John Ward, Voice of the Vols legend, passes away at 88

Ward called Tennessee football games on Vol Network radio for 30 years from 1968 to 1998.

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[Geep]

Legend, I'll miss him. He's one of my associations I made with Tennessee football. The worlds a little darker now he's gone, thanks for the memories John.

[DG-wuke]

When I was a kid all of us boys would play basketball in the driveway every Saturday after our city league games. This was 1968 and we were 8-9yrs old living every bounce, every shot and hanging on every word. It was like being at Stokely.
When we got the rare chance to go Neyland we put a fresh 9v in and took John with us because he would make a game so exciting even though we were there.
His call of the game was like you were there on the field, in the huddle, taking the snap, making the block to spring Richmond Flowers on a reverse. To hear him gallop to a touchdown thru the radio as called out 4, 3, 2, 1 TOUCHDOWN TENNESSEE was the thrill of every Saturday afternoon when its "Football Time in Tennessee"! There will never be another like the Great John Ward!

[philholloway]

Prayers and deepest condolences from Kentucky. Mr Ward you were a treasure and God bless you always!!! Say hello to Cawood Ledford when you get to Heaven Sir. Go Vols!!!

[SGLittleTop]

I grew up listening to Mr. Ward on my grandparents front porch. RIP sir

[jerryryan]

watching the vols on tv I'd always cut the volume down and turn John Ward up!

[LucidDream]

I know a lot of Vol nation is saddened by his passing, I know I am. Just brings back a lot of memories. I remember when he stopped broadcasting and being upset about it. Now it's even worse. A lot of people are thinking about you. RIP John. They need to build a damn statue of him. Icon!

[juliansmith]

As the crowd begins to roar and roar ladies & Gentleman It's Football time in Tennessee

[jonathanwilson]

Give him six! Touchdown Tennessee will be heard in heaven when the Big Orange scores. RIP Mr. Ward. You will be missed.

[betsyjorigger]

I STILL GET CHILL BUMPS WHEN I HEAR HIM CALLING ON KENNY'S TD TENNESSEE MY PAPAW ALWAYS SAT N LISTENED WITH HIS RADIO EVEN WHEN WE WERE WATCHING ON TV I WOULD HAVE TO GO IN THE KITCHEN TO HIGH FIVE HIM N PAP WAS AMAZEING MAN SO IF HE THOUGHT THAT MUCH OF SOMEBODY YOU BETTER BELIEVE THEY WERE GREAT.RIP JOHN WARD GOD BLESS THE FAMILY AND TENNESSEE FAMILY I FEEL LIKE IVE LOST SOMEONE CLISE BECAUSE I WAS RAISED WITH YOU FROM "BOTTOM" WITH DALE ELLIS TO "TD BIG ORANGE" WITH WILLIE GAULT WHEN YOU SIR WERE FIRED UP AND SAID TD BIG ORANGE FELT LIKE I COULD RUN THROUGH WALLS THERE WILL NEVER B ANOTHER N MR. BILL ANDERSON UR IN MY PRAYERS THE GREATEST DUO EVER WAS N EVER WILL BE GO REST HIGH ON THAT MOUNTAIN JOHN IM SURE YOURS IS GOOD OLD ROCKY TOP

[stitchaloha]

"...It's long enough. Is it *straight* enough? No. Sir. Ee. THE UT VOLS HAVE WON AGAINST THE FLORIDA GATORS IN OVERTIME!"