Bill was born in Ft Myers, Florida on August 5, 1943, to Woodrow Wilson McGowen and Marjorie Lorraine Dana. He is predeceased in death by both of his parents, and his son, Chris Dana.
Bill grew up in LaBelle, Florida and moved to Brevard County in the late 60's. He worked as a surveyor in the marshes of Brevard County. He was then hired to work on the Apollo Program at Kennedy Space Center. Upon retirement of the Apollo program, Bill transitioned over to work on the Space Shuttle program. He worked in the Crane Crew with Lockheed Space Operations and subsequently, United Space Alliance. Bill then became a member of the Space Shuttle Landing Recovery Team where he remained until his retirement from the program in 2010.
He is survived by his wife, Lucy Dana of 7 years, his three daughters, Dawn Lawson (Dana) of Cocoa, Florida, Rachael Dana of Rockledge, Florida and Stephanie Arrants (Dana), of Tuttle, OK, along with five grandchildren, several great grandchildren, and many lifelong friends.
Internment will be held at Florida Memorial Gardens, Rockledge, Florida Monday, February 16, 2026, at 11:00 o'clock.
In lieu of flowers the family asks you donate to The Michael J. Fox Foundation in Bills name.
