Nickey was born and raised in the Friendship community in Pontotoc County. He was a long time member of Friendship Baptist Church. He loved his church, his pastor, and his Sunday school class.
He was a graduate of Ecru High School, Itawamba Community College and the University of Mississippi. He served in the United States Army for two years and thirteen months of that time was in Korea. After being discharged from the Army, he decided to return to college at Ole Miss to complete his college degree in Business Administration.
After graduating from college, he spent most of his working years at Richard Manufacturing Company, also known as Comfort Care in Pontotoc, MS.
Nickey loved all sports, but especially Ole Miss sports. He attended every home game in baseball, basketball, and football for years before he became disabled.
He loved his family. He is survived by Carolyn, his wife of 64 years, his daughter, Dawn Cooper, his son, Brock and his wife Mellanie McWhirter. He also leaves behind three grandchildren, Madison Wilson and her husband Gabe, Nick Cooper and his wife C.C.; and Britt Cooper and his girlfriend Alena Homan. He will join his grandson and buddy, Russ McWhirter in Heaven. He is also survived by his precious great grandchildren, Camden and Bailey Wilson, who were very special to him. In addition, he leaves behind several nieces and nephews who he loved very much.
He is preceded in death by his daughter, Shelly McWhirter and grandson, Russ McWhirter, his three brothers, Pete McWhirter, Max McWhirter and wife Farion and Joe McWhirter and wife Laura, his sisters, Robbie Gregory and husband Fred and Ann Roye and husband Wayne.
Funeral services will be at 2:00 P.M., Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at Friendship Baptist Church with his son, Bro. Brock McWhirter and his pastor, Bro. Jason Davis officiating. Burial will follow in Ecru Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday, August 4, 2025 from 5 to 8 P.M. and on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 from 12 to 2 P.M. at Friendship Baptist Church.
Pallbearers will be Nick Cooper, Britt Cooper, Gabe Wilson, Randy McWhirter, Mike McWhirter, Russell Thomas, Scott Garrett and John David Gregory. Honorary pallbearers will be his Sunday school class and Jim Brown.
Browning Funeral Home in Pontotoc is honored to assist the McWhirter family with the arrangements. www.browningpontotoc.com
