Jeannie Seely is mourning the loss of her husband, Eugene W. Ward. Ward, whom Seely married in 2010, passed away on December 13, after a recent diagnosis with cancer.
A former lawyer, Seely touched on his lengthy, successful career when sharing her thoughts on the loss of her husband.
“My heart is broken now, but I am so grateful for the 15 years I had with Gene,” Seely says. “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. [By the way], he didn’t ‘lose his battle with cancer’; he defied it by gaining his wings. The Counselor never lost a case.”
The Grand Ole Opry member revealed last week that Ward recently had some health problems, which led to his cancer diagnosis.
“Good morning everyone,” Seely writes on December 11.”It’s been awhile for me to get this together. Thanksgiving morning Gene asked me to call 911 as he was having chest pains and couldn’t breathe. At St. Thomas Hospital they also confirmed that cancer is back. He has been transferred to Lifecare in Old Hickory for care and they are a great folks there. His boys, Gregg, Kevin and Shane are the best. We would be grateful for extra prayers. Gene Ward is one of the most amazing men I have ever known and I have been so blessed to be his wife. The river and I have been in tears”
Photo Credit: Chris Hollo
In 2019, Seely and Ward renewed their wedding vows, while on the Country Music Cruise, where Seely was one of the performers. Seely was scheduled to be on the cruise in 2018 also, but had to cancel due to Ward’s health.
“The reason Gene and I wanted to renew our vows is because first of all, we can!!” the Pennsylvania native told Your Erie at the time. “So many of the fans, artists and personnel were on the cruise last year and were aware of how ill Gene was, and there were so many prayers said on our behalf. I thought it might be nice for them to see Gene standing up there looking so sharp in his suit.”
“The best praise report that we could possibly give was the doctors calling him a medical miracle, which I believe, and I also believe in the power of prayer,” she continued. “This opportunity was very special for not only us, but the fifteen other cruise guests renewing their vows that shared the event with us by renewing their vows at the same time!”
In addition to Seely, Ward is survived by three children, plus numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Everything Nash extends our deepest condolences to the family.