Melvin Wilford Cooper

Melvin W. Cooper was born on July 12, 1935, in Manakin, Virginia to Theodore J. Cooper and Elnora Berryman Cooper. He was preceded in death by his loving and devoted wife of 23 years Elsie Burrell Cooper, Father Theodore J. Cooper, Sr., Mother Elnora Berryman Woodson, brothers Preston C. Cooper, Sr. and Dennis Cooper, and nephew Thomas H. Smith, Jr. Melvin received his formal education in the Richmond City Public School system at Maggie Walker High School in Richmond, Virginia. At the age of 13, he accepted Christ as his personal Savior at Moore Street Baptist Church, where he attended until he was called to his heavenly home. On February 16, 1963, he was united in holy matrimony to Elsie Ann Burrell in Richmond, Virginia. They were happily married until her untimely death in 1986. Melvin enlisted in the United States Air Force on September 30, 1953, and received an honorable discharge on June 18, 1956. Continuing with his commitment to service, Melvin was employed at the Veterans Hospital in Richmond, Virginia as a transportation specialist until his retirement. He formerly worked for Baker Shoe Store and Sampson Paint Company, previously known as Alcatraz Paint Company. In his leisure time he enjoyed first and foremost, watching and attending Dallas Cowboy football games. His most talked about games were those with the ROWDY Philadelphia Eagle fans. In his leisure time he could also easily be enticed into a good bid whist game, which could last into the next morning. In addition to his love of the Dallas Cowboys and bid whist, he enjoyed traveling, and a good game of pool. Unknown to many, Melvin was also a street performer as a teenager, and received sponsorship by a local organization in Petersburg, Virginia. Melvin loved life and was also a connoisseur of fine spirits. Otto's Restaurant on Second Street was one of his favorite spots. When he loved life too much, his nephews were always there ready to chauffeur him. Melvin was a family man, an easy-going man, and a man of his word. He was flashy. He loved jewelry, and because of his love of jewelry, some of his great nieces and nephews thought he was a millionaire. He, without a doubt, loved to dress; seldom would you see him without a signature hat, and a toothpick in his mouth. Many called him Mr. Cool. He also had a love of big luxury vehicles, and of all things, western movies. He leaves to cherish his loving memory Olliemae C. Smith, sister and Theodore J. Cooper, Jr., brother (Maitland), his nieces, Synator S. Johnson (Freddie, Jr.), Michelle Fleming, Daphne Corbin and Kristin C. Mullen, his nephews, Preston Cooper, Jr. (Lena), Zachary Cooper (Sharon), Tony Fleming (Angela), Christopher Cooper, Grayland Smith (Pat), Lamont Fleming (Nicole), Michael Cooper (Arlita), and Jason and Justin Cooper, a host of great nieces and nephews and great, great nieces and nephews, and other relatives and friends. Also, a special friend, Ann Purnell.

Tributes

Melvin Wilford Cooper

July 12, 1935 - April 25, 2024