Carney H. "Nicky" Nicholson, Jr.

GRAVESIDE SERVICES: SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 201511:00 A. M.CEDARLAWN CEMETERYVISITATION:  SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 20159:30 A. M. UNTIL SERVICE TIMEMCCLAIN-HAYS FUNERAL HOMEOFFICIATING:  DR. DAN HOWARD "Death to a good man is his release from the imprisonment of this world and his departure to the enjoyments of another world."  (Matthew Henry, 1662-1714) Carney Hagan “Nicky” Nicholson, Jr. ended his good fight and finished his course, on February 4, 2015, with his family by his side. Nicky was born in Union, Ms., December 9, 1939,  to Carney Hagan (C.H.) Nicholson, Sr. and Sue Hardage Nicholson of Philadelphia.  After graduating from Philadelphia High School, Nicky joined the U.S. Air Force (Airlift Squadron).  After discharge from the Air Force, he returned home to attend college at USM in Hattiesburg.  In 1962, while attending USM, he was involved in a tragic accident that left him in various rehabilitation centers for the next several years.  After successfully re-learning to communicate and walk with assistive devices, he returned to college at Ms. State University in Starkville.  After a long physical struggle, he received his B.S. degree from MSU in Business in 1972. He enjoyed supporting the Bulldogs, remaining a life-long avid fan.  Nicky attended many Bulldog football games, arriving hours before the game and staying long after the game, in order to navigate the crowds. He was always remembered by those that had met him as the faithful MSU Bulldog fan, wearing his maroon cap and offering a kind word with a smile on his face. After graduating from MSU, Nicky moved to Jackson, where he became an active member of the First Baptist Church.  He enjoyed his large church family and was very active there for many years.  Nicky worked for the Ms. State Tax Commission for many years and was proud to display his Motor Vehicle Comptroller badge, while he traveled throughout the state as part of his job.  He remained there until retiring in 1997, due to advancing physical limitations.  Nicky was proud to have made a very significant contribution, through participation in the Family Tree DNA project, to the documentation and publishing by Dale I. Nicholson of the Nicholson family history, dating back to the first ancestors immigrating from Scotland to the United States. One of his greatest gifts was inspiring others with his ability to overcome life's obstacles and lead a full and productive life, with faith and a positive spirit. He was recognized for this in several publications and articles over the years. Carney Hagan, Jr. was preceded in death by his beloved grandparents and parents and his very beloved sister, Glenda Nicholson Mayfield, as well as a very large family of aunts, uncles, cousins.  He is survived by one sister, Sandra Nicholson Munday of Madison; two brothers-in-law, Dwight Munday of Madison and Rudy Mayfield of Albuquerque, NM; several cousins, and immediate cousins, Barbara Smith (Gene) of Ridgeland, Jackie Geeslin (Bill) of Jackson, Lucy Walsh (Ron) of Mobile, Al. , Barbara Ball (Eric) of Bay Minnette, Al., and Fran Miller of Englewood, Ohio.Pallbearers were Gene Smith, Alex Dees, Herman Johnston, Danny Hicks and Jerry Grissett. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to one of the following:  Wounded Warrior Project (www.helpwwp.org) P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas, 66675; or Brain Injury Association of MS (www.msbia.org) P.O. Box 55912, Jackson, Ms. 39296.