Danny Lynn Renshaw

In Loving Memory of Danny Lynn Renshaw

On August 16, 2025, at 11:01 p.m., Danny Lynn Renshaw, of Bowling Green, Kentucky and formerly of Madisonville, Kentucky, passed away peacefully after a brave battle with lung cancer that lasted 512 days, surrounded by his family. The story he leaves behind is one of faith, love, perseverance, and generosity-an enduring legacy that will never be forgotten.

Danny was born December 9, 1946, in Nortonville, Kentucky, the son of Ernest and Ethel Renshaw. From his earliest days, grit and determination defined his character. Those qualities carried him through his service to his country in the United States Army, where he rose to the rank of Sergeant, trained as a Paratrooper, and became an Expert Marksman while serving during the Vietnam War. He came home with the same strength and discipline he showed in uniform, ready to build a life of purpose.

The greatest chapter of Danny's life began when he married the love of his life, Victoria Ann "Vickie" Renshaw. Their love story spanned more than fifty years and together, they raised three children-Tommy, Ryan, and Deborah. They built a home filled with laughter, love, and faith. For Danny, family was everything - he cherished every moment as a husband, father, and eventually "Pop" to his grandchildren and great-grandson. He found his deepest joy in watching them grow and thrive, always cheering them on with unwavering pride.

Early on in their marriage, they had to overcome a coal-mining tragedy that cost Danny his leg and forever changed the direction of their future. With hard work, determination, and vision, they built a company that included eight dealerships across Kentucky, known as the Renshaw Automotive Group. Danny's career in the automotive industry spanned more than five decades, during which he became a respected leader and mentor. His influence reached far beyond his own dealerships-he served as Kentucky's NADA Director, chaired the Kentucky Automobile Dealers Association, sat on the NADA Board of Directors, and in 1999 was named Kentucky's TIME Dealer of the Year. For countless men and women in the industry, Danny was more than a businessman; he was a teacher, encourager, and exemplified what a leader should be.

But what truly set Danny apart was not just what he built, but how he gave. Following the loss of Vickie in 2020, Danny helped establish the Vickie Renshaw Foundation in her honor, ensuring her legacy of compassion would live on. He poured his time, resources, and heart into causes that mattered most-supporting children and families, education, the arts, and community programs across the region. He also served faithfully on the boards of Western Kentucky University Foundation, First United Bank, and Big Brothers Big Sisters, among others. His generosity was not simply financial; it was deeply personal. Danny had a way of making everyone he met feel valued, welcome, and cared for.

Friends and colleagues often describe Danny as an icon in the automotive industry, but also as a man whose kindness left a lasting imprint. Whether you were family, a lifelong friend, a customer walking onto a lot, or even a stranger in need, Danny had a way of making you feel seen and encouraged. His life was proof that true success is measured not only by what you accomplish, but by the lives you impact along the way. He cherished every visit, every meal and loved to light up the room by singing his favorite song, "Johnny B. Goode".

He is preceded in death by his beloved Vickie, his sister Sheila Oakley, and other dear family members. Dan's legacy lives on through his children Tommy (Jackie), Ryan, and Deborah (Shawn); grandchildren McKenzie, Danny II, Rush, Jagger, Mallory, Julianne, and Reagan; great-grandson August Ren; and a host of extended family, friends, and colleagues.

Danny's life will be celebrated at Hillvue Heights Church on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Visitation will be conducted from noon until the funeral hour, with a reception following the funeral in the Reach Center at the church. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of J. C. Kirby and Son Lovers Lane Chapel.

Though his journey here is complete, Danny's legacy continues-in the dealerships he built, the organizations he supported, and most of all, in the hearts of his family and friends who were shaped by his love. His example of strength, kindness, and faith will guide us until the day we see him again. And until that day, we will follow his words, "Feel the love".

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorial contributions be made to the Danny & Vickie Renshaw Foundation through the Community Foundation of Southern Kentucky, PO Box 737, Bowling Green, KY 42102. Your generosity will honor their legacy by supporting causes close to their hearts.

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