William S. “Bill” Platt
- William S. “Bill” Platt of Selmer, TN (08/28/1935 to 02/20/2023) was born and raised in Millington, TN the son of the late Robert S. and Margaret Ferol Rhodes Platt. He attended Christian Brothers High School in Memphis, Class of 1953. Excelling in varsity basketball, track and member of the Key Club, Boy’s State and National Honor Society.
Mr. Platt graduated from Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN, in 1957. While attending Purdue, he was president of Phi Kappa Sigma Fraternity, member of Iota Lambda Sigma Professional Fraternity, and Purdue Order of Military Merit and excelled in varsity track.
He was in the Army reserve from 1958-1966, while in the reserve he earned the rank of Captain.
He married the love of his life, Paula Hicks on June 20, 1959. They were married for almost 60 years. Mr. Platt worked for over 20 years at Flavorite Laboratories in Horn Lake, MS as facility engineer.
Bill and Paula retired in 2000 to Grayton Beach, FL and became active leaders in their local Methodist church. As a lifelong Methodist, Bill taught Sunday school for over 45 years and served on various committees both in Florida and Tennessee. He truly felt teaching was his gift and always enjoyed teaching both the young and older generations. Moving closer to their children in Tennessee in 2015, Bill became an active member at Selmer First United Methodist Church serving on pastor parish relations and leadership committees as well as being a Trustee of the church. He was a certified Lay Speaker in many churches in Florida and Tennessee. “Well done thou good and faithful servant.” Matthew 5:23
Mr. Platt was a Christian and devoted family man. He also enjoyed traveling, golf and adored his dogs, Max and Minnie.
He is survived by his three sons, Paul Standring (Stan) Platt and wife Michelle of Orange Beach, AL, William Rhodes Platt and wife Jenny of Selmer, TN, David Breckenridge Platt of Chicago, IL; seven grandchildren, Rob Platt and wife Jessica, Rachel (Platt) Eyres and husband Jonathan, Julia Platt, Gabrielle Mcchesney and husband Ben, P.J. Platt and wife Amy, Becca Platt and fiance Justin, Dominick Platt and wife Kaitlyn; eleven great grandchildren, Noah, Aiden, Zoey, Sterling, Ivy, Etta, Ellis, Cole, Caroline, Desmond, and Nova.
In addition to his wife and parents, Mr. Platt was preceded in death by a brother, Bob Platt.
Visitation will be held on February 24, 2023 from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM with services beginning at 6:00 PM at Shackelford Funeral Directors in Selmer, Tennessee, with Jolinne Balentine-downey and Billy Patterson officiating. Burial will be February 25, 2023 at 11:00 AM in the Bethel Cemetery at Munford, Tennessee.