Joseph Hoyt Plunkett of Peachtree City, Ga. passed away at Southwest Christian Hospice on February 15, 2016 from a cancer-related illness. He was 68.
Joe was born in Cullman, Ala. on December 21, 1947 and was proudly raised on an Arab, Ala. farm where his parents taught him the importance of hard work, sacrifice and responsibility. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business from the University of Alabama, and later a Masters Degree in Management from Webster College, St. Louis, Mo.
Joe had a long and distinguished career with the United States Army, beginning first as a soldier from 1970-1973. After serving in uniform, he embarked on an impressive federal civilian employee career, rising through the ranks to perform in several prestigious Senior Executive Service (SES) assignments.
Joe served as chief, Base Realignment & Closure (BRAC) at US Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) from 1988 to 1998. In this position he organized and implemented the often contentious closure and realignments of major Army installations around the United States. He also served as Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff, G1, FORSCOM, Fort McPherson, Ga., where he managed personnel and services for the largest major command in the Department of Defense.
Joe retired from the SES in January 2007 after 34 years of dedicated service. At the time of his retirement, he was serving as the first Southeast Region Director, U.S. Army Installation Management Command, Fort McPherson, Ga. He was regarded by senior Army commanders as an exceptional leader, strategist and resource manager. Joe led the Southeast Region’s 20 installations to a number of awards including the Commander-in-Chief’s Award for Installation Excellence. During his career, Joe received numerous distinguished civilian awards to include the Superior Civilian Service Award and the Commander’s Award for Civilian Service. Although he was proud of the personal awards, Joe regarded the privilege to positively influence troop welfare as his highest honor.
After his retirement from the SES, Joe worked with Hurt, Norton & Associates, Inc. – a D.C.-based government consulting firm. He was the mainstay of the firm’s defense installation and BRAC-related business, as well as government contracting. Clients highly valued his extensive knowledge and calm, common-sense, insightful counsel. Joe was also a founding shareholder of FedServices, Inc., a federal government contracting company. Under his outstanding leadership as the company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, FedServices achieved tremendous growth and success. At both Hurt Norton and FedServices, Joe was universally respected by colleagues, clients and government officials. His sterling reputation was earned through unwavering integrity, professional competence and a strong work ethic.
Joe enjoyed watching golf and college football. He also liked to play golf, and was an avid Alabama Crimson Tide fan. Most of all Joe was a dedicated family man – a loving husband, father, and son who provided well for his beloved family. His humble, kind and generous nature will serve as lifelong examples to them all.
Joe is survived by his wife of 12 years Libette Vivecca Plunkett; son Joseph Bradley Plunkett; daughters Margaret Fincannon Plunkett and Kristen Marie Plunkett; mother Faye Easterwood Plunkett; brother and spouse James T. and Sara Plunkett; and nephews and spouses Levi and Nicki Plunkett and Isaac and Amanda Plunkett.
Joe was preceded in death by his father, James Hoyt Plunkett.
Rest in Peace Joe. Family Strong. Army Strong. Roll Tide.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 27, 2016 at 2 p.m. at Peachtree City First Presbyterian Church in Peachtree City, Ga. Burial services will be held on Monday, February 29 at 2 p.m. at Arab Memorial Cemetery in Arab, Ala. Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 27 from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. at Mowell Funeral Home in Peachtree City.
Carl J Mowell & Son Funeral Home, Peachtree City –www.mowellfuneralhome.com
