Step through the front doors of Sonny Merryman’s headquarters in Evington, Virginia, and you’re immediately surrounded by the company’s rich history. The lobby walls are lined with photos from decades past, showcasing milestones, people, and moments that have shaped Virginia’s Bus Company. A glass display case proudly holds rows of awards earned through years of hard work and dedication. A bronze bust of founder Sonny Merryman stands across from the life-size Hokie Bird, both watching over a space filled with legacy and pride. And just beyond the lobby, in the office to the right, sits someone who has become just as much a part of that story – Dean Farmer.
For 31 years, Dean has been a constant and trusted presence at Sonny Merryman. Long before joining the company in 1995, he was already closely tied to the Merryman family, having built a friendship with Floyd Merryman years earlier when they were just kids. Over the past three decades, Dean has become someone many would say embodies the values of care, connection, and service that define the company’s culture. Whether behind his desk working on a prep sheet for an upcoming delivery or out being a “road-dog,” as he calls it, delivering buses to customers, Dean has lived out what it means to serve with heart.
A native of Rustburg, Virginia, Dean graduated from Rustburg High School before earning a bachelor’s degree in History from Virginia Tech – a university that remains near and dear to his heart. After college, he began his professional journey at Virginia Tech’s Alumni Office, where he enjoyed what he called his “extended college years,” before returning home to join Sonny Merryman.
“When we initially hired Dean, I remember Sonny asking me, ‘Well, what’s he going to do?’ And I told him, ‘I’m not sure what he’ll do, but I do know he’s a great guy, and that’s the type of people we need.’ Thirty-plus years later, it’s unquestionable the impact Dean has made on this company throughout the years,” said Floyd Merryman, Executive Chairman.
Throughout his three-decade tenure, Dean served as the company’s Vice President of Sales & Marketing. But unofficially, he’s been known as the “go-to guy” – always stepping in wherever needed to support both the team and the customer. He’s the creative mind behind the company’s familiar tagline, “Virginia’s Bus Company,” and has been a key driver in shaping the company’s brand and its long-standing reputation for exceptional service.
Over the years, Dean has worked with more than 350 customers across the Commonwealth, from childcare centers and independent schools to healthcare facilities and youth development organizations. His memory for details is legendary, but even more impressive is the reason behind it.
“The truly remarkable thing about Dean is he can recall with great clarity and specifics each and every customer – not just their bus but also their names. And it’s not just because he has a great memory but rather because he genuinely cares for each of them,” said Whitney Kopanko, Director of Marketing & School Bus Sales. She recalls reviewing customer lists with Dean and hearing the same words again and again: “Great people. Great customer.”
That care doesn’t stop just because he’s retiring.
“I’ve told several of them, if you need something and you’re not sure who to call, just call me. I’ll still have the same phone number I always have,” Dean said.
He’s quick to credit his success to the people around him.
“It’s not just about me and what I can do for our customers,” Dean says, “but what our collective team does to support them. Everyone wants to be on a championship team, and I’ve been fortunate to be part of one for the last 31 years. It’s truly one of the things I’m most proud of.”
Outside of Team Sonny, Dean is known for another passion – his Virginia Tech Hokies. If you haven’t experienced Dean’s signature service on a bus delivery, you may have felt his hospitality at one of the legendary Sonny Merryman tailgates. On game days in Blacksburg, you’ll find Dean buzzing around the lot, prepping food, welcoming guests, and creating an atmosphere full of Hokie pride. His tailgates are more than a pregame ritual – they’re an extension of how he lives: full of preparation, generosity, and joy.
Dean has also made a lasting impact through his leadership of the Sonny Merryman Scholarship Program. Over the years, scholarships have been awarded to employees, their family members, and members of the broader school transportation community – particularly those pursuing degrees at Virginia Tech. Supporting students has long been a passion rooted in the vision of founder Sonny Merryman, and after Sonny’s passing, Dean was proud to carry that legacy forward.
“We’ve spent our careers helping our pupil transportation partners get kids to school safely. Supporting students as they pursue higher education feels like a natural extension of that mission,” Dean said. “It means a lot to continue that tradition in Sonny’s honor.”
Dean and his wife Kelly will continue to call Rustburg home, and it’s almost certain he’ll still be spotted roaming the halls of Sonny Merryman now and then. But he also looks forward to spending more time in some of his favorite places, especially fishing with his buddies off the coasts of Florida or North Carolina, or cheering on the Hokies in any season.
As Dean steps into retirement, he leaves behind more than just a title – he leaves behind a legacy of kindness, loyalty, and service that has touched hundreds of coworkers, customers, and friends. He’s been described as the heart of the Sonny Merryman culture, not just because of what he did, but because of how he made people feel. And while the office may be a little quieter without him, the impact of his care and commitment will echo through the company for years to come.
Thank you, Dean, for 31 unforgettable years.