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David Shannon Obituary
Family-Placed Death Notice
SHANNON, David DAVID MICHAEL SHANNON David Michael Shannon, 48, passed quietly to eternal life January 28, 2011, with unwavering faith in God, from complications from a brain tumor and stroke in 1990. Born in Atlanta, he grew up in Smyrna. A born conductor with great love for music, at age 5, he led guests in singing Happy Birthday at his great-grandmother's party. He began piano lessons at age 7. He sang in the Atlanta Boy Choir two years and traveled with them to England and France at age 10. In high school he accompanied his father as a soloist and they sang together in the Smyrna Community Chorus. Michael Went to Governors Honors Program in voice and piano twice. He chose Shorter College for music, graduating with Bachelor of Music degree. From summers part-time, he began full time with C&S Bank in International Banking. Leaving banking for a full-time career in music, he assisted the conductor of the Atlanta Boy Choir and traveled with them to Europe. He served as Choir Master at Vinings United Methodist; then Choir Master and organist at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Durham, NC. Given an assistantship at Texas Christian University, he earned his Masters Degree in Music. While there he became conductor of the Texas Boy Choir, combining the activities of conductor, composer, private vocal coach and teacher. The Choir traveled to Sydney, Australia for 45 days. In demand as a solo recitalist, he appeared with numerous orchestras, including the French Chamber Orchestra, North Carolina and Dallas Symphonies. He received a degree from Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria. He conducted his final concert with the Texas Boy Choir at the Kennedy Center on Fathers' Day, 1991. Returning home to Smyrna, paralyzed on the left side, he played organ and piano at Smyrna Christian Church and volunteered at an elementary school. As long as his health permitted, he and his father sang with the Choir at Peachtree Christian Church. Michael is survived by his parents, Billy and June Shannon; sisters, Melanie and brother-in-law, Philip Hinson; Melinda and brother-in-law, Charles (Chuck) Turner; and four nieces, Amanda and Olivia Hinson, Hayden and Isabelle Turner. Michael's life will be celebrated Sunday, February 6 at 2:00 p.m. at Peachtree Christian Church. The family will receive friends at a reception following in Stew Wood Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Music Ministry at Peachtree Christian Church.
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Memories and Condolences
for David Shannon
Shane Henderson
March 10, 2014
I'll never forget singing "Panis Angelicus" under his conduction in 1992, my last year @TBC. It was his first conduction back since the space center. He was the most intense conductor that I ever experienced, and he motivated me to sing more intensely in 30 minutes, with only half of his body working, than Alan Buratto could make me sing in 4 years. He was truly blessed with music that he passed on to so many others, that now after reading the way he touched others like me, I realize now that I was so blessed to have the opportunity with him that I did. He may not have ever remembered my name, but I will never forget his. Thank you, Mr. Shannon.
Eileen Winne
February 11, 2011
Athough I had not met Michael during his well years, I could see the determination in his eyes and heard him making music on the piano. His parents are very proud of him and his talent. I know that the pain of loosing a loved one cannot be lessened, but I am sure Michael has arrived at the perfect place and directs the perfect choir and writes perfect music. God Bless you all.
Sheila Allen
February 7, 2011
It was my privilege to be Michael's voice teacher during his master's study at TCU. What a joy it was to grow with him, to hear his work with the Texas Boys Choir, and to hear his compositions. I treasure our time together. His performance of Britten's "Abraham and Isaac" still resonates in my ear as his spirit still touches my heart. We grieve his loss, but he now rejoices in being released from his earthly burden, and the heavenly choir sings more sweetly. Rest in peace, Michael
Ruth Horn
February 6, 2011
God blessed me with knowing Michael for the last three years of his earthly life. Michael radiated love and joy and, being the teacher and master that he was, we shared all of God's values and principles. Michael likened himself to Job; Job talked with God and said (Job 42:5) "I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee." Michael, you are there. Ruth Horn (Blairsville, GA)
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Ruth Horn
February 6, 2011
God blessed me with knowing Michael for the last three years of his earthly life. Michael radiated love and joy and, being the teacher and master that he was, we shared all of God's values and principles. Michael likened himself to Job; Job talked with God and said (Job 42:5) "I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee". Michael, you are there.
Greg Turner
February 5, 2011
I was in the Texas Boys Choir from 1989 - 1991. It was a honor and privilege to work with Mr. Shannon and sing his compositions. May God be with his family!
Jo Horne
February 5, 2011
In the late 90s I lived in Atlanta and was a member of Peachtree Christian Church. Michael was in my Sunday School class and was always faithful in his attendance. He was such an example of his Christian faith. May God bless his family and help them to know they can look forward to the ultimate reunion.
pat matthews
February 5, 2011
With deep sympathy we share your sorrow. May the God who gives hope fill you with all joy and peace by your believing, that you may abound in hope with power of Holy Spirit Romans 15:14
Christopher Laskoski
February 5, 2011
It seems that I have allowed enough time to pass without having committed to making a trip to see Mr. Shannon. If he had been anything other than who he was to me as a young man growing up, learning to sing and play the piano, I could not be humbled in such a manner as today finds me. One of my last memories of Michael while on tour in Australia during the summer of 1988 happened while in preparation for a show in Adelaide. Behind the huge stage curtain, as the audience filed in, I caught him swirling and dancing around on stage by himself - holding his arms straight out pretending to be an airplane and making the sound of a prop engine with his lips all the while. I remember this and that he laughed at himself immediately for doing it. He believed in me, and I thank him so very much for the time I had with him. Mr. Shannon, this choir boy will never forget you. Sleep well and sweet dreams.
February 4, 2011
What a blessed and heavenly choir Michael is leading now.
Karla Eason Moore
Campbell High School '80
Betty Wu
February 3, 2011
So sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Shannon. I will forever remember him from my bell choir days. You and your family are in our prayers.
Gary McGrath
February 3, 2011
David Michael Shannon was an incredible man. He taught children that music was the very voice of God and accepted nothing less of excellence. He achieved more than most men could ever dream and brought joy and inspired everyone he met through his love of music and his strength. May God bless his family and may all he touched continue to teach his lessons and music.- Gary McGrath
Helen & Buddy Blevins
February 3, 2011
Billy and June,
We are sorry to learn about Michael. Our prayers are with you.
Lee Adams
February 3, 2011
Mike was a good friend in middle and high school. He had such a huge talent and such a big heart. Although I had not seen him in many years, I am deeply saddened at his passing and very proud to have called him my friend.
Diane Laughlin
February 3, 2011
We were both in band at Campbell and later we were both at Shorter. I didn't know you well, but I will always remember you.
Michael Oonk
February 3, 2011
I never knew a man who demanded excellence as Mr. Shannon did. I was both terrified of him and in constant pursuit of his approval. He was the greatest conductor I have ever met and although it has been 2 decades since I have last seen him, I can not separate Mozart from a mental image of him banging his palm on a 9 foot grand piano. I will think of him always.
Mary Beth Sisolak Wagner
February 3, 2011
I am so sorry to hear of Michael's passing. He was such a talented artist and was a great man. I had the privilege of knowing him from my time with the Dorothy Shaw Bell Choir. He will be greatly missed.
Yvonne May
February 3, 2011
A dear friend all through High School, the memory of Mike brings such joy to my heart and sadness at our loss.
He will forever be a part of my happy memories growing up in Smyrna.
Ryan Palm
February 3, 2011
Mr. Shannon's influence on my life was profound. A smile or nod as he conducted was far more reward for endless preparation than any applause. I treasure my memories as do so many others. His enduring lesson for me is truly, There is Sweet Music.
Texas Boys Choir Alumnist
February 3, 2011
What a talent God gave.
Cleveland Ga.
February 3, 2011
Your music will live on but we do have the hope of the resurrection where we can see our dead love one again.
Kyle Mims
February 3, 2011
Michael Shannon, or Mr. Shannon, as we all called him - conducted The Texas Boys' Choir with so much passion sharing his love for music with us every moment. He was a great mentor and guide to all of us boys growing up within the Choir. He will continue to live on through our memories and voices every time we sing. Mr. Shannon, you will be missed.
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