Clay County Mourns Loss of Transportation Director Donald Ray “Cush” Jones

Cush was one of those people everyone knew and everyone liked. This is a tremendous loss for his family, our school system, and the entire community. He cared deeply about the students he transported every day and took great pride in making sure they arrived safely to and from school. Even after retirement, he wanted to continue serving the district because that's just the kind of person he was.”

William Sexton-School Superintendent

MANCHESTER — The Clay County School District and the entire community are mourning the sudden passing of longtime transportation director and retired school bus driver Donald Ray “Cush” Jones, who passed away Saturday at the age of 68.

Known throughout Clay County for his friendly personality, dedication to students, and willingness to help others, Jones spent years serving the school district both behind the wheel of a school bus and later as transportation director. Even after retiring, he returned to work for the district, continuing a career centered around serving the children and families of Clay County.

Clay County Superintendent William Sexton said Jones' passing leaves a tremendous void not only within the school system, but throughout the entire community.

“Cush was one of those people everyone knew and everyone liked,” Sexton said. “This is a tremendous loss for his family, our school system, and the entire community. He cared deeply about the students he transported every day and took great pride in making sure they arrived safely to and from school. Even after retirement, he wanted to continue serving the district because that's just the kind of person he was.”

Sexton said Jones was a dependable employee and trusted friend whose impact extended far beyond transportation.

“He loved this community and he loved the people in it,” Sexton said. “You could always count on Cush. He was dedicated, hardworking, and always willing to do whatever was needed. He will be greatly missed by our employees, our students, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.”

Outside of his work with the school district, Jones was well known as the longtime owner and operator of Cush's Tire at Garrard, where he spent years helping customers and building friendships that lasted a lifetime.

Friends also remember Jones for his love of golf. Whether on the golf course, at the tire shop, at school events, or simply talking with friends around town, he was known for his easygoing nature and ability to make people smile.

Above all else, Jones was devoted to his family.

He is survived by his wife, Rosetta Lipps Jones of Manchester; daughters Dana Jones of Manchester and Kelly Asher and husband Thomas of London; son Braiden Jones of Manchester; and grandchildren Austin Jones, Ayden Jones, Colton Asher, Wesson Asher, and Tate Asher. He is also survived by his mother, Betty Brown Jones of London; sisters Charlotte Harris and husband Harold and Debra Gibson and husband David, both of London; along with several other family members and friends.

Jones was preceded in death by his father, Willy Ray Jones, and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, T.J. and Doris Lipps.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 24, at Britton Funeral Home with Dean Lawson, Clay Bishop III, and Tess Lipps officiating. Burial will follow in the Lipps Cemetery. Visitation will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 23, at the funeral home.

While his passing leaves a void that cannot be filled, those who knew Donald Ray “Cush” Jones say his legacy of kindness, dedication, friendship, and service will continue to live on through the countless lives he touched throughout Clay County.