Michael Todd Ward

Michael Todd Ward, 55, of Cleveland, passed away Thursday, September 10 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; 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 September 15, 2020 at 6:00 pm 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, September 15, 2020 from 4:00-6:00pm 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.