Dr. Jeffrey Plant

COOKEVILLE CHAPEL - Dr. Jeffery Clayton Plant peacefully passed from this life on Sunday May 31, 2026, at the age of 64.

Jeff's life was filled with beautiful moments in which his curiosity, kindness, and creativity brought joy to countless people. He was, and always will be, deeply loved by his wife, family, friends, colleagues, and students.

A career as a professor at Tennessee Tech University was a perfect fit for Jeff because of his lifelong love of learning and, especially, teaching. He will be remembered as the "forever professor" because he was always teaching, no matter the setting. Whether explaining the inner workings of a musical instrument, discussing what made a chair exceptional, or demonstrating the perfect way to load a U-Haul trailer, Jeff found joy in sharing knowledge with others.

Jeff's love of music, travel, and adventure took him around the world. A talented musician who played many instruments, he had a remarkable ability to connect with people across cultures, often through a shared appreciation of music. Whether traveling abroad, riding his bicycle, spending time with beloved dogs, or gathering with family and friends, Jeff embraced life fully.

Yet the most important lesson he taught had nothing to do with architecture, design, music, or travel. He taught those around him how to be a decent human being. He treated people with kindness, respect, and genuine interest, approaching everyone from a place of humility and care. This gift for human connection defined his life. In Jeff's eyes, there were no strangers—only friends he had not yet met.

Jeff’s faith shaped the way he viewed the world and guided how he believed people should treat one another—with grace, compassion, humility, and love. He set a quiet, yet strong example of how to love like Christ and serve the Lord with his whole heart.

Jeff will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Stacey Plant; his daughters, Christine Craven and Rachel Plant; his mother Maxine Jones and husband Dennis; his brother, David Plant and wife Dana; his sister, Tracy Plant Bucholz and husband Eric; his stepchildren, Rebecca Rezny and husband Matt, Rachael Stiles and husband Trae, Rochelle Lawson, and Stephen Crook and wife Hayley; his grandchildren and step-grandchildren, Maci, Atlas, Nova, Roman, Gavin, Mady, Kevi, Lydia, Hadley, Tova, Marc III, Lilly, and Magnus; and his nephews and nieces Liz, Abby, Justin, and Ethan.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jene Plant; and brother David Cammeron Plant.

Funeral Services for Jeff will be held at 12 PM, Thursday, June 4, 2026 from the Cookeville Chapel of Hooper, Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home with Bro. Justin Grant officiating.

Interment will follow at Cookeville City Cemetery with Stephen Crook, Matt Rezny, Gavin Rezny, Eric Bucholz, Trae Stiles, Ethan Bucholz, David Plant, Levi Winningham and Dennis Jones serving as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends on Thursday from 10 AM until the time of the service at the funeral home.

Jeff's legacy lives on in the family who adored him, the students he inspired, the friendships he cultivated, and the countless lives he touched through his generosity, wisdom, and unwavering belief in the goodness of people. Though he will be deeply missed, the lessons he taught and the love he shared will continue to resonate for years to come.

Hooper Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111. Share your thoughts and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com.