Damion Jason Everett Ward, age 61, of Friendsville, left his worldly home in Friendsville and entered his eternal home Monday, August 3, 2026, just one day after enjoying a wonderful celebration of his mother’s 80th birthday with close and extended family and friends.

The last moments that Damion shared with those he loved were spent with laughter and stories. He was in the center of the room, and he made the room look like it was day even when it was pitch dark outside.

Damion’s love for his wife, children, mother, and entire family, and his many friends was tremendous. He liked University of Tennessee football, was an avid reader, and always dreamed of hiking the Appalachian Trail. As a proud, 10-year veteran of the United States Coast Guard, he was very patriotic. He worked 20+ years at Gallaher & Associates and retired from the United States Post Office.

Damion was preceded in death by his father, Robert Everett Ward, as well as 4 loving grandparents.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Shannon Ward; mother, Bobbie Dean Ward; sons David Ward and Trever (Autumn) Branson; daughters Shauna (Joe) Veal and Maggie Boyd; grandchildren Elijah McNabb, Blake Walker, and Arabella Veal; brother Charles Deering, and special brothers Joey (Denette) Warren, and Jeff Walker; sister Robin (Corey) Parker, and a list of loyal friends too numerous to count.

The family has requested donations be made in Damion’s name to the PTSD Foundation of America, https://ptsdusa.org/.

Condolences may be share at Smith Funeral and Cremation Service, 865-983-1000, or www.smithfuneralandcremation.com.