NASHVILLE, TN. – (December 15, 2024) – Distinguished Attorney Eugene W. Ward, age 92, passed away at Life Care Center of Old Hickory Village after a recent diagnosis of cancer.
A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered. Visitation for friends and family will be 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 any memorial donations made to Shriner’s Hospital for Children or the Opry Trust Fund.
Gene’s loving wife, Jeannie Seely, shared, “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. 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. Btw, he didn’t ‘lose his battle with cancer’; he defied it by gaining his wings. The Counselor never lost a case.”
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 Student Council President, Senior Class President, Beta Club Vice-President, debate team member, and basketball team captain. During high school, he lettered in basketball, football, and baseball.
He earned a B.S. in Business Administration from Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee, in 1956. He paid his way through college 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 was a member of the Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity and earned a J.D. Degree in 1959.
September 1, 1959, Gene entered 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 appointed General Counsel from January 1966 to May 1980. Gene Ward served as an Administrative Law Judge on approximately 400 Commission cases.
Appointed staff attorney for Nashville Electric Service (NES) in 1980 and, in March 1986, appointed as 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.
Gene officially retired from his position of Vice-President and General Counsel at NES on January 1, 2011.
In 2005, he was honored to be inducted into the Lincoln Memorial University’s Professional Hall of Fame. Eugene Ward embodies Lincoln Memorial University’s (LMU) mission of service by his persistent pursuit of helping others. Whether in the courtroom, on Capitol Hill, raising his family, or working on behalf of LMU for recruiting and promotion, Ward is selfless in his concern and welfare for others.
Gene was recognized by the Mayor of Nashville, Freddie O’Connell, for his outstanding contributions to the state of Tennessee and his unwavering dedication to public service, leadership, and community. The honor was delivered by a proclamation presented by State Representative Darren Jernigan during the monthly Donelson-Hermitage Chamber of Commerce Meeting on Friday, September 12, 2024.
Outside the courtroom, Ward dedicates his life to helping others through his church and community organizations, earning numerous awards for his philanthropic work. In 1976, the Tennessee General Assembly named the bridge at I-81 mile marker four the Eugene “Mose” Ward Overpass. In 2005, he joined Lincoln Memorial University’s Professional Hall of Fame.
Gene is deeply 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 is actively engaged with 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 extends to the Nashville Bar Association Corporate Counsel Committee and the Legislative and Government Relations Committee, showcasing his leadership and influence within the legal community.
In addition to his professional legal affiliations, Gene is committed to civic and community service. He is a member of the Hermitage Hills Baptist Church and actively participates in various Masonic organizations, including the Leadvale Masonic Lodge and Al Menah Shrine Temple. Gene has served as the Past President of the Donelson-Hermitage Chamber of Commerce and continues to serve on its Board of Directors. He is also involved in the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce’s Governmental Issues Committee and Legislative Network. Gene further supports his local community through his membership on the Advisory Board of the Donelson Station Senior Citizens Center and his involvement with 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 and Grand Ole Opry legend Jeannie Seely, to who he was married for fourteen years, and his loving calico cat Corrie.
Children Judy Olive, Johnny Myers (Wanda), and Keven Ward (Beth).
Grandchildren Gregg Bollinger and Shane Bolinger (Brooke), GiAnna and Kendahl Ward, Kristi Sandford (Joel,) Sara Kelly (Preston,) Austin Olive, Travis Myers, Brandon Myers (Jennifer), Jonathan Myers (Andrea,) Megan Myers.
Great grandchildren Alexa Bolinger (Branda), Caroline Snyder, Noah Snyder, Addison Snyder, Tanner Sanford, Arden Sue Bolinger and Hagen Ward Bolinger, Harrison Myers, Hayden Myers, Joseph Myers and Jarred Myers.
Great great grandchild Neoma Bolinger and his brother Jess ”Top” Ward (Doris ) and Sister Peg Ward (Paul Ward.) Gene was preceded in death by daughter Sue Laney and grandchild Jonathon Churchwell.
