Kim and George Davidson: Driving love and community, one bus ride at a time

For nearly five decades, Kim and George Davidson have shared a marriage, a life—and, in recent years, the road as school bus drivers for Union County Public Schools. Kim is in her sixth year behind the wheel, and George is in his third, combining experience and heart to make each morning and afternoon safe and welcoming for their students in the Weddington and Cuthbertson clusters.

Married for nearly 47 years, the longtime couple will celebrate their anniversary just days after Valentine’s Day. This February also marks National Love the Bus Month, a fitting backdrop for a story that unfolds not in grand gestures, but along familiar routes, early mornings and shared miles behind the wheel.

The Davidsons have three children, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Caring for others has always been central to their lives, whether at home or on the bus. Long before they shared a route, they were building a family shaped by patience, responsibility and care.

“We wanted a Valentine’s wedding,” Kim said with a laugh. “That was as close as we could get.”

They met in the 1970s in a bar in Buffalo, New York—loud music, smoke in the air and an instant spark.

“He looked like Alan Jackson back then,” Kim said. George had long hair until their wedding day, when Kim discovered his surprise haircut as she walked down the aisle.

“I thought I’d surprise you,” George joked. “You didn’t look thrilled!”

After decades of other careers, Kim had a chance to pursue a lifelong dream. She joined UCPS following a career in banking, caregiving and healthcare. Driving a school bus had always been on her bucket list.

“I never got to ride one when I was a kid,” she said. “I always loved school buses.”

George, who spent 35 years with FedEx Express, was initially hesitant.

“He kept telling me how bored he was,” Kim said. “So, I told him, ‘Say you’re bored one more time and your résumé is going in.’”

It did. Now, George admits the job won him over—kids and all.

“I teased in training that kids weren’t really my thing,” he said, laughing. “But they really do grow on you.”

When George first started driving, students jokingly called him Mr. Kim instead of Mr. George, Kim recalled with a giggle. It didn’t take long for him to find his stride—and a new nickname.

Students on Kim’s bus greet her with hugs, birthday songs and stories from home. She decorates for holidays, keeps her bus spotless and makes sure every child feels welcome.

“This is my bus,” she said. “It’s my home away from home.”

George takes pride in consistency, ensuring students arrive safely even on hard days. During 27 days of radiation treatment for prostate cancer, he still drove his route every morning before heading to appointments.

“I never took off a day,” he said. “Because the kids notice when you aren’t there.”

Parents notice, too. When Kim was out sick for several weeks, families brought gifts and well-wishes, showing how much her presence mattered. Over the years, the couple has quietly supported countless students and families, always ready to lend a helping hand.

Students show their appreciation with handwritten notes, baked goods, cards or even a partially used Domino’s gift card.

“The student must have gotten hungry first,” George said, grinning.

For the Davidsons, it’s the daily connection with students that keeps them coming back.

“You’d be surprised how many kids really need you,” Kim said. “Sometimes the bus is the best part of their day.”

“It’s more than a job,” George added. “These are people.”

Seeing how much their care means to students and families only deepened the respect and admiration they feel for each other.

“Kim’s very giving and passionate,” George said. “When she’s on the bus, the kids love her. She hugs them as they get on, and they hug her back when they get off.”

Kim’s eyes welled up as she listened.

“He’s always so faithful—to his family, to his work, to everything he cares about,” she said. “He’s protective, loving and genuinely kind.”

Working in the same district allows them to support each other after difficult days, swapping stories over dinner.

“We can vent to each other and laugh about it later,” Kim said. George added, “It’s nice having someone who really understands the day you’ve had.”

The Davidsons say communication, patience and respect have made the difference.

“Marriage isn’t a bowl of cherries,” Kim said. “It’s a bowl of pits. You must grow the cherry tree yourself.”

The same qualities apply behind the wheel.

“You need patience, flexibility and a loving heart,” Kim said. “If you don’t love kids, this probably isn’t for you.”

As for Valentine’s messages, George joked his would read, “No eating on the bus.”

Kim’s is simpler, but it captures everything they’ve learned over decades together:

“I love you,” she said, “but be kind.”

Through decades of marriage and years on the bus, the Davidsons have shown that compassion and commitment aren’t just lessons; they’re a way of life, leaving a lasting mark on everyone they meet.