Charlie Severance, a main man in the most famous defensive play in Tennessee football history, died Friday at 86.
Charles Severance
Severance had many other accomplishments in a special lifetime but that historical hit was forever the traditional conversation theme. He loved it.
On November 7, 1959, UT homecoming, chilly afternoon, Severance was in the right place at the right time and applied hard hat and pads to LSU superstar Billy Cannon a few inches from the goal on Shields-Watkins Field.
Charlie had help. Wayne Grubb hit Cannon low. Severance landed a blow to the chest and applied a bear hug. Bill Majors came over the top to be sure of the knockdown.
At the time, it was a big play, denial of a fourth-quarter two-point conversion that would have put the defending national champions ahead of the Volunteers.
Over the years, it evolved into The Stop. Nothing like it had or has happened. That the Vols, two-touchdown underdogs, upset the top-ranked Tigers, 14-13, added to the drama.
LSU was an outstanding team. It dominated statistically. Cannon was great. He went on to win the Heisman Trophy. Coach Paul Dietzel, through the years, said going for two was the right call.
“Champions don’t kick for ties.”
The Tigers had most of the final quarter to overcome The Stop. Three opportunities fell short.
Cannon, fierce competitor, never gave up the belief that he scored.
“I made it, without a doubt.”
“You did not, have not and will not,” said Severance in good-natured rebuttal when the two were together.
Charlie had a lot of fun with The Stop. He was in Baton Rouge several times for media events with Cannon. He introduced Billy’s long-ago speech at the Knoxville Quarterback Club. They were good together.
Severance enjoyed the notoriety. He said many Tennessee fans through the years reached out to shake his hand and say “I was there.”
“If all who said they saw the game had actually been there, the crowd would have been 200,000.”
Attendance was 47,000.
Severance was not a one-hit wonder. He was a multi-sport star at Central High School. He was a reserve wingback and defensive back for the Volunteers. He earned a degree in transportation and finance. He married well (Phyllis) and had a successful business career. He was a state representative, 16th district, for five terms. He was a good golfer. He was honored by the Greater Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame.
He was a Christian, active in what is now the Fountain City Church. His life will be celebrated there on February 7. His obituary will be published here by Mynatt Fountain City Chapel.
Marvin West welcomes comments or questions from readers. His address is marvinwest75@gmail.com
What a great game was the Tennessee-LSU game on that beautiful Saturday at Shieds Watkins….Cartwright’s interception began the spoiling of Pepso-Paul’s up untill then undefeated season. Severance, Majors and Grubb sealed the win with the stop of Canon’ attempt at an attempt for a point kick. On the Saturday before I had listened to Canon’s punt return victory of Oe Miss on the radio in a 54 Chevy outside the Orange Julius on Magnolia Ave. with my brother David.
Charlie and I were involved in a lot of politicking together over the years. Phyllis and I were too. Two great people, community servants.
In the mid to late 70’s Mrs. Marvin West attended a PTA meeting in a tiny school in Morgan County named Chestnut Ridge. There were less than 100 students at the time and she was an officer for the State PTA office ( I may not have that part exactly right but she was a big help to our little school) and we were excited to have her there. Thanks Mrs. West for your presence and thanks to Marvin for all the articles he gave us.
Phillip Ward
I remember you introducing me to him. Great article.
Marvin: Were you there?
Yes
What a great memory for me. At the time Tennessee was at the bottom of the fall from the TEAM of ’56 and would not return to glory until the mid-60s. So, this was more than just an upset – it was major!
What a great memory that was for me. At the time Tennessee was at the bottom of a great slide for the team of ’56 and glory would not return until the mid 60’s. So this win was more than special.
Marvin, thanks so much for this story about a former Vol great, told as only you can tell it; since you were probably at Neyland to observe that feat. May Charlie be welcomed “home” by his Lord & Savior Jesus Christ..