Harold "Hotshot" Calvin Platt

December 19, 1946 - August 31, 2013

Harold "Hotshot" Calvin Platt was born in Melbourne, Florida on December 19, 1946 to Minor J. Platt and Marjorie Shave Platt. Growing up on the family ranch helped him develop his love for his future endeavors in agriculture. He graduated from Melbourne High School in 1964, then attended Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton, Georgia and the University of Florida where he graduated with a degree in Animal Science in 1970. Upon graduation he returned home to manage the family ranch, using what he had learned to improve genetics and production of their cattle. During his years of ranching in Brevard County he received the following awards: Florida Outstanding Farmer of the Year, Director of Soil & Water Conservation, and Director of Florida High Rodeo Association. In 2003 he received the Brevard County Farm Bureau Family of the Year Award. In 2004 he and his family moved to Madison County. In his new adventure, he and his son, Troy won multiple awards at the Southeastern Hay Contest. This led them to develop all grass forage fed beef. Making beef a health food and founded the family business Deep Roots Meat. The family was honored in 2011 by receiving the Florida Grazing Land Stewardship Award. Hotshot will best be remembered for the things he loved to do...running a buck with his favorite dogs and listening to the ensuing chase. He was just as passionate about turkey hunting, Team Penning, spending time at the hunting camp and rooting for the Florida Gators. With the arrival of his four grandsons, Hotshot transitioned from hunter to teacher. Insuring his experiences would be instilled in them. He also attended the First United Methodist Church of Madison. He is survived by his wife of 43 years Cheri Platt, his son Troy and daughter-in-law Tracey, his daughter Tricia and son-in-law Matt Stafford. His four Grandsons Levi Stafford, Tyler Platt, Wyatt Stafford and Tanner Platt. He also has two surviving sisters Mary MontsDeOca and Marilyn Platt and three brothers Minor, Roy and Paul. The viewing will be held on Thursday, September 5th at Beggs Funeral Home, Madison Chapel 235 NW Orange Ave, Madison, Florida from 6 to 8 PM. The funeral will be held on Friday, September 6th at First United Methodist Church of Madison, Florida at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers please send a donation in honor of Harold "Hotshot" Calvin Platt to UF Health Shands Hospital, to help them continue their research to find a cure of cancer.