BACON, JOHN PARSHALL, JR., (MAJOR, UNITED STATES AIR FORCE, RETIRED) - and retired college professor, died July 20, 2014 in Florida; formerly of Memphis and Knoxville, Tennessee. Born 1919, Knoxville, TN to the late Almon Kennedy Bacon and John Parshall Bacon, Sr. He was a proud descendent of Col. David Henley, George Washington's emissary to the East Tennessee region during Tennessee's quest for statehood; on his mother's side he was descended from Knoxville pioneer Francis Alexander Ramsey, builder of Ramsey House. Grandfather, Dr. John M. Kennedy, married Maria Laura Ramsey, daughter of Dr. F.A. Ramsey, the last child born in Ramsey House. Maternal grandfather and great grandfather, both Civil War veterans, were presidents of the Knox County Medical Association. Mr. Bacon graduated from Knoxville High School in 1938, attended University of Tennessee, Merrimack College and obtained his Master's degree from University of Southern Mississippi. Mr. Bacon, a Kentucky Colonel, was a member of the Highland Lakes Golf Club, the "Man Will Never Fly" Association, Air Force Association, 8th Air Force Historical Association, and past president of the Tennessee Chapter, Sons of the Revolution, First Families of Tennessee, Military Officer's Association, USM Alumni Association, Phi Alpha Theta National History Honor Society, ATO, Phi Theta Mu, East Tennessee Historical Society and Swan House (Ramsey House) Association. Bacon was awarded the Outstanding Sponsor Award by the Phi Theta Kappa National Honorary Society with a scholarship awarded in his name. Bacon enlisted in the service in 1941, serving in the Pacific and Europe during World War II; he was recalled as an air traffic controller and was with M.I.T. while perfecting radar; he later manager the military courier service from the Middle East to Pentagon in D.C. Bacon retired from the military in 1964. Professor Bacon taught college in Memphis, Tennessee for 20 years and was bestowed the honor of Professor Emeritus. John loved to sing "Stardust", 40's big band music, share jokes, amusing stories and historical quotes. He was an excellent public speaker, a runner, an avid golfer and a good man.

Preceded in death by brother and sister-in-law, General Walter "Bud" Bacon and Betty Bacon.

Survived by his wife of 39 years, Janette Thomas Bacon; stepson Harold DeWein; adopted children Cindy Updike, Susan Engel and Robert Bacon; and grandchildren; nieces Kate, Erica, Hanna and Emma Field, Betsy and Hailey Meadows, Julia Hale and Ferrol Thomas; sisters-in-law, Joyce Bacon, Alana Denney; brother-in-law, John A. Thomas, and mother-in-law, Joyce Thomas Nicholson.

Family and friends will meet Friday, August 22, 2014 at 11:30AM at the Tennessee Veteran's Cemetery, 5901 Lyons View Pike, Knoxville, Tennessee. (423-579-3228) Funeral service with full military honors. Family will receive friends following the service. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Ramsey House or your favorite charity.

Published in the Knoxville News Sentinel on
Aug. 19, 2014