John Ward, who broadcast Tennessee football and basketball on the radio for more than three decades and was known as the “Voice of the Vols,” passed away yesterday at the age of 87.

The Vol Network announced Ward’s death via a statement on social media, which read in part: “It is with a heavy heart that we announce a great voice has gone silent. Mr. John Ward … one of the most beloved broadcasters and ambassadors for the University of Tennessee, passed away this evening in Knoxville.

“Mr. Ward brought Tennessee football and basketball to life for millions of Tennesseans and listeners worldwide for over three decades. While this is a sad day for all Vol fans, we take great pride in the fact that John belonged to us. Only the Tennessee Volunteers could call John their own and he was proud to be the ‘Voice of the Vols.’ He loved his alma mater, the fans, and the state of Tennessee. He remains the very heartbeat of the Vol Network.”

Ward graduated from the University of Tennessee with a law degree in 1954, and called his first Volunteers basketball game four years later. After a stint in the Army, he returned to Knoxville and worked in advertising.

Ward took over basketball play-by-play duties for the Vol Network in 1965, followed by football in 1968. He coined several trademark phrases, including, “It’s football time in Tennessee!” and “Give … him … SIX! TOUCHDOWN, BIG ORANGE!”

Ward called Tennessee’s football national championship season in 1998, and retired following the subsequent basketball season. He was replaced in the booth by Bob Kesling, who continues to call Volunteers football and basketball to this day.

Below is a video featuring some of Ward’s greatest calls: