Iconic Bus Driver In Ocean County Remembered

Mayor Robert Arace at right, reads a proclamation to Julius Bee’s wife Thelma Bee and his son Daniel Dant. (Photo by Bob Vosseller)

  MANCHESTER – A township resident was honored for his kindness during a recent Township Council meeting.

  Julius Bee, 89, was remembered as a caring bus driver who steered not only his vehicle straight but the students on it as well. He died on January 9 and left the community many wonderful memories.

  The MTEA referred to him as “the legendary Mr. Bee” who devoted most of his life to safely transporting the children of Manchester over a distinguished career spanning several decades.

  He was also well known for his devotion to his house of worship, the Whiting Bible Church (WBC). “He was a great servant in all that he did at our church or in town. We pray for (his wife) Thelma and his family. We know he is at peace in his eternal quarters,” WBC Pastor Dave Rittenger told The Manchester Times last month.

Julius Bee (Photo by Steve Bates)

  At the council meeting, Mayor Robert Arace presented a proclamation to Bee’s wife Thelma and his son Daniel Dant in his memory.

  “Julius Bee exemplified service and love to his community,” Arace said while reading the proclamation. He noted Bee became an intergenerational figure “woven into the fabric of our town.”

  “He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, deployed to Korea and Vietnam as a security forces airman safeguarding the freedoms we hold dear,” the mayor said noting Bee retired from the Air Force in 1973 and became involved with WBC where he served as a deacon showing “an unwavering commitment to faith and his community.”

  He served as bus driver for nearly five decades, “touching the lives of generations with kindness and care,” Mayor Arace added.