Melvin was born in Winifred, West Virginia and has been a longtime resident of the Chattanooga area. He served our country in the United States Marines during the Korean War where he attained the rank of Sargent. Melvin was retired from Combustion Engineering. He was a member of Mount Carmel Baptist Church, Signal Mountain. Melvin was a former member of the Masonic Lodge, Alhambra Shrine Temple where he was very active in the Bus Ministry. He was an accomplished Horseshoe Pitcher and Bowler where he was active in the World Tournaments. Melvin also loved baseball and football.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Reverend Melvin and Stella Kemplin Cooper; brothers, Donald and Wilber Cooper.
Melvin is survived by his wife of 41 years, Pauline “Polly” Cooper; children and step-children, Sandy Cooper, Pat (Doug) Burley, Chuck (Mary) Cooper, Cynthia Wells and John Roden, Jr. ; 14 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 10:30 am until 12 (noon) on Friday, August 26, at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home.
A Celebration of Melvin’s Life will follow at 12 pm on Friday, at the North Chapel with his Pastor Rocky Bradford officiating. Burial will be in Chattanooga National Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in Melvin’s name to Hospice of Chattanooga, 2030 Hamilton Place Blvd., Suite 320, Chattanooga, TN 37421 or www.hospiceofchattanooga.org
Please share your thoughts and memories at chattanooganorthchapel.com
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.
