. 

Chip loved the Lord. The love of his life on this earth was his sweetheart Barbara. They loved to laugh together and argue over the remote. They celebrated 58 years of marriage this past June. Chip cherished his time with each of their 3 girls and their families. He especially enjoyed his 9 grandchildren; Joda, Journey, Jory, Joslynn, Emily, Peri, Elsie, Lukas and Isaak.  He was surrounded by Barbara, Kristen, Kelly, and Kara when he went home to be with his Lord and Savior. 

We miss him so very much already but are so thankful for the years we had with our Husband, Father, Pop Pop, Pastor, and Friend. 

Please gather with us to remember him on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at the T.M. Ralph Plantation Funeral Home from 4:00 to 6:00 PM. A funeral service will take place at Plantation Community Church on Sunday, February 4, 2024, at 4:00 PM. 

The burial will be officiated by his son-in-law, Rev. Eric Eichinger, at a later date in Greenville, SC.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Ministerios Vida for the people of San Pedro Sula, Honduras. These donations could be given to Plantation Community Church with a note or designation to Ministerios Vida.