Dr. Merrill Philip Bacon

Dr. Merrill Philip Bacon of Midway Georgia, known to many as Philip or simply Phil, passed away peacefully at the age of 82 on January 17, 2026, after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease. A devoted husband, father, brother, physician, and friend he will be remembered for his intelligence, humor, generosity and zest for life.

Born on July 12, 1943, in Savannah, Georgia, Philip was the eldest of four children born to Merrill E. and Florencie Gill Bacon. Raised in Pembroke, Georgia, he worked in the family’s printing shop from a young age, and developed early the curiosity, compassion and accountability that would shape his life. He attended Savannah’s Benedictine Military School, graduating in 1961, and the University of Georgia at Athens, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in 1964. He received his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1968 from the Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA, and a Masters of Business Administration from Pepperdine University in 1999. Following residency training in Anesthesiology at The University of Southern California/Los Angeles County Medical Center, he served as a captain in the United States Air Force during the VietNam War.

He met his wife, Carol, while they were interns in Los Angeles, and they made California their home. He built a distinguished medical career spanning more than four decades as an anesthesiologist and pain management specialist in Ventura County California. Known for his calm demeanor and deep empathy, Dr. Bacon was admired by his patients, trusted by colleagues and respected by all who worked beside him. He and Carol relocated to coastal Georgia upon his retirement.

Phil was a man of wide-ranging interests and irrepressible enthusiasm for life. He loved to travel, explore new cultures, and his laugh at Carol Burnett’s TV shows was a thing of legend. He could often be found with a book in his hand—immersed in the Great Books or a history text —or laughing with friends over a game of bridge. Tennis, however, was his special passion, both playing competitively and socially with a circle of close friends who became like family. He adored his family and relished every opportunity to play chase and hide n’ seek with his grandchildren. He served as a youth soccer referee for many years. To those who knew him best, his kindness, curiosity and humor will remain his most lasting legacy.

Phil is survived by his wife of 56 years, Carol, his children, Laura Beamer and Lane Bacon (Amanda), his sisters Jerry Bacon Beard (Waymon Hagan), Bea Bacon Betsworth and Flo Bacon Lee, and his grandchildren Cyrus Eccles and McKenna and Astrid Bacon. He was preceded in death by his parents, Merrill and Florencie Bacon.

Visitation will be held Saturday, January 24, 2026 at the funeral home from 1-2pm. Funeral services will follow at 2pm in the same location. Burial will be at Northside Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are with Flanders Powell Funeral Home, Pembroke, Georgia.