Celebrating 50 years serving the Roanoke Valley!

In 1975, the same year Valley Metro began service in the Roanoke Valley, Myron Deberry took the driver’s seat as a dedicated bus operator. Over the past 50 years, he has been a reliable presence on Roanoke’s streets, safely transporting millions of passengers and becoming a familiar face among riders.

Myron has always approached his role with professionalism, patience, and a sense of responsibility. He has witnessed—and been a part of—Valley Metro’s evolution, from early expansions to the adoption of modern technology and service improvements. Myron has adapted to these changes with ease, always prioritizing the safety and comfort of his passengers.

His career spans some of the most defining moments in Valley Metro’s history. He was behind the wheel when Campbell Court Transit Center opened. Nearly 40 years later, he continued that legacy by operating through the transition to Third Street Station in 2023. He has navigated the city’s roads through all challenges, from the devastating Flood of 1985 to the Blizzard of 1993 to the COVID pandemic in 2020, always ensuring riders had access to safe and reliable transit. Throughout his time at Valley Metro, he has not only driven buses but also shaped the transit experience for countless riders. His friendly demeanor has made a lasting impression on the community and his colleagues.

Mr. Deberry has mentored new operators, passing down knowledge and best practices that ensure Valley Metro maintains its high standard of service—a crucial role in the face of nationwide transit operator turnover as a result of the COVID pandemic. His leadership serves as an example of excellence in public transportation. His excellence was recognized by the Virginia Transit Association, who awarded him the Helen Poore Transit Professional Distinguished Service Award.

Myron’s half-century of service stands as a testament to his commitment to transit in Roanoke. Whether through his reliability, professionalism, or kindness, he has made a mark on Valley Metro and his community.

As Valley Metro celebrates its 50th anniversary, it is only fitting to honor Myron Deberry, a man whose career has paralleled the history of the agency. His contributions over the past five decades have not only improved public transit in Roanoke but have also demonstrated the impact one individual can have on an entire community.

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