Paul Frederick Platzke

Mr. Paul Frederick "SKI" Platzke Jr. of Skipwith, Virginia passed away on December 6, 2025 at his home at the age of 85.

Paul was born in Baltimore, Maryland January 15, 1940 to Paul Frederick Platzke Sr. and Emma May Brady Platzke.

Retired U.S. Navy Veteran, Paul attended various Navy Communications/Electronic schools and the Submarine school before serving aboard submarines Robert E. Lee (SSBN 601), USS Odax (SS 484), USS Sea Devil (SSN 684), USS Spade Fish (SSN 668), and USS Finback (SSN 670).

After retiring 20 years of military service, Paul and his family relocated to Skipwith, VA. He became a vital member of the Mecklenburg County School system where he taught Basic Electronics and Math at Park View Senior High School. Paul retired from the school system and spent his retirement years enjoying his herd of cows, flock of chickens, and watching all the wildlife on his farm in Skipwith.

Paul loved when his children and grandchildren would visit. Watching them fish the ponds, jumping into the woods during hunting season, or just sitting down to talk was a joy for him.

Paul was child of God and spoke about his beliefs as often as he could and to all who listened. He believed in speaking about the Word of God and that it was a calling for him.

Paul was an active member of American Legion Post 79, in South Hill, VA. and VFW Post 8163 in Clarksville, VA.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents and son, Paul F. Platzke III. He is survived by his children Tracy Ann Bass, Jacqueline Louise Malone, Jeffery Wilson Platzke, and Crystal Lorraine Nehme, 13 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

A Funeral Service will be held for Paul on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at 11:00AM in the Watkins Cooper Lyon Funeral Home chapel, with a Visitation beginning one hour prior. Burial will follow at Gathering Place Church Cemetery in Skipwith, VA.

Services have been entrusted to Watkins Cooper Lyon Funeral Home, 703 Virginia Avenue, Clarksville, VA 23927.