Longtime Driver Buried in Casket Decorated Like a School Bus
David Wright of Tennessee was laid to rest in a casket designed like a school bus after passing away on Aug. 13. He was 76.
David Wright, a longtime driver with Wilson County (Tenn.) Schools, was laid to rest in a casket designed like a school bus after passing away on Aug. 13. Photo courtesy of Joe Stacey of Nashville Casket Sales
LEBANON, Tenn. — A longtime beloved school bus driver was laid to rest here last week in a casket decorated like something he loved more than anything: a school bus.
David Wright, a former driver for Wilson County Schools, passed away on Aug. 13 at the age of 76, according to CNN. His son, Calvin Wright, told the news source that it was only fitting to send his father off in a school bus casket because he "loved being behind the wheel of that bus."
The casket was created by Nashville Casket Sales, a family-owned casket company that makes custom-wrapped caskets and graphics, according to the company's website.
Wilson County Schools posted a statement about Wright’s passing on its Facebook page, noting that he was “a legendary bus driver” and “provided transportation — of all kinds of events — for around 50 years.” The district added in the statement that nearly two weeks ago Wright was honored at a school board meeting, in which the transportation department was renamed after him.
“Thankfully, Mr. Wright was able to attend and receive that well-deserved recognition,” the district said. “Overall, he was just truly an amazing man.”
Wright’s funeral service was held on Aug. 18 at the Lebanon High School auditorium, according to the district.
Read the full statement from Wilson County Schools and view a photo slideshow of the recognition ceremony, posted on the district’s Facebook page, below.
More Management
The Link Between Emotional Intelligence and School Bus Safety
How can emotional intelligence help transportation pros navigate stress, manage change, and build stronger relationships? Listen to find out.
Read More →
What Emotional Intelligence Has to Do With School Bus Safety
In this video, discover how emotional intelligence can help transportation leaders and drivers navigate stress, manage change, and build stronger relationships. The Route is sponsored by IC Bus.
Read More →
Beyond Two-Way Radios: School Bus Communications Evolve With Push-to-Talk Over Cellular
PRYME Radio and PositionPTT join forces to advance hands-free radio use and reduce distracted driving. See how PoC compares with traditional radios on range, cost, safety, and connectivity.
Read More →
Have School Districts Adapted to Bus Driver Shortages or Simply Accepted Less Service?
According to a recent report from HopSkipDrive, many districts appear to have recalibrated what "normal" transportation service looks like.
Read More →
Reliable Transportation Linked to Better Student Outcomes, New EverDriven Study Finds
See why new research suggests transportation consistency improves student outcomes while influencing attendance, funding, IEP compliance, and family trust.
Read More →
Switzer-CARTY Enters the U.S. with New Acquisition
The Canadian contractor’s acquisition of Minnesota-based Agnes Corporation marks its first cross-border expansion into the United States and adds 350 vehicles.
Read More →
BusRight Adds New Rider Tracking Technology
Safety Pass is an NFC-based student ridership tracking solution that provides real-time boarding and drop-off data to improve school bus safety and family communication.
Read More →
EverDriven Launches RideAware App With Real-Time Student Ride Visibility
The updated platform’s new features improve communication among caregivers, districts, and drivers while streamlining trip updates.
Read More →
How School Transportation Departments Can Help Acclimate New Riders to the Bus
Here's how transportation departments can turn first-day jitters into confidence for students and parents alike.
Read More →
Neighbors Helping Neighbors: Nearly 90 Years of Safely Transporting Wisconsin Students
From one farmer's act of service to a fourth-generation family business, Kobussen Buses reflects on nearly 90 years of earning the trust of Wisconsin families.
Read More →