It is with heavy hearts that we announce that our beloved Niles Patrick Bacon entered into the presence of the Lord on Saturday, September 16, 2023. Born on August 10th, 1949, in Knoxville, Tennessee, Pat peacefully passed away of natural causes surrounded by his loved ones in Athens, Alabama. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Gwendolyn Diane Bacon; his children, Diana Lauren Bacon, Nicholas Patrick Bacon, and Christopher Niles Bacon; his siblings, Michael Winton Bacon and the late Phyllis Ann Rice; along with many nieces and nephews.
Mr. Bacon (as he was affectionately known in the community) was a friend to all who met him. He had the biggest heart, a witty personality, always helpful to others, and put all of his best efforts into everything he did. This was evident in the hundreds of students that he taught every day for 40 years. Pat earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education from the University of North Alabama. Upon graduating, he started teaching in 1970 at the age of 21 as the junior high band instructor in Athens City Schools. As an educator, Mr. Bacon was selected as the Southern Accreditation Representative for Athens City and Limestone County Schools. He was also selected as Teacher of the Year and was Alabama State Board of Education National Teacher of the Year nominee. His tenure for the Athens Band Program, primarily Athens Middle School and Athens Intermediate School, was recognized as earning the longest tenure of any band director in the city of Athens. A true tribute to Mr. Bacon for the dedication he has to the Athens City band program, the education of our youth, and to our community.
He was a member of numerous professional organizations, including Phi Beta Mu National Honorary Band Masters Fraternity and Pi Tau Chi National Honors Society at Athens State University. In addition, he was the minister of music for 40 years at First Presbyterian Church in Athens. His excellence in piano performance has blessed our community in numerous ways.
Above all of his wonderful accomplishments, Pat was most proud of his family, and he was a faithful and strong Christian father, husband, and spiritual leader. Although we will miss him dearly, we are comforted in knowing that our Dad is in the restorative presence of God, rejoicing with the Heavenly Choir.
The visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, from 6:00-9:00 p.m. at Limestone Chapel Funeral Home in Athens. A Celebration of Life Service will be on Thursday, September 21, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church on the Square in Athens. Interment will follow the service at Roselawn Cemetery in Athens.
