John Ward, legendary Tennessee Vols radio voice, has died

Knox News ^ | 6-21-2018 | Blake Toppmeyer

[Colonel Kangaroo]

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.

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.

[Colonel Kangaroo]

Forget football, he was the greatest basketball radio announcer I have ever heard. Some of his mid 70s and early 80s broadcasts in the days of Ernie, Bernie and Dale Ellis are on Youtube and they are still thrilling to listen to for a Vol fan.

[dfwgator]

RIP from a Gator.

[Huskrrrr]

RIP from a Husker, too.

[Obadiah]

Radio stations all across Tennessee are playing “Rocky Top” in his honor.

[dfwgator]

I remember the call when we missed the FG in OT in 1998, “No Sir-ee!”

[Mears]

“Forget football, he was the greatest basketball radio announcer I have ever heard”

-

Ever hear Johnny Most?

.

.

[Colonel Kangaroo]

I heard Johnny Most. Did you ever hear John Ward?

[eyedigress]

Yea, I was around there. He liked Michael Brooks from the top of the key as well. Reggie Johnson and his great steal from 35ft.

“Bottom!” The old Stokely Center. RIP John Ward.

[deoetdoctrinae]

There have been very few like him. Rest in Peace John Ward.

[Mears]

No,and I never even heard Johnny most but the men in my life and the Boston sports press loved him.

Sorry you all lost a sports legend.

.

[fieldmarshaldj]

RIP.

[Colonel Kangaroo]

Johnny Most was great also. He and Ward were both unique broadcasters in their different ways.

[eyedigress]

Basketball was his start but by 1980 his "It's FOOTBALL TIME IN TENNESSEE" was all his own. The stadium was growing and had only the north end to finish.
Bobby Denton had the booming voice over the PA and it was just a fun time for all.
Last game I went to they were playing rap (2005) and it was the last game for me.

[eyedigress]

I’m gonna correct myself. Bobby OWNS that.

John Ward OWNS (”Give Him Six!”)

His enthusiasm would put you at the game while listening.

[babble-on]

Grunfeld from the corner......Bottom!

[pandemoniumreigns]

The kick is in the air
The kick is,
no sir ree, no sir ree,
Final score, Tennessee 20, Florida 17,
Pandimonium Reigns

Heh

[dfwgator]

That one hurt.

[eyedigress]

I thought you might show up. :^)

[dfwgator]

Tennessee that year had so many things go right for them, when it looked like they were on the ropes.

[pandemoniumreigns]

Sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good. ((;O)