A Nashvillian through and through, Charles “Willie” Geny attended Father Ryan High School, where he lettered in football and basketball from 1930 to 1932 and was captain of both sports his senior year. Geny entered Vanderbilt in the fall of 1932, where he truly came of age as a gridiron star. He lettered in football for three years from 1933 to 1935 and was captain of the Commodore squad his final year. Voted All-SEC as a senior, Geny was also selected by the “Nashville Banner” as the SEC’s Most Valuable Player. That same year, he played for the College all-stars vs. the Chicago Bears in the Texas Centennial game at the Cotton Bowl. Geny also had an impressive basketball career, lettering for three years and leading the team as captain in 1935. Success in the athletic arena carried over to Geny’s life after college. Upon graduating in 1936, he spent three years in the florist business with his brother, while working as a part time coach with Vanderbilt’s Ray Morrison. After time in the Navy during World War II, Geny returned to Nashville and formed the general insurance firm of McKee-Oliver-Geny, where he would remain for over three decades. Geny was very active in the Nashville community, holding many positions and receiving various awards and accolades. In 1970 the former football star was presented with the National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame Distinguished American Award.
