THE DAY begins early for Mike Shirley; often before the first bell rings or the sun peeks over the horizon. As a bus driver for students who have special needs at Tullahoma City Schools, Shirley does far more than just navigate his route. He provides stability, compassion, and a safe start and finish to the school day for students with unique challenges. With every lift assist, every encouraging word, and every careful mile, Shirley embodies patience, empathy, and dedication. In Tullahoma, drivers like him aren’t just transportation; they’re lifelines.
From Bedford County to the Navy
Shirley grew up in Wartrace and graduated from Shelbyville High School in 1975. Shortly after, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served eight years as a machinist’s mate. He worked on board the USS Nimitz during its first year in service, as well as on two other ships.
“It was fun, and I saw a lot of places,” Shirley said. “I met a lot of good people. I’m still friends with many of them today. But people always ask me what my favorite place was, and I tell them I spent all my money getting back to Tennessee.”
A career of many hats
After leaving the Navy, Shirley began a long career at Cleveland Pneumatic, where he worked on aircraft landing gear systems from 1980 until 2018. When layoffs hit in the 1990s, he took the opportunity to return to school, enrolling at Motlow State Community College and earning a nursing degree.
“I never practiced fully as a nurse — just as an extern for about a year before the factory called me back,” he said. “But the training wasn’t wasted. The psychological and caring aspects of nursing still help me today. It gave me a deeper understanding of people.” Shirley has always been drawn to roles that allow him to help others, and his experiences, from Navy service to nursing to manufacturing, have shaped his outlook on patience and resilience.
Finding his place behind the wheel
While driving a school bus wasn’t something Shirley originally imagined, he did see it as a job opportunity, and it also helped that he already had his CDL. Applying in 2020 for a bus driver position, he quickly discovered the job was more than just driving.
He worked two years with Moore County Schools before joining Tullahoma City Schools, where he now drives a bus serving students who have special needs.
“I absolutely love it,” Shirley said. “The students aren’t different. What they need is different. They’re up against a lot, like all kids today, but each has unique challenges. I’m thankful I get to be part of their lives.”
A day on the route
Shirley’s schedule doesn’t follow the same rhythm as a typical bus driver. Because his students attend school for varying hours, his day involves multiple trips back and forth, starting early and ending late. At some point each day, Shirley said he sees about 14 different students.
“That’s four times a day those students pass my seat,” he explained. “That’s 56 times a day. Do that five days a week, and that’s 280 times God has trusted me with the opportunity to smile, to say an encouraging word, or just to show them there’s hope in the world.”
Shirley added that for him, every interaction is a chance to plant a seed of kindness.
“People ask how I put up with it,” he said. “But I don’t see it that way. I see kids who deserve to be treated just like everyone else.”
Faith and second chances
Shirley credits his faith with sustaining him. For years, he struggled with alcohol, but on Sept. 4, 2013, he made a life-changing decision.
“I was a heavy drinker, and I finally told God, ‘This is a wreck. If you can put it back together, here it is,’” Shirley said. “From that day forward, He took it from me. I’ve been sober ever since. People ask how I quit just like that, and I tell them, ‘I couldn’t. But God could.’”
His faith informs the way he treats his students, co-workers, and community. It’s also what gives him strength during long days and what keeps him grounded in gratitude.
Serving students, serving the community
Though he’s worn many hats in his life as a Navy machinist, aircraft mechanic, and nurse extern, Shirley sees driving a bus for children who have special needs as one of the most rewarding roles he’s ever had. It’s not simply about transport; it’s about trust, relationships, and making sure every child feels valued.
“When those kids get on my bus, I want them to know they matter,” he said. “They deserve the same respect and opportunities as anyone else. That’s what keeps me coming back every day.” GN
