William Charles “Bill” Erickson
William Charles “Bill” Erickson, 63, of Ringgold, Georgia, passed away peacefully at Erlanger Hospital on Monday, July 22, 2024. He will be remembered as a friend to everyone, as he had a heart of gold and never met a stranger.
He was born in Chattanooga, to the late William E. Erickson and Mary (Garner) Erickson. Bill graduated from Red Bank High School, class of 1979, and then attended UTC. Bill always had a passion for cars, which he was able to turn into a 30+ year career in the automotive industry. He was a very knowledgeable, friendly, and dedicated employee which made him a valuable asset and an esteemed co-worker and manager while working as Used Car Manager for Marshal Mize Ford, General Sales Manager for Economy Honda Superstore, and General Sales Manager for Mullinax Lincoln Automotive in Cleveland. Bill was currently working as a Corporate Car Buyer at Bowers Automotive Group for all their 11 dealerships.
Bill loved cars of all types. “AKA the Car Guy”, he enjoyed NASCAR and music from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. There was nothing Bill enjoyed more than driving his Corvette with the top down while listening to Jason Aldean and Chris Stapleton. Over the years, he probably had 10 Hummers, and so he was also known as the “Hummer go-to guy”! Bill’s love of cars translated into one of his favorite pastimes - Winston Cup, now known as NASCAR. He rarely missed watching races on TV or from the “pits” on some occasions. His time spent at NASCAR tracks allowed him to cultivate friendships with some drivers along the way. Bill even had the opportunity to participate in the Richard Petty Driving Experience at the Charlotte Speedway.
More than anything, he was an avid UT Vols Football fan, always cheering on the Big Orange even when the score was not in their favor. Some of Bill’s fondest memories were at Neyland Stadium cheering on the Volunteers with his dear friend, Chet Carney. Bill was known to always wear something orange.
Bill was predeceased by his great-nephew, Wesley Belisle. He cherished his fun times with Wesley.
He is survived by his sister, Denise (Ron) Beaurivage; niece, Lindsey (Derek) Belisle; nephew, Brett (Anna) Beaurivage, his beloved aunt, Linda Lewis, stepdaughters Presley (Garrett) Moore and Chaney Mullin. He will be remembered by his extended family and many good friends and neighbors.
The family will receive friends from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 20, at Ridgedale Baptist Church, 1831 Hickory Valley Road, Chattanooga, Tn. 37421.
A Celebration of Life Service for Bill will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 20, at Ridgedale Baptist Church, 1831 Hickory Valley Road, Chattanooga, Tn. 37421, with Pastor Chris Stephens from Faith Promise Church, Knoxville, officiating and musical selections played by Brandon Maddox.
Please honor Bill and wear Orange and White to this Celebration of Life Service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wesley’s Way Foundation, 373 South Willow Street, PMB #257, Manchester, NH 03103.
Please visit www.chattanoogavalleyviewchapel.com to share your memories of Bill.
Arrangements are by the Valley View Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 7414 Old Lee Highway, Chattanooga, Tn. 37421.