It is often said that a significant life is based on its influence on others. Louis Fortson’s name defines this statement well. For the last four decades, Fortson has lived daily as an example of a life lived in service to others. At the age of 79, he has been driving students around for 46 years and does not plan to turn in his keys just yet.
Fortson has been driving a school bus in the Stephens County School System’s transportation department for over 40 years, and his name is synonymous with legend. Starting in 1981 as a full-time driver, after two years as a substitute, he has safely transported countless students while earning their trust, offering guidance, and providing encouragement along the way.
Greats and Grands
His wife, Mary, also worked as a county bus driver and retired after 22 years of service. Together, they raised six children—five sons and one daughter—and now enjoy a growing family, including 35 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Fortson is the first to admit he has lost track of the exact count, but he chuckles and says, “They’re all great and grand!”
Fortson’s commitment to his job is deeply rooted in his large family, strong faith, and the meaningful connections he builds with the students he transports daily.
“Before I pick up my first student in the morning, I pray to God for safety and guidance,” he says. “Driving a school bus feels like my mission. It keeps me humble.” His approach is simple yet effective—treating each student like family and maintaining clear, consistent expectations.
Trust and accountability
Fortson’s strategy for maintaining order centers on trust and accountability. When students misbehave, they are moved to the front seat until they’ve earned the privilege to return to their regular seat.
“I didn’t let my own kids get away with anything when they rode my bus,” Fortson recalls with a grin. “One time, my son was eating in the back seat when he knew I didn’t allow food on the bus, and I made him move to the front seat. The other kids saw that and knew I was fair and consistent with everyone.”
His bus culture emphasizes responsibility, and even the veteran riders encourage new students to follow the rules.
“When they ask how long they have to sit in the front, I tell them it’s up to them. It’s really until I can trust them again,” he explains. “Bad behavior is only temporary.”
Changes over the years
Over the years, Fortson has witnessed many changes, including adding safety cameras on buses, which he views as one of the most important improvements in school transportation. “It used to be our word against theirs,” he says. “Now, there’s no question about what happened.”
Despite the challenge of managing a bus with 55 students, ranging from fifth to twelfth grade, Fortson’s favorite part of the job is the relationships he forms with each student. “I get to know them and speak openly with their parents. I learn so much about each student—their struggles with broken homes, absent fathers, and other personal issues.” With tears in his eyes, he adds, “I ask my students, ‘What are your plans?’ because I’m helping build their futures.”
Impact on students
Fortson’s impact is clear in his former students’ heartfelt memories. One student from over 30 years ago approached him with a smile, shouting, “Front seat!” referencing Fortson’s discipline approach. “He told me, ‘You don’t know how much you helped me and kept me out of trouble,’” Fortson recalls with pride. Others have even asked him to be their honorary grandfather, and current riders encourage him to keep driving Bus 1515 until they graduate.
Birthdays are a special occasion on Fortson’s bus. He rewards students with snack money for the school store on their birthdays and ensures that birthdays during summer break are celebrated before the school year ends.
Fortson’s influence goes beyond the bus. He has mentored high school students, participated in a local jail ministry, and runs a lawn care business. He is also a devoted husband and full-time caregiver to his wife. They will celebrate 60 years of marriage in July.
Fortson responds with heartfelt wisdom when asked if he would encourage others to become bus drivers. “So many people say, ‘I could never do that,’ and I tell them, ‘No, you can’t on your own, but you can when it’s your calling.’”
More than a bus driver
As Fortson reflects on his long career, he hopes his students remember him as more than a bus driver. “Every morning, I say ‘Good morning’ to my students. When they get off the bus at school, I say, ‘Y’all have a blessed day,’ and at the end of the day, I ask, ‘How was your day?’” Through these small but meaningful gestures, Fortson creates an environment of trust and stability. “A bright smile goes a long way,” he adds. “I want them to know I care.”
Louis Fortson’s influence will be remembered by those he directed and cared for daily through his example of consistently being where he needed to be for those who needed him most, one school bus ride at a time.
Correction: An earlier version of this article mistakenly stated that Fortson is retiring. We’re glad to confirm he is not.
