Country icon Jeannie Seely's life took a poignant turn with the recent passing of her husband, Eugene Ward, after a battle with cancer. At the age of 92, Ward left this world at the Life Care Center of Old Hickory Village in Nashville. Seely, 84, expressed her heartbreak in a statement obtained by PEOPLE, stating, "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." Added the "Sentimental Journey" musician, "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."

Early Life and Education

Eugene Ward was born in White Pine, Jefferson County, Tenn. In 1952, he graduated from White Pine High School as the student council president, senior class president, Beta Club vice president, debate team member, and basketball team captain. In 1956, he earned a B.S. in Business Administration from Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tenn. While pursuing his education, he paid his way through college by working at the dairy and as a server in the dining hall. Later, he attended the University of Tennessee College of Law, where he earned a J.D. Degree in 1959. That same year, he began his private practice of law in Morristown, Tenn. Two years later, he was appointed assistant general counsel to the Tennessee Public Service Commission and served as general counsel from January 1966 to May 1980. He also held various roles, including staff attorney for Nashville Electric Service (NES) in 1980 and became general counsel for NES in 1986. In 2011, Ward officially retired from his position of Vice-President and General Counsel at NES.

Career Achievements

Throughout his career, Eugene Ward achieved remarkable feats. He was inducted into the Lincoln Memorial University’s Professional Hall of Fame, a testament to his excellence. Mayor Freddie O’Connell of Nashville recognized his dedication to public service and outstanding contributions to the state of Tennessee. His legal career was marked by his expertise and commitment.

Community Involvement

Outside of work, Ward dedicated his life to helping others. He was a member of the Hermitage Hills Baptist Church and actively participated in several Masonic organizations, such as the Leadvale Masonic Lodge and Al Menah Shrine Temple. He also served on several committees, including the Donelson-Hermitage Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors, the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce’s Governmental Issues Committee and Legislative Network, the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP), and the Country Music Association (CMA). His community involvement was extensive and made a significant impact.

Family and Legacy

Ward is survived by his wife, Seely, and his beloved calico cat Corrie. He also leaves behind three children - Judy Olive, Johnny Myers (Wanda), and Keven Ward (Beth) - along with grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. A visitation for friends and family of Ward will be held at 11 a.m. CST on Thursday, Dec. 19 at Spring Hill Funeral Home in Nashville, followed by a memorial service at 1 p.m. CST. The family requests that, instead of flowers, memorial donations be made to Shriners Hospital for Children or the Opry Trust Fund.