J.D. Bacon "Candy Man"

J.D. Bacon “Candy Man”, 87, of Kingsport, died early Sunday morning, September 22, 2019, at his home. A lifelong resident of Kingsport, he was a graduate of Dobyns-Bennett High School, where he was a member of the football team. J.D. was a veteran of the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He was employed with Eastman Kodak for 31 years, retiring as a maintenance mechanic. J.D. was a member of Temple Baptist Church for more than 60 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Noble Bacon and Virginia Bacon; brother, Tommy Bacon; brother-in-law Joseph Thomas Smith; nephew, Little Tommy Bacon, and sister-in-law Delores Geraldine Morrell.

J.D. is survived by his wife, Mary Bacon; daughter, Rev. Patricia (Pat) Bacon Tipton and husband Lynn; son, Mark Bacon; Myra Bacon Sanders; grandchildren, Matthew Bacon and Joseph Bacon, April Tipton Harmon and husband Chris; great grandchildren, Dillen Harmon, Joanna Harmon and Gabe Harmon, Alexis and Leeland Sanders; sister-in-law, Royce Smith; brother, Jerry Bacon and wife Judy; niece, Christy Bacon Miller and husband Eddie Miller and daughter Lauren Miller.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, September 25, 2019, at Temple Baptist Church. The funeral service will follow at 7 p.m. with Rev. Stephen Burkhart, Rev. Scott Young, Rev. Brian Shuler, and Larry Allen officiating. Music by Wayne Fortner and John Powers.

Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, September 26, 2019, at East Lawn Memorial Park with military graveside rites conducted by American Legion Hammond Posts # 3/265.

Pallbearers will be Chris Harmon, Lynn Tipton, Allen Douglas, Jay Swecker, Matthew Bacon, Joseph Bacon, and Mike Catron. Honorary pallbearers will be Leeland Sanders, Alexis Sanders, Gabe Harmon, Joanna Harmon, Dillen Harmon, co-workers from Eastman, Mr. Gene Murphy, Mr. Dave Archer, and Denver Thacker.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of J.D. Bacon to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl, Memphis, TN 38105.