Francis Platts Obituary

Francis Holbrook Platts HAMPTON, SC - Francis Holbrook Platts, beloved husband of Martha Price Platts, passed away June 22, 2025, at the age of 85. Born on September 15, 1939, he was the son of the late Trowbridge and Mildred Platts and raised in Estill, SC. He graduated from Estill High School and earned a degree in chemical engineering from the University of South Carolina. Holbrook began his professional career at the U.S. Naval Weapons Laboratory in Dahlgren, Virginia, before returning to Hampton in 1964. There, he joined the Westinghouse Electric Micarta division, which later became International Paper and Nevemar retiring in 2003 as Engineering and R&D Manager. In retirement, Holbrook continued to lend his expertise as a consultant in the laminate industry for 12 years. In 2008, he was inducted into the TAPPI Decorative and Industrial Laminate Hall of Fame for his contributions to the field. He was a longtime civic leader, serving with the Hampton-Varnville Jaycees, the Hampton County Watermelon Festival Committee, the Hampton County Economic Development Commission and the South Atlantic American Red Cross Blood Bank. A devoted Rotarian for over 50 years, Holbrook was a past President, a Paul Harris Fellow and recognized multiple times as Outstanding Member of the Year. Holbrook served the University of South Carolina Salkehatchie campus for over 30 years as a member and past Secretary-Treasurer of the Western Carolina Higher Education Commission. In 2015, he received the Outstanding Contribution to the Community Award from the Commission. He was also a proud member of the University of South Carolina Alumni Association, USC Horseshoe Society, USC Gamecock Club, and a past President of the Hampton County Gamecock Club. An avid supporter of the Gamecocks, he enjoyed attending USC football, basketball, and baseball games with family and friends. He loved sports and officiated South Carolina high school football for many years, including the prestigious North-South All-Star Game. Holbrook's faith was a central part of his life. He was an active member of Hampton United Methodist Church, where he served over the years as an adult Sunday school teacher, treasurer, and past Building Committee chair. He also served the broader church as a member and past President of the South Carolina Methodist Church Episcopacy (Bishop's) Committee. Funeral Services will be 11:00 AM Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in the Hampton United Methodist Church with the family receiving friends one hour prior to the service in the sanctuary. Interment will follow at the Old St. Nicholas Church Cemetery, 235 St. Nicholas Church Rd., Fairfax, SC 29827. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, his daughter, Susan Platts (Herb) Gilliam of Mount Pleasant, SC, his son, David Holbrook (Erin) Platts of Matthews NC, grandchildren, Sarah Katherine (Dillon) McDonald, Anna Grace Gilliam, Keely Anne Platts and Davis Holbrook Platts and great-granddaughter, Jane Elizabeth McDonald; his brother, Carl Trowbridge Platts (Barbara Lewis) and his sister, Anne Platts Rice (Ken Buck) along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Holbrook was predeceased by his parents and his granddaughter, Virginia Elizabeth Gilliam. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hampton United Methodist Church, PO Box 45, Hampton, SC 29924 or to the USC Salkehatchie Martha and Holbrook Platts Scholarship, USC Salkehatchie Office of the Dean, PO Box 617, Allendale, SC 29810, which supports students from Hampton County. The family would like to thank the staff at Allendale County Hospital for their wonderful care. Arrangements made by Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home, 300 Mulberry St. W., Hampton, SC 29924. Visit our guestbook at legacy.com/obituaries/charleston