Robert Otis "Bob" Danner, passed away on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 in Summerville, South Carolina at Evergreen House, The Village.

Bob is survived by June Rogers Scarborough Danner, his wife of 34 years, of Florence, SC; his five children and their families: Richard William Danner (Rita), of Greer, SC; Ann Danner Burdette (Mac), of Summerville; Carol Danner Benfield (John), of Charleston; Linda Danner Payne of Summerville; and Robert McEver Danner, of Matthews, NC.

"GrandBob'' is survived by 11 grandchildren: Samuel Danner (Lindsey), Jacob Danner, Benjamin Burdette (Pauline), Sarah-Butler McKinney (Stahler), Danner Benfield (Leah), Bratton Benfield (Brooke), Mary Elizabeth Moorer (Bryce), Salyer Payne, Jason Danner (Kelly), Owen Danner, and Sarah Danner.

Eight great-grandchildren survive him; Ruby Danner, Pierce and Miller McKinney, Charles Burdette, Mary Lawson and Davis Robert Benfield, and Jameson and Jackson Danner.

Bob is also survived by his stepdaughter, Meg Scarborough Reed of Georgetown, and members of June's family. His sister, Janet Danner Lydecker of Maryville,TN, also survives him. Bob was predeceased by his first wife, Sarah McEver Danner; his parents, Otis and Lake Danner; a sister; and two brothers.

Bob was born at home in Hollybrook, Virginia on November 16, 1929. As a child, he lived in Virginia, Indiana, and Oklahoma before his family of 7 settled in Knoxville, TN. He met his first wife, Sarah, when she was asked to help him with 8th grade algebra. Upon graduation from Knox High School, with Sarah's encouragement, he pursued his studies at the University of Tennessee. While working his way through school and participating in ROTC, Bob earned his B.A. in elementary education in 1952. He enlisted in the US Army, and Bob and Sarah were married on September 6, 1952.

While stationed in Korea, 1LT Danner served in the DMZ at the 49th Parallel. His unit provided transportation for Operation Glory, the recovery of the remains of the American soldiers killed in action during the Korean War. He earned the Army Commendation Medal.

Bob returned to Knoxville in 1954 to meet his first child, Rick, and begin a lifelong career with the YMCA. Daughters Ann, Carol, and Linda were born while in Knoxville. In 1962, the family moved to Metairie, LA as Bob continued his YMCA career and son, Rob, was born. In 1965, Bob's professional efforts were recognized as he moved to head the YMCA in Chattanooga, TN. In 1969, Bob was recruited as Executive Director of the new Family YMCA in Florence and was responsible for the construction of the first modern educational and recreational facilities and development of comprehensive programs.

Throughout his career, Bob championed inclusivity and diversity while navigating desegregation. He retired from the YMCA in 1985. Following Sarah's death in 1986, Bob served as a consultant with the national YMCA working in Kentucky, South Carolina, and Florida.

On September 9, 1989, Bob married June Rogers Scarborough and they enjoyed traveling, gardening, and spending time with family.

Bob was committed to service in the community. As a lifelong Methodist, he was very active at Highland Park United Methodist Church in Florence. He also worked with the 12th Judicial Circuit Arbitration Board and was an active member of Kiwanis. Bob enjoyed golf and served as president of the Tri-County Seniors Golf Association.

While many of Bob's actions can be defined and dated, more numerous are the humble, genuine daily offerings of love and gratefulness for a life overflowing with a deep faith in God, family love, and meaningful connections.

The family expresses their appreciation to the staff at the Evergreen House, The Village in Summerville, SC for the loving care shared with Bob during this final year of his life.

A Memorial Service of Thanksgiving and Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at Highland Park United Methodist Church at 12:00 noon. Visitation will be held at 11:00 am prior to the service.

Interment of the ashes will be done privately at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the Sarah Danner Memorial Garden, Highland Park UMC, 1300 Second Loop, Florence, SC, 29505; or to the charity of one's choice.