John Michael Songer

April 5, 1971 - December 29, 2018

John Michael Songer, 47, of Charlotte, died tragically on December 29, 2018, after being struck by a stray bullet outside of a music venue he enjoyed going to. John was born in Dearborn, Michigan, on April 5, 1971, the only son of Richard and Barbara Gunn Songer. John answered his country’s call to service and enlisted in the United States Navy from which he was subsequently honorably discharged after earning a good conduct medal, a sea service deployment ribbon with two bronze stars, and a southwest Asia service medal with one bronze star. He went on to earn a BA Degree in Psychology from the University of Michigan. But anyone who knew John knew that his passion in life was music. He went on to attend The Recording Institute where he learned the ins and outs of studio equipment and production. Working as a recording engineer, he worked for Mood Media, part of the Muzak companies. Not content to just produce music, John also taught himself to play. He was self taught on the guitar and was looking forward to learning the mandolin he had just received over Christmas. Most of all, however, those who knew John knew how much he loved to spend time with family and friends. Music was always a gift best appreciated with good company. John is survived by his mother, Barbara Songer of Orlando, FL.; two uncles: Robert Songer of Chicago, IL, and Michael Songer of Chicago, IL; and a cousin, Elizabeth. John’s family has given the family of Lowe-Neddo Funeral Home the privilege of caring for them and for him. A gathering of friends and family will be held on Friday, January 11, 2019, from 6 to 9 pm at the funeral home, 4715 Margaret Wallace Road, Matthews, NC 28105. Services will conclude with the gathering.