Bowling Green, Kentucky, August 22, 2025
News Summary
Danny Lynn Renshaw, a prominent automotive industry leader and philanthropist, passed away after a battle with lung cancer. He was known for his business achievements and community contributions, including founding the Vickie Renshaw Foundation. His lasting legacy will live on through his family and the many lives he touched.
Bowling Green, Kentucky – Longtime automotive industry leader and philanthropist Danny Lynn Renshaw passed away peacefully on August 16, 2025, at 11:01 p.m. after a courageous 512-day battle with lung cancer. He was 78 years old. Friends and family come together to remember a man who made a lasting impact on the community through his business acumen and generous spirit.
Born on December 9, 1946, in Nortonville, Kentucky, Danny was the son of Ernest and Ethel Renshaw. He grew up with a passion for service and leadership which he would carry throughout his life. Danny served in the United States Army as a Paratrooper during the Vietnam War, attaining the rank of Sergeant and earning recognition as an Expert Marksman.
His personal life was defined by his enduring love for his wife, Victoria Ann “Vickie” Renshaw, with whom he shared over fifty years of marriage. The couple raised three children, Tommy, Ryan, and Deborah, and faced challenges together, including a tragic coal-mining accident that resulted in Danny losing a leg early in their marriage.
Despite these challenges, Danny built a successful career in the automotive industry, establishing the Renshaw Automotive Group, which grew to include eight dealerships across Kentucky. Over a span of five decades, he became a respected figure in the industry, holding significant roles such as Kentucky’s National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Director and chair of the Kentucky Automobile Dealers Association. His influence was recognized with an award as Kentucky’s TIME Dealer of the Year in 1999.
Following the death of his beloved wife in 2020, Danny created the Vickie Renshaw Foundation in her honor. He dedicated his life to supporting numerous causes centered around children, families, education, arts, and community development. His commitment extended to serving on various boards, including the Western Kentucky University Foundation, First United Bank, and Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Remembered as a generous man who made personal connections with all, Danny’s legacy is carried on by his children, grandchildren, a great-grandson, and countless friends and colleagues who were touched by his kindness. Known for his infectious spirit, he often lit up the room by singing his favorite song, “Johnny B. Goode.” He was preceded in death by his wife Vickie and his sister Sheila Oakley.
A celebration of Danny’s life will take place at Hillvue Heights Church on August 26, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., with visitation starting at noon until the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the Danny & Vickie Renshaw Foundation through the Community Foundation of Southern Kentucky.
Frequently Asked Questions
What accomplishments did Danny Renshaw achieve in his career?
Danny Renshaw built the Renshaw Automotive Group, which comprised eight dealerships in Kentucky. He also served as Kentucky’s NADA Director and was the chair of the Kentucky Automobile Dealers Association, receiving recognition as Kentucky’s TIME Dealer of the Year in 1999.
What community contributions did Danny Renshaw make?
Danny established the Vickie Renshaw Foundation in honor of his wife, supporting various causes related to children, families, education, arts, and community programs. He served on several boards for organizations including the Western Kentucky University Foundation and Big Brothers Big Sisters.
When and where will the memorial service for Danny Renshaw take place?
A memorial service for Danny Renshaw will be held at Hillvue Heights Church on August 26, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., with visitation beginning at noon.
Key Features of Danny Renshaw’s Legacy
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Passing | August 16, 2025 |
| Age at Death | 78 years |
| Career | Auto Industry Leader with Renshaw Automotive Group |
| Military Service | United States Army, Vietnam War Paratrooper |
| Awards | Kentucky’s TIME Dealer of the Year, NADA Director |
| Philanthropy | Established Vickie Renshaw Foundation |
| Family | Survived by children, grandchildren, and a great-grandson |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WKDZ Radio
- Paducah Sun
- West Kentucky Star
- Legacy
- Bowling Green Daily News
- Wikipedia: Danny Renshaw
- Google Search: Danny Renshaw
- Google Scholar: Danny Renshaw
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Danny Renshaw
- Google News: Danny Renshaw
Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER
The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
