William "Bill" Robert Danner, age 65, of Gulf Breeze, FL, passed away on Sunday, September 20, 2020.

Bill was born in Chicago, Illinois to William and Mariann Gilbert Danner and grew up in Kettering, OH. He attended Fairmont West High School, where he was an award-winning cross-country runner. His involvement with the Dayton Museum of Natural Science fostered an early interest in astronomy, which led him to acquire a clock driven, backyard telescope that he used to share his stargazing hobby with family and friends. He also was active as a lifeguard and community swimming coach. He attended Miami University (Ohio), where he earned a business degree in Business Administration/Finance.

Bill began his professional career with Armco Steel, then moved on to his true interest, the automotive industry, joining Nissan North America for 16 years. He served in a variety of management positions in Los Angeles, CA and Jacksonville, FL, including Regional, Model Line, Marketing and National Dealer Relations Manager. Later, Bill took on new opportunities as VP of Sales for Blue Bird (bus) Corporation and Director of Sales for Supreme Corporation's bus division.

Bill enjoyed and cultivated his interest in cars by owning several affordable sports cars and attending many races while with Nissan and afterwards.  He appreciated live music, going to see numerous musicians in live venues over the years, and he also loved living near the beach and ocean. Bill persevered through two life challenges - an organ transplant in 2000 and living through a direct hit from cat 5 Hurricane Michael in 2018, which destroyed his previous home in Mexico Beach, FL.

Bill is survived by his four adult children, Will Danner, Megan Danner, Melissa Danner and Matthew Merchant, his parents Bill and Mariann Danner, and his siblings, Ted Danner and Suzanne Danner Zick.