Justin Stockwell Plank, age 35, passed away on January 12, 2024 after a traumatic brain injury from a bicycle accident on January 3. Born on February 5, 1988, Justin was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed surfing, hiking and biking, oftentimes with a four-legged companion by his side. He found joy in every experience, and brought joy to others through acts of service, generosity and kindness.
Justin was born and raised in Central Florida, graduating from Lake Howell High School in 2006, followed by the University of Florida in December of 2010, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. With an ambitious plan formed at a young age, he joined the Navy upon his college graduation and moved to San Diego in 2011. After years of intense training, Justin Plank earned the rank of Lieutenant as a Navy Seal, joining Seal Team 7.
After leaving the Navy, Justin earned a Master of Business for Veterans degree from the University of Southern California in May of 2017, while also learning carpentry in his free time, building furniture and decor. At the time of his passing he worked as a Project Manager at Pacific Rim Mechanical in San Diego, where he found a new brotherhood with his coworkers, excelling in a role overseeing large-scale commercial building construction.
Justin embodied a spirit of adventure, one that took him to exotic places, with dreams of travel to even more destinations beyond the horizon. His legacy will live on through the many family and friends who mourn his loss. Justin is survived by his mother Tricia (McMurray) Plank, father Montje Plank, and stepmother Debra Cunningham, all in Florida, grandfather Anthony Ragucci in Texas, sisters Amber Babcock (Alex) and Danielle Vivian (Joe) in Florida, brother Seth Plank (Nicole) in North Carolina and four nephews in Florida, and many aunts, uncles and cousins throughout the country.
