Harold "Hotshot" Calvin Platt was born in Melbourne, Florida on December 19, 1946 to Minor J. Platt and Marjorie Shave Platt. He passed away on August 31, 2013 at the age of 66. 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 ABAC 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 and Water Conservation, and Director of the
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 Lands 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, Ray and Paul Platt.