MANCHESTER – Everyone who grew up in Manchester seems to have known Julius Bee, better known as “Mr. B,” who died at the age of 89 on January 9 and left the community many wonderful memories.
The Manchester Township School District, the township Education Association, the Whiting Bible Church and the community at large are mourning his passing.
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 many decades.
Along with the township school district and MTEA, news of his death circulated around social media from other educational organizations such Manchester Cares About Schools and the Educational Support Professional Advocacy Network.
“All of us at WBC as well as the Manchester Township community are touched by the passing of Julius Bee. 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,” Pastor Dave Rittenger said.
Photo by Jill Ocone
He told The Manchester Times that Bee had celebrated his birthday on December 26. “I have been the pastor here for 32 years and he was here before that. We have four children and my oldest was on the bus he drove and that gave us great comfort.”
“He served on the board for years but whether he was on the board or just a member he was always active and faithful to the church. He had a wonderful smile, always gave encouragement and was just a wonderful man,” Pastor Rittenger added
“RIP to one of the best bus drivers I ever had,” Julianna Cugliari posted. “May all the children in heaven enjoy their new bus driver. Thank you for all you did Mr. Bee.
Evan Donohue said, “RIP to a true Manchester legend, they’ll never be another one like you Mr. Bee.”
De’Jon Edmond Farrell-Francis said, “this man was amazing.” He noted that Mr. Bee, “pointed me in the right direction as a troubled kid. It’s crazy how much you can be inspired through simple guidance on a bus ride home.”
“I’m so sad,” Marge Stevens added. “He was a treasure to the children, the staff and community. Everyone cared about Mr. Bee.”
Val Schaefer also called Mr. Bee “a true Manchester legend. My first question I asked my children on the first day of school was, is Mr. Bee your driver? Such a special man loved by all of the Manchester community. May his memory be eternal.”
“My deepest condolences to the family and community. Mr. Bee will always be remembered for his kindness and caring soul. He was a staple in the community of Whiting, and Manchester Township. No one was a stranger to him. Rest easy Mr. Bee. I know I will see you again,” Susan Wright said.
Dorothy Lynch noted on the Anderson-Campbell Whiting Funeral Home website, “I worked with Mr. Bee many years ago, back in 1971, at the Whiting School. He was a bus driver plus he transported the food van from Whiting (Elementary) school to the Ridgeway School and also Lakehurst School. He was a kind, compassionate, loving man of God.”
“Always with a smile and love and care for all. He was my girls bus driver and they loved him as did all. Prayers for all the family, friends You will be so missed,” Lynch added.
Holly Engelbrecht said of Mr. Bee, “you were the best bus driver ever. You were a welcomed smile on that first day of school and every day after that. I just hope you knew how much we all loved you. We were lucky to have you in our lives. Rest in paradise.”
Bee was a veteran and his work for the school district as a friendly and caring bus driver was recognized with a proclamation from the township several years ago according to Pastor Rittenger. A visitation for him is scheduled for January 18 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home, 115 Lacey Road, Whiting. A visitation will also occur tonight from 7 to 9 p.m. at the same location.
A funeral service will take place on January 19 from 11 a.m. to noon at Whiting Bible Church, Lacey Road, Whiting, NJ. A committal to include full military honors will occur from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Cemetery at 350 Provinceline Road, Wrightstown.
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