Mike Plunk

Mike Plunk obituary, Savannah, TN

Mike Plunk

Mike Plunk Obituary

Visit the Shackelford Funeral Directors of Savannah website to view the full obituary.
Benny Michael Plunk arrived in Finger, Tennessee on December 15, 1948, much to the delight of his parents, Arlus and Lillian Plunk, who raised him in that community. He moved away not long after his graduation from Bethel Springs High School, taking the first step on what would become a most interesting path through life.
Entering military service in 1969, Mike, as he was known to everyone, served his country in the United States Army, then eventually moved to Memphis, Tennessee where he opened a pest control business. Years later he sold the business so he could move to Savannah which was then followed by migration to La Panta, Arkansas. While living there he worked for Memphis Sash and Door but also began his own bar-b-que business. Not content with only serving those customers, he also opened Plunk Concessions, a mobile concession business that traveled throughout Arkansas. As the years passed, he decided it was time for a change again. Closing the bar-b-que business, he focused on concessions, moving back to Savannah in the process, where he remained until his death on Monday, April 10, 2023 at the age of 74. At the time he was busy preparing to order his funnel cake supplies for the upcoming concession season. The one constant in every move Mike made was a lady friend (not always the same one) that he was following. One of those, Diane Lyn Darden, was fortunate enough to tie him down in matrimony, a blissful state they enjoyed until her death on February 10, 2006.
Mike was a strong believer in the Lord, a big, tough man whose size and demeanor belied the tenderness of his heart and his generosity of spirit. He would do anything he could for anyone, especially "his people" whom he loved unconditionally. An avid hunter and fisherman, Mike could also build anything, a talent he exhibited when he built his cabin on the river with his own hands. His family described him as a "true outlaw"-a very smart man who worked hard and played hard, some of his favorite pastimes being an afternoon drive, indulging in his afternoon beverage, or telling war stories to anyone who would listen.
Mike leaves behind his daughters Tonya Self of Henderson, Tennessee and Jessica Vasquez of La Panta, Arkansas. Other than his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his sister, Annette Smith.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Shackelford Funeral Directors of Savannah

450 Church Street P.O. Box 1027, Savannah, TN 38372

How to support Mike's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Mike Plunk's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Mike Plunk's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?