House Resolution 62

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DR. SAMUEL BRITTON PLATT, JR., AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, Dr. Samuel Britton Platt, Jr., born August 19, 1908, departed this earthly life on Monday, February 19, 2007, at the age of 98, causing great sorrow and loss to his family and friends; and

WHEREAS, a 1925 graduate of S.D. Lee High School, Dr. Platt attended Mississippi College, where he received his degree in 1928 and subsequently attended Medical College of Georgia and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; and

WHEREAS, dedicated to mission work, when he and his wife, due to circumstance, had their ambitions of being medical missionaries to China cut short, they spent five years performing medical work in Menlo, Georgia; and

WHEREAS, in 1939, Dr. Platt relocated his medical practice to Columbus, Mississippi, where he remained in practice for a period spanning more than 50 years; and

WHEREAS, the zeal for mission work of Dr. and Mrs. Platt flowed through their church, their medical practice and the lives of their family, who continue their legacy in worldwide mission efforts; and

WHEREAS, a life deacon and former men's Sunday School teacher at First Baptist Church of Columbus, Dr. Platt was a Rotarian, a member of the Golden Triangle Medical Foundation and a member of Global Outreach; and

WHEREAS, the first doctor in the Golden Triangle area to use the caudal anesthetic with women in childbirth, Dr. Platt became widely known for the use of this procedure and patients came from miles around to take advantage of this practice; and

WHEREAS, throughout his life, professional, social, civic and personal, Dr. Platt shared the support and companionship of his wife, Clara Lucas Platt, who served as his nurse and aide in the professional setting and graciously served at his side at home, in the community and in the church; and

WHEREAS, though he has traversed the river of life to now stand on golden heavenly shores where he will be reunited with those who have preceded him in death, the legacy of his service will live forever in the hearts of his survivors: children, Sammy Platt, Claire Platt Morris and Dr. Luke Platt; ten grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; great-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Lucy Mell Platt (101) and Marjorie Platt Middleton (96); and a host of other relatives and friends; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to commend the life of such a noble and devout individual as Dr. Platt, whose life was a testament of service and Christian courtesy to his fellowman:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the life and legacy of Dr. Samuel Britton Platt, Jr., and express deepest sympathy to his family and friends upon his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Dr. Platt and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.