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Captain Ace Charles Driver, Jr., USN retired
2020-06-26
Captain Ace Charles Driver Jr., 87, passed away on June 26, 2020, from complications of skin cancer, surrounded by loving family and friends at the Warren Center for Caring on Amelia Island, FL. He was a decorated veteran who served in the United States Navy for 30 years.
Ace was born on October 18, 1932 to Ace Charles Driver, Sr. and Ella Bess Driver in Augusta. He grew up in Millen, Georgia and after graduating from high school, Ace attended Berry College before enlisting in the Navy. After his enlistment, Ace graduated from Georgia State University and joined the Navy�s Aviation Officer Candidate program, earning his gold aviator wings.
Ace completed a variety of assignments in the Navy, including flight instructor, catapult officer, aircraft maintenance officer, unit commander, Executive Officer and Commanding Officer of VAW-114. After a tour at the Pentagon, he was the Assistant Air Boss and the Air Boss on the USS Eisenhower when he was promoted to Captain. After the IKE, Ace served as the Tactical Development and Evaluation Officer on the Staff of the Commander-in-Chief Atlantic Fleet, before his retirement in 1984.
Ace formed and played with the �Ace Group� Fernandina Beach Golf Club for 25 years. He so enjoyed his golf and time with these friends.
Ace married Suzanne Haygood in 1961, and together they enjoyed 59 years together. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He is survived by his wife, Suzanne, son, Kirk and his wife Stephanie, their children Ace and Christen, and granddaughter Monica Smith. Ace is also survived by his siblings, Gail and Walter Voyles, Jimmie Driver and numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom he dearly loved and enjoyed. He is preceded in death by his parents, AC and Bess Driver, brother, Thom Driver and son, Charles Driver.
Ace will be laid to rest in The Millen City Cemetery in Millen, Georgia. Graveside burial service will be held on July 10th at 11am and is open to the public.
A celebration of life service will be held at a future date in Fernandina Beach, Florida.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Warner Center for Care hospice via https://www.communityhospice.com/give/ or a check to Community Hospice and Palliative Care. In the memo line, please note In Memory of Ace C. Driver, Jr. for Warner Center. Mail checks to Community Hospice and Palliative Care, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257.
Memories
SUSAN MARKIW, PT June 26, 2020
Suzanne- I am so sorry to hear of Ace�s passing. May sweet memories wrap you in comfort during these difficult times.
MARY ANN AND BOB HOWAT June 27, 2020
so sorry to hear about the death of Ace. He always had good stories to tell. He will be missed.
DON MILLER June 28, 2020
My condolences on the passing of a great man. I had the honor of serving under him during his command of VAW -114
CAROLINE BURLING, RN June 28, 2020
Suzanne � I am so sorry to hear of Ace�s death. I�m keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers..
RALPH E. HUGHES III LTCOL USMC RET June 29, 2020
I am lucky my father had Ace as a lifelong bestfriend. There is no doubt my father was a better man because of Ace, The bond they shared was truly remarkable with their love and friendship extending to each others families providing me a great role model and mentor as I was growing up. The Driver/Hughes get togethers in Sandridge, fishing Back Bay and touring the Ike, to fishing the boundary waters of Mn, are some of the best memories I will ever have, I am also lucky to have known Ace as I also am better man because of him. My condolences to the Driver family
BARBARA ADAMS2021 SILVASTONE DR June 30, 2020
I will forever remember my blessed friend Ace, Charles Driver. The brother I never had, a friend forever. My family and I will hold him in our hearts now and forever. God be with you Suzanne and your family.
BEV KWIATKOWSKI June 30, 2020
Dearest Suzanne,
My sincere condolences to you, Kirk and family, in your loss of Ace. We have many happy memories of times together in Sandbridge. Stay strong!
Love, Bev
ALLISON BOLLING July 1, 2020
Suzanne and Kirk, I am so sorry for your loss. Ace was that larger than life man and your family has been such a wonderful one. My prayers go out to you. I know that the service will be beautiful. Much love.
DON GENTRY July 2, 2020
Suzanne: I was lucky to have been introduced to Ace soon after I arrived on Amelia Island in 2005 and played golf with him for many years after that as a member of the famous Ace Group. He was a kind, generous person who told wonderful stories. Our paths almost crossed on board USS Kitty Hawk, but I departed just before he arrived. We nevertheless frequently traded stories of our respective careers flying Navy aircraft. I really enjoyed being around him. I am so sorry that he has left us. Please accept my sincere condolences; he will truly be missed. I look forward to remembering him more at his memorial service when the time is right.
MELISSA MALLEK July 3, 2020
Dear Drivers ~
I have wonderful memories of Capt. Driver calling our house and asking for my Dad. I would tell him dad was not home and he would say, �Ok�well, I�ve got a joke for you!� They always made me laugh�probably more because he was so tickled by the joke! He had a great laugh and I know I learned from the best in how to deliver the perfect joke! Both Capt. Driver and my dad were amazing men and I know they are telling jokes and laughing together again. Much love to you all and know you are in my prayers. He was a very special man.
RUTH MALLEK July 4, 2020
Dear Suzanne and Kirk � Ace is either telling funny Navy stories or riding the range with his favorite cowboys ! How he loved both .one to work at and the other to be entertained .by .
Golf ,and fishing were his favorites and I bet he has already found George to join him in a game .
You are in my thoughts .If you need help with paper work ,let me know .
RELDON LEININGER September 1, 2020
I�ve learned of the � Boss�s passing. I spent many hours in the tower with him on the Ike as what he called the Micro Boss. I had a holster made for his Tabasco Sauce, which he wore proudly. Ace was one of my favorite people. He would make me laugh and bring tears to my eyes. You and your family will be in my prayers