Nicki Joe Temple

Nicki Joe Temple, 77, of Raymond, MS, passed away peacefully at home on July 1, 2026. Visitation will be Monday, July 6, 2026, from 1-3 pm with a funeral to follow at 3:00 pm in the chapel at Ott and Lee Funeral Home in Brandon, Mississippi. Interment will be at Lakeland Place Memorial Park.

Known to so many as a devoted family man, trusted friend, mentor, law enforcement legend and true American hero, Nicki lived a life defined by hard work, honor, humility and a steadfast commitment to serving and protecting others. He gave his whole heart to every calling in his life. Nicki was born on May 25, 1949 to Homer Temple and Ruth Temple Graves, and was lovingly raised by his mother and stepfather, James Graves. He graduated from Central High School in 1967, where he excelled in athletics and ROTC, laying the foundation of a lifelong calling to serve and protect others.

In 1968, Nicki Joe enlisted in the Ms. Army National Guard, becoming Airborne qualified and proudly served with the 20th Special Forces Unit, carrying the values of honor, courage and service throughout the rest of his life.

Spanning more than four decades, Nicki began his law enforcement career with the Jackson Police Department in 1971. He served as Patrol Sergeant for many years before becoming firearms instructor and Rangemaster at the JPD firing range. Following his retirement from JPD, he continued his service with the Hinds Co Sheriff’s Dept. and later retired from the State of MS as a Lieutenant with the University of Ms. Medical Center Police Dept.

Nicki was fiercely loyal and honest, a protector by nature, a mentor, role model, a man of integrity and possessed a calm confidence and a quiet strength that made others feel safe. He was quick with a smile, never met a stranger and a gifted storyteller. He could tell a hunting/fishing story so convincingly, that, by the end, you almost believed the bass really weighed twenty pounds and the buck really had a thirty-five-inch spread.

Nicki Joe loved God, his country, his family, his brothers and sisters in blue and his dachshunds. He found joy in the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing, building muzzleloaders, anything firearms related, the history of the old wild west, mountain men and World War II.

Nicki leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured by years of service alone, but by the countless lives he touched through his leadership, compassion and example. His influence will live on in every officer he mentored, every life he protected, every story retold and every person who carries his values forward. His watch has ended, but his legacy of honor, courage and selfless service will endure for generations to come.

Nicki was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife of 43 years, Deborah Gilbert Temple, his parents, James and Ruth Graves and Homer Temple and his precious grandson, Ayden Charles Temple.

He is survived by his two children; Tiffany Temple Wilson(Steve) of Brandon and Bobby Temple of Pineville; brother, Mark “Homer” Temple(Sara) of Canyon Country, Ca; brother-in-law, Ronald Gilbert of Montgomery, Al; five grandchildren, James Brumfield(Adrienne), Fallon Westerfield(Curtis), Alix Buckhalter(Jeremy), Mallory Mashburn, Haley Money(Zachary); six great-grandchildren, Cullen Brumfield, Lindsey Westerfield, Tenley Buckhalter, Rayner Brumfield, Brooklyn Westerfield, Bentley Buckhalter, and many nieces and nephews.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Baptist Hospice and specifically their nurse Sam, Ms. Linda and Brother Johnny Sanders. We love and thank you beyond measure.

Pallbearers- James Brumfield, Curtis Westerfield, Homer Temple, Richard McGahey, Steve Renfroe and William Thompson. Honorary Pallbearer- Cullen Brumfield.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God” Matthew 5:9