Lee Williams Erickson was born in Yazoo City, Mississippi on March 11, 1950.
He was the son of John Joseph Erickson and Katherine Latham Erickson. He died on February 14, 2026, at Thomas Hospital in Fairhope, AL, at age 75.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, John Joseph Erickson III and Richard Latham Erickson; brother-in-law, James Albert (Al) Cash; and sister-in-law, Imogene Allen Erickson.
Lee is survived by his two sisters, Jeanne Cash and Katie (Doug) Hornback; sister-in-law, Joan Terrell, Beckie Breland Erickson (Mitch Carlson); son, Lee Williams (Will) Erickson, Jr. and partner, Philips Wood; daughter, Ann Latham (Joe) Pugh; four grandchildren, Frederick (Karlie Sands), Joseph, Taylor and Sam. Lee was further blessed with two great-grandchildren, Drew and Koda Lee, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. To his children and grandchildren, Lee was lovingly referred to as, “Midaygo.”
Known as “Grinner” in high school, Lee, was the star point guard on the Yazoo High School basketball team. People still talk about his skills on the court to this day. He was also renowned for his barefoot skiing on Wolf Lake behind his family’s home. Lee went on to study Agricultural Economics at Mississippi State University, where he was a member of Kappa Alpha. After college, Lee returned home to work on the family farm. He then started a family and became a devoted father to Will and Ann Latham. When he wasn't on the farm, Lee found pleasure in weekends with friends and trips to the legendary Conrod Hunting Club. It was not the hunt that interested him, but the fellowship and skill around the table. He developed lifelong friendships and kept in touch with many of them daily. In 2001, Lee and family relocated to Fairhope, AL, where they enjoyed visits with Yazoo transplants and cousins who would stop through town on their way to the beach. Lee's favorite pastime was watching his beloved Mississippi State Bulldogs. He knew statistics of players and recruits better than the coaches.
Most of all, Lee was a sweet, kind, and gentle soul whose love touched everyone who knew him. His kindness and generosity knew no limits. He enjoyed the simple things in life. Even in the hospital, “Mr. Lee” received preferential treatment. The nurses and the doctors always told us how kind he was even during uncomfortable times. The family would like to thank the wonderful nurses and doctors at Thomas Hospital ICU as well as close friends and family who kept in touch while he was in the hospital.
Lee was a devoted member of the Catholic faith, attending St. Mary's Catholic Church in Yazoo and St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Fairhope. He rarely missed weekend Mass.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to St. Mary's Catholic Church, 129 N Washington St, Yazoo City, MS 39194 or St. Jude's Children's Hospital.
Visitation will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Yazoo City at 11:00am on March 6, 2026, followed by a Memorial Mass at noon.
