Mr. Michael Edward Poston

In 1948, Michael Edward Poston, fondly known as "Mike," was born in Garden City, MI, where his journey began. The family later moved to Nashville in the '60s, where Mike graduated from Glencliff High School in 1966 before joining the U.S. Navy, serving from 1967 to 1973.
Music was Mike's heartbeat. Onboard the U.S.S. Little Rock, the flagship in the Mediterranean, he started a rock band, Barful's Backwater Boys, making waves with their tunes. It was reported that Barful's Backwater Boys even played loudly (and proudly!) on deck when pulling into some ports.
Upon leaving the service, Mike returned to Nashville on his Norton motorcycle, delving into the world of audio recording at Studio Supply Company. Working in recording studios, Mike honed his skills, becoming an independent audio engineer. His credits include collaborations with notable artists like Chet Atkins with whom he did several albums, both solo and as duos with Jerry Reed, Lenny Breu, Mark Knopfler, Suzy Bogguss, Tommy Emmanuel, and Roger Whittaker.
In the 80s and 90s, Mike's expertise extended beyond the studio. He founded Audio Services Group, representing renowned brands like Sony Pro Audio, Brysyon, PMC Speakers, and Merging Technologies. A true audio pioneer, he introduced the first Mitsubishi X800 digital 32 track tape machine to Nashville in the early 80s!
Mike had a passion for sharing knowledge and shaping young minds. As an active member of the local Audio Engineering Society, he was a mentor to many through the years. In addition to the music field, in the early 1990s, Mike helped found the WWBA (West Wilson Basketball Association) and spent several years coaching and supporting youth sports, including the teams of his own children. Further continuing his love for teaching young people, Belmont University's Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business became Mike's teaching ground in the early 2000s. What began as a few courses turned into a full-time gig that he loved. Though Mike retired as a professor in 2018, his passion for teaching kept him connected, advising and supporting his students.
Outside of his professional achievements, Mike's most cherished role was that of a family man. Son, husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin, and "Pops" to his two beautiful grandchildren, Evan and Brooklyn Welkley, he radiated love and warmth to everyone around him. Mike's family will forever hold close those memories they created with him. He is survived by wife Kathy, daughter Rachel (Jacob) Welkley, son Jon (Kimberly) Poston, older brother Jerry W. Poston, and younger sister Sherra M. (Winn) Schwartau, along with nieces and nephews,.
Preceded in death by his parents, Edgar L. Poston and Marie H. Poston, and older brother Raymond L. Poston, Mike's final note echoes in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. While his melody may have ended, the resonance of his spirit lives on in the memories shared with family and friends.
In keeping with his proud military service, Mike has requested to have his ashes interred in the Columbarium wall at the Nashville National Cemetery on Gallatin Road, with military honors. There will be a casual drop-in gathering of friends and family on Sunday, February 4, from 4:30 to 6:30pm at The American Legion Post 88, 2717 McCampbell Avenue, in Donelson.
Memorials may be made to Nashville Engineers Relief Fund, P.O. Box 120391, Nashville, TN 37212.