John Paul Platt

Dr. John Paul Platt, 96, Johnson City, passed away peacefully Tuesday, May 6, 2014 at his home. Dr. Platt was born in St. Petersburg, FL to the late James Newton and Minnie Matilda Bankston Platt. He attended Boys High School in Atlanta, GA. Dr. Platt then attended Emory University in Atlanta, where he earned his undergraduate degree and completed medical school, graduating in 1942. Dr. Platt was then commissioned into the US Navy Medical Corps, serving as a Combat Surgeon with the Fifth Marines in the Pacific during WWII. In 1952, following military discharge, he moved to Johnson City. Dr. Platt practiced at the Mountain Home VA Hospital before joining the staff at Memorial Hospital. He then became a founder of North Side Hospital and later practiced at the Johnson City Medical Center before retiring to Hilton Head Island, SC. After his retirement, Dr. Platt continued to stay active and involved by volunteering his services at the Veterans Hospital in nearby Beaufort, SC. He returned to Johnson City in 2007. In addition to his parents, his second wife, Mary Lou Archer, preceded him in death. Survivors include: six children, John Paul Platt, Jr., Margaret Platt Happel, Suzanne M. Platt, James B. Platt, David K. Platt, and William M. Platt; nine grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; and his first wife, Margaret Bush Platt. The family of Dr. John Paul Platt will receive friends from 6 pm to 8 pm Thursday, May 8, 2014 in Morris-Baker Funeral Home. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the Platt family requests donations be made to the National Eye Institute, Building 31 Room 6A16, 31 Center Drive MSC 2510, Bethesda, MD 20892-2510, (301) 496-5243.