Hooper ~ Melvin Douglas Hooper was born in Fernandina Beach, Florida April 29, 1949, to the late Siebert Hooper Sr. and Vashtie Leakes-Hooper.

Melvin was raised in Fernandina Beach and educated at Peck High School. Melvin, like his many siblings, was raised on a farm in Hoopersville and The Hooper Family attended First Missionary Baptist Church. Growing up on the farm and being a part of a large family were some of his fondest memories. 

Melvin was infatuated with fast cars early in his childhood. As a teenager he built car engines with his brothers. He was most proud of his 1968 Chevy Chevelle SS 396 4 Bolt Main. On several occasions, Melvin shared that he used to race up through town and on American Beach, but he had to beat the police back to Hoopersville to park the car on their private property because he knew the police would not enter.

In the early 80's, Melvin and his best friend Big Ernest attended Florida Junior College and received their ASE Certifications. Melvin was a natural born mechanic.  He went to work for a few different automotive shops in Fernandina Beach and had a clientele of his own. Even after he lost his vision to diabetes, he could tell you how to do your own car repairs over the phone.

Melvin loved to help others and was there when you needed him. He was always learning, experimenting, and finding new work adventures. Melvin worked in pulpwood and mill shutdowns.  He even drove dump trucks. In 1999, Melvin and his friend Big Ernest did bridge construction work for the newer Nassau Sound Bridge. Melvin's job was to build the "pilings" for the bridge. According to Big Ernest, it was a dangerous job, but he was not afraid.

He had a very strong work ethic, and he earned everything he accomplished in life. One of his happiest times after losing his vision was when he brought an orange e-bike; he rode it through Fernandina as fast as he could just enjoying life.

Melvin is preceded in death by his parents, Siebert Hooper Sr. and Vashtie Leakes-Hooper; brothers, Calvin Vincent Hooper, Thaddeus Hooper, Siebert Hooper Jr., James Hooper, Jackie Hooper; sisters, Cecil Brown and Helen Jackson. Melvin is survived by his daughters Lateisha Hooper-Albert (Rashad) and Vashitina Overton; grandchild, Dillon Albert; brother, Kenneth Shepherd (Loice); sisters, Prudence Raysor (Ray), Carolyn Murphy, Beverly Reed, Jacqueline Arthur (James); nephews and nieces, Siebert III, Wendy, Andre, Andrea, Charles, James, Derrick, Brian, Desmond, Geri, Eric, Lawanda, Nikia, Kim, Harry, Stacey, Tracey, Jackie Sr, Brandon, D-Andre, Darien, Breona, JeNell, Kenneth Jr., Dawn, and James Jr; special loved ones, Legend Austin, Sarah Frances Hooper, Mary Alice Donley, Rev. Arthur Lee Jordan, Kelvin Jordan, Jermey Jordan, Savion, Jermey Cooper, Anitoine Overton, Evans Jones, Romel Green, Whitney Stephens, Tonya Jordan, Mona Anderson, Barbara Ann Austin girls (Tonnett, Shaunda, Mia, Keia, Trena, and Kasha) Quita Jordan, Vonte Anderson; special friends, Ernest Roberts Sr., Jackie McGowen, Patricia Thompson, Vivian Green, and The McGowen Family.

Melvin also leaves behind many more great nephews, nieces, cousins, customers, and friends who he admired so much. He truly lived his best life with no regrets and left a lasting impact on all our lives. Melvin would want each of us rejoicing in the special memories we all made with him. 

Family and friends will gather to celebrate the life of Melvin Douglas Hooper, 11 AM Saturday, October 26, 2024, at First Missionary Baptist Church, Fernandina Beach, Florida.   Visitation Friday from 5 – 7 PM at The Church.  Interment in Bosque Bello Cemetery.  Because of the love of his family, arrangements entrusted to J. E. Fralin & Sons Funeral & Cremation Services, 5065 Soutel Dr, 904.924.9400.