It’s tough to find someone that had incredible talent and impeccable class. John Ward managed the two as well as anyone.

You know the voice. You know the signature calls. But what you may not know is that Ward, who passed away Wednesday at age 88, knew his role as well as any broadcaster I’ve ever heard.

Ward, who was the “Voice of the Vols” for over 30 years, had no desire to become the center of attention, which is almost a prerequisite in today’s broadcast world of “hot takes.” Ward was there to paint a picture and tell a story via the radio airwaves. He took pride in that and excelled at it.

I still recall being in the Neyland Stadium press box and hearing a very popular ESPN personality say, “I don’t understand what’s so great about him. He’s way behind on every call.” There was a reason for that. Ward was producing the most entertaining radio broadcast he could. Sure, there were thousands who would turn down the television and listen to the radio call, but Ward wasn’t trying to be a television accessory. He was providing an enthusiastic, informative explanation of the game.

That style can still be heard by high school announcers every fall Friday night throughout Tennessee. His voice will resonate for decades in those hundreds of high school announcers.

Ward also didn’t want to seem like he was rooting for his team like the late Larry Munson did with Georgia. The two legends had far different styles. Munson was a part of the team. Ward kept his objectivity even though it was obvious who he was rooting for.

Many people don’t know that Ward was also a key figure on the business side of his broadcasts, either by helping sell advertising or client relations. It was all worth it for those fall Saturdays.

However, it was Ward’s skill that he’ll be remembered for. His pacing was incredible. His information was spot on thanks in large part for his willingness to rely on his support staff. Ward never thought he was big enough to do everything on his own just because he was, well, John Ward.

I recall several of Ward’s football calls. However, his basketball play-by-play will forever stick out most in my mind. I know it’s hard to believe for those that are two decades younger than me, but there was a time when every sporting event wasn’t televised, including Tennessee’s basketball games. Well, that meant it was a perfect night to run some errands and listen to Ward’s calls on the radio while driving around in the car. His basketball calls were so good that there might as well have been a high definition television in the car. You never missed a thing.

My most distinct memory of Ward was his last broadcast. It occurred when the Vols were bounced out of the 1999 NCAA Tournament by Missouri State in the second round. It was an embarrassing 30-point loss and the Vols didn’t feel much like talking. No worries. The bigger story was the fact that it was Ward’s last game as UT’s broadcaster so I headed to his seat on the sideline as he was wrapping up his postgame.

By the tone of his voice, you couldn’t tell if the Vols had won or lost although I’m sure ward would have liked to see UT go further in the tournament given his love for basketball. Just after Ward signed off the Vol Network played an homage to him and his career.

Ward didn’t like that at all. “I told them not to do that,” I recall him saying as he placed his headset on the table for the last time. Ward didn’t want to be a part of the story. UT’s basketball team was the story.

I requested for Ward to be on several radio shows I’ve worked with over the years. It was always a polite “no.” I always wondered why he was so reticent to talk about the good ol’ days. I was told by several people that Ward didn’t want to be in the public eye because he didn’t want to put any undue pressure on the new “Voice of the Vols,” Bob Kesling, who had the job of filling Ward’s monstrous shoes. Ward didn’t want to be a distraction and he certainly didn’t want to be a part of the story.

There probably won’t be another John Ward anytime soon. Nowadays, most play-by-play announcers want the television spotlight. Nowadays, many want to be a part of the show. Not Ward. That wasn’t his goal. However, in taking that approach and focusing on his craft he did make himself a part of the show and part of the fabric of UT athletics. Tennessee fans wouldn’t have had it any other way.

Cover photo via Twitter @SportsNewsTN