William D. Danley

William D. Danley passed away on February 19, 2017 at the age of 73. He was born to R.C. “Doc” and Gladys (Finn) Danley on January 26, 1944 in Lincoln, Neb. and was preceded in death by his parents, his parents-in-law James “Wheeler” and Connie Brown, and his brother Clark Danley.

Bill attended Howe Military School as an adolescent, where he earned the nickname “Wild Bill” for a number of exploits that can neither be confirmed nor denied, and would later go on to graduate from Deerfield High School in 1962. Following graduation, Bill served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Korea as a dog handler for the Military Police; proving the government had a relaxed policy on background checks.

On October 12, 1968, he married the love of his life Jo Ann (Brown) Danley in a blisteringly hot church, compliments of a groomsman who shall remain nameless. Bill went to work at United Savings Bank in Tecumseh, Mich., where he eventually worked through the ranks to become a vice president. After a successful run with the bank, he decided to enter Jo Ann’s family business at the The Country House Restaurant, later purchasing the establishment from his parents-in-law, Wheeler and Connie Brown. Bill could be found behind the counter there until he retired in 2001.

Bill was an active member of the Tecumseh Missionary Baptist Church where he served as a Sunday school teacher for many years and also spent a number of seasons coaching little league baseball. Bill loved to golf, travel, and spend time with his wife and family. He was the self-proclaimed worst putter in the history of Tecumseh Country Club and although he may not have known the most efficient way to dispose of a Christmas Tree, he was known to be ready with a quick-witted one-liner or a joke to light up a room. On rare occasions, Bill was prone to hot-streaks on international blackjack tables, once earning the nickname “Mr. D” while in Aruba.

After many years of house boating with his closest friends, shooting the locks off, and making mean bologna sandwiches for his son’s friends, Bill focused on doing anything for his grandchildren, which included countless trips to the Whippy Dip and singing many renditions of the Whiffenpoof Song.

He will be greatly missed and is survived by his wife, Jo Ann; sons Jeff (Jennifer) Danley, Marc (Mindy) Danley, Jake Danley and Joe (Melanie) Danley; grandchildren, Madelyn, Jackson, Chloe, Sadie, Mia, Maxwell and Josie Danley; his sister Jeanne (Bill) Rouppas; sister-in-law, Linda Danley; and a brother and sister-in-law, Jim (Stephanie) Brown.

He leaves behind countless other friends and family who will miss his kindness, generosity and ability to be the life of any party.

Visitation with the family will be held on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017 at the Tecumseh Chapel of Handler Funeral Home from 4 to 8 p.m.

Memorial service for Bill will be held on Friday, Feb. 24, 2017 at the Tecumseh United Methodist Church at 11 a.m. with visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.

Military honors will be held at the church under the auspices of Deerfield American Legion Post No. 392. 

Memorial contributions may be made in honor of Bill to Hospice of Lenawee, the Ronald McDonald House of Detroit or Tecumseh Missionary Baptist Church.

 

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Tecumseh Herald

 

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