R.I.P.: U-T Sports Radio Voice John Ward

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, according to The Tennessean.

"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.

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.