Michael Todd Ward
Michael Todd Ward, 55, of Cleveland, Tennessee, passed away Thursday, September 10, 2020 in Erlanger Hospital.
He was a 1983 graduate of Cleveland High School and also a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with a degree in Environmental Biology. A 35 year employee of Cleveland Utilities, he was plant manager of the Cleveland Wastewater Treatment Plant. He attended East Cleveland Baptist Church. Mike had a special love for music, supporting and encouraging local bands in the area. He also loved the Tennessee Vols and attended games as often as he could.
He was preceded in death by his father, Don Ward; sister, Tammy York; brother, Mitch Ward; grandparents, Dorthea an Laurel McFadden; uncle, Johnny Ward; and his step-father, James Preacher Sitzler.
He is survived by his wife, Shannon Nolen Ward; sons, Ian and Jacob Ward; mother, Nancy Sitzler, all of Cleveland; sister, Donna (Jonathan) Cochrane of Clemmons, NC; brother, Allen Sitzler of Knoxville; step-mother, Nancy Ward of Clemmons, NC; nieces, Reagan Cochrane, Ashley Lowery, Lily Milsaps, Alizay Lowery, and Isabelle Millsaps; mother and father-in-law, Bob and Faye Nolen; sister-in-law, Susan (Shane) Johnson; and brother-in-law, Rob Nolen. He is also survived by several cousins, aunts, uncles, and extended family.
A celebration of life will be in the chapel of Ralph Buckner Funeral Home, Tuesday, Sept. 15, at 6 p.m. with Pastor Joe Lockman officiating. Craig Swann, Shane Johnson, Jonathan Cochrane, Matt White, Jeffery Milsaps, and Zachery Swann will serve as honorary pallbearers. A white dove release ceremony and playing of bagpipes will conclude the service.
Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, we are making our services available for you to view on Ralph Buckner Funeral Home’s Facebook page during the service time or at a later time.
The family will receive friends Tuesday, Sept. 15, from 4-6 p.m. at the funeral home, prior to the service.
We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Ward family guestbook at www.ralphbuckner.com.