John Ward, legendary Tennessee broadcaster, dies at 88

John Ward, the University of Tennessee's beloved "Voice of the Vols" for 34 seasons in basketball and 31 seasons in football, died Wednesday after battling a lengthy illness. He was 88.

Ward's death was announced in a statement by the Vol Network, which read in part: "It is with a heavy heart that we announce a great voice has gone silent."

For parts of four decades, Ward was the radio liaison between the Vols and their rabid Big Orange Nation, and he captivated fans with his unmistakable crisp voice and signature calls -- from "Give him six" after a Tennessee touchdown to "Bottom" when the Vols made a big shot in basketball. His final football season behind the microphone was Tennessee's…