Earnest Thurman Driver, Jr., age 85, passed away Thursday, July 13, 2017. He was born April 28, 1932, in Johnston County, to the late Ernest T. Driver, Sr., and Levada Batten Driver.  He was also preceded by his wife of 57 years, Ava Jean Hinnant Driver; sister, Barbara Driver Brantley. Survivors include his son, Ernie Driver and wife, Teresa Lea and his grandson, Colton E. Driver and wife, Jessie; his sister, Martha Driver Eddins and husband Kenneth; and several nieces and nephews.  

Earnest served in the U.S. Army, 3rd Division, 41st Field Artillery and was stationed in the Philippines during the Korean War. After the Army, he worked with Carolina Power & Light Company in Zebulon as a lineman and retired in Raleigh as Northern Division Manager. He was a member of the Wendell Masonic Lodge # 565 for many years until his health declined in 2016.  

Earnest and Ava lived in Knightdale for many years, and his yard and his garden reflected the many hours he spent there. He leaves this world a more loving place because God placed him in our lives, and we shall all always cherish his memory. 

We would like to especially remember and thank his caregivers, Betty and Horace Shirley, for their   loving care and friendship through the years. 

A service to celebrate the life of Earnest will be held 3:00 pm, Sunday, July 16, 2017 at Bethlehem Baptist Church, 8400 Poole Road, Knightdale, NC, 27545. Burial will be in the church cemetery with Military Honors. 

Visitation with the family will be held prior to the service from 2:00 to 3:00 pm, in the church fellowship hall.

 Flowers are accepted or memorial contributions may be made to Bethlehem Baptist Church Building Fund. 

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