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Melvin Cooper knew from age 12 what he wanted to do. Now, he’s retiring from that job after 47 years
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Melvin Cooper speaks during an interview at the Gainesville Civic Center on Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018. Cooper retired after 47 years working for the city and 30 years as parks director. - photo by Austin Steele
Melvin Cooper will soon be retiring from the only job he has ever had. Cooper has worked for the city parks department for 47 years and has been the director since 1989.