Grand Ole Opry legend, Jeannie Seely, has suffered a great loss this holiday season. On Sunday, December 15, news broke that her husband of 14 years, Eugene W. Ward, passed away at the age of 92 following a recent cancer diagnosis. The distinguished attorney spent his final moments at Life Care Center of Old Hickory Village in Tennessee.
In wake of her husband’s death, Seely, shared a statement expressing the immense love she had for her other half and the incredible legacy he has left behind.
“My heart is broken now, but I am so grateful for the 15 years I had with Gene. I knew he was a good man when I married him, but as I experienced life with him, I learned he was a really great man,” she began.
The “Don’t Touch Me” singer went on to note how comforting it is knowing that she wasn’t the only one who was lucky enough to experience his kind heart and humbleness. Throughout his life, the Tennessee native was dedicated to his work in the courtroom, but also made it his mission to help others through his church and various community organizations. He was recognized for his philanthropic work with numerous awards: In 1976, the Tennessee General Assembly named the bridge at I-81mile marker four the Eugene “Mose” Ward Overpass and in 2005, he joined Lincoln Memorial University’s Professional Hall of Fame.
Seely continued, “My love and respect for him grew daily, and it continues as I learn how much he touched the lives of so many people, some who only knew him by the example he set. It is comforting to know that others share that love and respect for him.”
At the end of the heartfelt note, she added an important reminder of just how strong Ward continued to be until the day he died. “Btw, he didn’t ‘lose his battle with cancer’; he defied it by gaining his wings. The Counselor never lost a case.”
A Leader Throughout The Entirety Of His Schooling
Eugene “Gene” Ward was born in White Pine, Jefferson County, Tennessee, on September 28, 1932. He graduated from White Pine High School in 1952 as the president of multiple organizations such as Student Council, the senior class and Beta Club Vice-President as well as holding down roles as a debate team member, and a basketball team captain. During high school, he showed off his athletic abilities by earning letters in basketball, football, and baseball.
He went on to attend Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee, where he earned a B.S. in Business Administration in 1956. Through college, Ward showed tremendous dedication to his studies as he paid his way through the schooling by working at the dairy and waiting tables in the dining hall. Graduating with honors, he earned an academic scholarship to the University of Tennessee College of Law, where he became a member of the Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity and earned a J.D. Degree in 1959.
An Impressive And Extensive Resume
On September 1, 1959, Gene landed a job at the private practice of law in Morristown, Tennessee. He was appointed Assistant General Counsel to the Tennessee Public Service Commission on July 1, 1961, and served as General Counsel from January 1966 to May 1980. Ward acted an Administrative Law Judge on approximately 400 Commission cases.
His extensive resume doesn’t end there. He also served as an appointed staff attorney for Nashville Electric Service (NES) in 1980 and, in March 1986, was named General Counsel for NES. In addition to heading the legal department, he represented NES in governmental affairs before the General Assembly of Tennessee and the United States Congress.
Ward officially retired from his position of Vice-President and General Counsel at NES on January 1, 2011.
Time and time again, Ward continued to embody his alma mater’s mission of service, which eventually led to him to be inducted into the Lincoln Memorial University’s Professional Hall of Fame in 2005. His unwavering selflessness towards others also caught the attention of the Mayor of Nashville, Freddie O’Connell, who honored Ward for his outstanding contributions to the state of Tennessee and his dedication to public service, leadership, and community. The honor included a proclamation presented by State Representative Darren Jernigan during the monthly Donelson-Hermitage Chamber of Commerce Meeting on Friday, September 12, 2024.
He was very involved in various legal organizations, holding memberships in the Tennessee Bar Association, the Nashville Bar Association, and several key associations focused on public power and municipal electric issues. He was also engaged in the American Public Power Association, the Tennessee Valley Public Power Association, and the Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Association, where he has served in prominent roles, including Vice-Chairman of the Legislative Committee and Chairman of the Litigation Committee. Gene has also contributed to the Legal Conference Committee and served as Chairman of the APP Legal Conference in 2005. His involvement also included participation in the Nashville Bar Association Corporate Counsel Committee and the Legislative and Government Relations Committee.
Gene Was Honored For His Dedication To His Community
Beyond his professional legal engagements, Ward was deeply dedicated to civic and community service by acting as a member of the Hermitage Hills Baptist Church and various Masonic organizations, including the Leadvale Masonic Lodge and Al Menah Shrine Temple. His leadership roles included serving as Past President of the Donelson-Hermitage Chamber of Commerce and its Board of Directors. Ward was also involved in the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce where he actively contributed to its Governmental Issues Committee and Legislative Network. Additionally, he served on the Advisory Board of the Donelson Station Senior Citizens Center and was affiliated with key organizations in the music industry, including the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) and the Country Music Association (CMA).
Gene Ward is survived by his wife, GRAMMY Award-winning artist, Jeannie Seely, his loving calico cat Corrie and three children – Judy Olive, Johnny Myers (Wanda), and Keven Ward (Beth). He will also be remembered by his many grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.
Visitation for friends and family will be held at 11 AM CST on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at Spring Hill Funeral Home, 5110 Gallatin Pike S. Nashville, TN, followed by a memorial service at 1 PM CST.
Instead of flowers, the family requests that anyone wishing to offer their condolences through a gift will do so by making a memorial donation to Shriner’s Hospital for Children or the Opry Trust Fund.
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