Arvid McKenzie "Ken" Erickson

Arvid McKenzie "Ken" Erickson, 69, of Germantown died on Saturday, June 18th. Ken was born on September 3, 1946 in Knoxville, Tennessee. During his life, Ken was able to overcome the adversity of his birthplace, the headquarters of the University of Tennessee. Ken became a devoted Ole Miss Rebels fan, rejecting the UT Vols. This was very fortunate for Ken, because he looked much more handsome in red and blue than in orange. Ken cheered tirelessly for the Rebels and, when they won (or lost), partied tirelessly in the Grove. During his daughter, Lisa's matriculation at the University of Mississippi, Ken perfected the art of "groving". A talented chef, Ken created his own recipe for fried chicken. It was divine. "Ken's Fried Chicken" nourished SEC fans from near and far, and numerous students at the university. Born the second of five children, Ken was raised to cherish the sport of golf. Ken's father, Carl, a scratch golfer, taught Ken all of his golfing tricks. Carl gave little thought that imparting such wisdom would later backfire on him, but it sure enough did one day when Ken was fifteen. Carl bet his entire set of golf clubs that Ken could not beat him in a round of golf. That day, Ken had his first hole in one and left the course the proud new owner of his dad's golf clubs. Ken met the love of his life, Ann Sherrod, when she rang the doorbell asking for a charitable donation for the heart fund. His heart was won at that moment. He made a big donation. Ann and Ken celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary on May 31 of this year. Ken served in the army during the Vietnam war and was stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska. It was very very cold. Once honorably discharged, he never went back. Ken and Ann moved back to Memphis with their newborn daughter and Ken worked in sales. He co-owned Memphis Control Center, selling industrial boiler and burner controls. Ken loved travel, football, golf and food and knew how to have a good time. He rarely met strangers and his charismatic personality will not be easily forgotten. A Memorial service will be held Monday, June 20 at Memphis Funeral Home at 10:00 AM with a celebration of Ken's life to follow in the Life Remembrance Center. Ken is preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Elizabeth Erickson and his brother, Eric Erickson. He is survived by his wife, Ann Erickson, their daughter Lisa Circeo (Rick), his two brothers Chris and Arne Erickson, and two grandchildren, John and Hailey Circeo. In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Ken may be offered to the Muhammad Ali Parkinson's Center or the charity of choice.