Captain Ace Charles Driver, Jr., USN retired October 18, 1932 - June 26, 2020 Age: 87

​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.