Michael Arland Bacon

Michael Arland Bacon

November 30, 1939 – January 15, 2026

Michael Bacon, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, educator, coach, community servant, and faithful follower of Jesus, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2026.

Born on November 30, 1939, Michael married the love of his life, Nancy, on September 2, 1961. Together they raised two daughters, Heather and Amy.

Michael was the proud grandfather of seven grandchildren: Heather and Larry's sons Ben, Ethan, and Aaron, and Amy and Ron's children Alexandra, Avery, Ava, and Ron. All of his grandchildren attended Shawnee High School, making it especially meaningful to him to watch them grow, learn, and compete in the very halls and fields where he had taught and coached for over 32 years.

His grandchildren were one of his greatest joys. He deeply loved watching them perform in the marching band, compete in track and cross-country, and play girl's and boy's soccer.

As a pioneer in girls' athletics, Michael founded the Shawnee High School girls soccer program in 1981 and coached for 16 seasons, compiling an outstanding 204-88-26 career record. He guided Shawnee to three South Jersey Group 4 titles, five Burlington County League Liberty Division championships, and an Olympic Conference American Division championship. His teams were also recognized as The Philadelphia Inquirer's No. 1 South Jersey team in each of his final two seasons.

In addition to soccer, Michael dedicated nearly three decades to the Shawnee High School bowling program. He coached both boys' and girls' teams. In 1977, he coached the girls team to their first ever Shawnee state championship, along with many conference and South Jersey titles during his coaching career.

Michael's life was firmly rooted in faith, education, and service. He earned his Bachelor of Theology from Baptist Bible College in 1964 and his Master's degree from Temple University in 1965. He taught youth ministries for many years at First Baptist Church of Medford. He also was an adult ministry teacher at Shawnee Baptist Church.

Following his retirement from Shawnee High School, Michael continued his commitment to education and the community by being elected to the Medford Lakes Board of Education where he served for many years.

In 2016, he received the Outstanding Service Award from Clark's Summit University in recognition of his years of faithful service to the Lord and loyal support of the university.

Above all else, Michael loved and cared for his family. His life was marked by unwavering faith, quiet strength, and deep devotion to those he loved. Whether in the classroom, on the sidelines, in the boardroom, or in the pews, he was always present, supporting, guiding, and loving without condition.

He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Nancy; his daughters Heather and Amy; his sons-in-law Larry and Ron; his grandchildren Ben, Ethan, Aaron, Alexandra, Avery, Ava, and Ron; and many extended family members, former students, athletes, church family, and friends whose lives were forever changed by him.

Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family on Monday, January 19, 2026 at the Shawnee Baptist Church, 303 Oakshade Road, Shamong, NJ 08088 starting at 10am. A Memorial service will follow at 11am. Interment will be private and held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Shawnee Baptist Church at the above address. www.shawneechurch.org

Arrangements under the direction of the Bradley & Stow Funeral Home, 127 Medford-Mt. Holly Road, Medford, NJ 08055

(www.BradleyStow.com)