John Ward, legendary Tennessee Vols radio voice, has died

Blake Toppmeyer | Knoxville

Show Caption Hide Caption Quick facts about John Ward Quick facts about legendary Vols broadcaster John Ward.

John Ward, who was the "Voice of the Vols" as Tennessee's radio play-by-play broadcaster for more than 30 years, has died, the Vol Network announced in a statement Wednesday night. He was 88.

"It is with a heavy heart that we announce a great voice has gone silent," the Vol Network said in the statement. "Mr. John Ward, legendary advertising executive, and one of the most beloved broadcasters and ambassadors for the University of Tennessee, passed away this evening in Knoxville."

More: Share your photos of Tennessee icon John Ward

Ward assumed play-by-play duties for football in 1968 and continued in that role through the 1998 season, which the Vols capped with a national title.

"The national champion is clad in big orange," Ward said as time expired in the Vols' 23-16 Fiesta Bowl victory over Florida State.

More: Share your photos of Tennessee icon John Ward

Ward announced his upcoming retirement in succinct fashion ahead of the 1998 season.

"It's time," he said.

"He's seen head coaches come and go, and he's seen athletic directors come and go. And John has remained the rock that has always been there," Phillip Fulmer, then the Vols football coach, said in 1998 after Ward announced his plans to retire. "That won't change for a number of years. He may retire from being there every day, but he won't leave the minds of Tennessee people."

Ward earned a law degree from Tennessee in 1954. His first broadcast of a UT basketball game was in 1958. He then served in the Army before returning to Knoxville to work at an advertising agency. He dubbed his work calling Vols games a hobby.

In 1964, he became the host for UT's football and basketball television coaches shows. He became the play-by-play voice for Vols basketball in 1965 and for football three years later.

Ward was a 27-time recipient of the Tennessee Sportscaster of the Year Award. He's a member of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame and Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame. In 1976, he was named the Best College Announcer in the Country.

"John Ward is Tennessee football," David Climer, longtime columnist for the Tennessean, wrote of Ward in 1998. "To an entire generation of UT fans, there has never been another voice worth listening to."

Ward became known for catch phrases such as, "It's football time in Tennessee!" and, "Give him six!"

Ward was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara.

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