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Joel Driver Obituary
He was born on Sept. 1, 1977, at Bitburg Air Base, Germany, to Paul Edward Driver and Mary Judith Curwen Driver. The family lived in Europe for 10 years and traveled extensively while there.
Joel was a devoted Christian and, in his youth, an active member of First United Methodist Church in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., where he was proud to be a crucifer and loved his job in the church nursery. He was also a member of the youth fellowship and youth choir and frequently ran the church sound system. He was a Boy Scout, and in England a member of the Boy's Brigade.
Joel loved playing a variety of sports and was an avid hockey, Phillies and Eagles fan. He was also a Scrabble "champ." Joel played guitar and loved to attend concerts.
Joel was a graduate of Choctawhatchee High School in Fort Walton Beach. He received his BA in International Affairs and an MS with Specialist Degree in Career Counseling from Florida State University. Joel became a career counselor at the University of Texas at Austin and was president of the Texas Campus Career Council. More recently, he was an assistant director of career counseling at FSU.
Joel never allowed his 19-year battle with cancer to interfere with his life. His caring nature and keen sense of humor drew people to him, and their devotion to him was truly wonderful. In his last weeks, friends came from all regions of the country to spend time with Joel and to say their goodbyes. His courage and faith inspired others and enabled many to overcome their own adversities.
"He will live forever in our hearts and touch many more people with his story of determination to fight the battle." (Katrina Kirby Benitez)
Joel is survived by his parents; brother, Jason Hughes Driver; nephew, Brenden Joel Driver, all of Crestview, Fla.; aunt, Joan Driver of Paulsboro, N.J.; uncle, Albert (Irene) Driver of Fortuna, Calif.; and aunt, Gayle (Leonard) Sanders of Saginaw, Texas.
Funeral services will be held at First United Methodist Church of Fort Walton Beach at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 2. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow the service at Beal Memorial Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the FSU Foundation for the Joel Driver Memorial Scholarship, 2010 Levy Blvd., P.O. Box 3062739, Tallahassee, FL 32306.
Arrangements are under the direction of Davis-Watkins Funeral Home. To share memories, express condolences and sign the guest book, please visit www.daviswatkins.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joel Driver
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Gayle Sanders
January 27, 2022
Because Joel was such a wonderful source of love and joy in our lives, we will always miss him. But because we worshipped the same Lord, and had the same belief, we know we´ll all be together again, one day. I look forward to that day. `Til then, keep the angels entertained, sweet boy. Love you, always, A.G.
Judy Driver
January 27, 2020
We hear from so many people that Joel is still present in their lives- as mentor and guardian angel
He is our guide everyday - pushing us to help as many people as possible in anyway we can
Gayle Curwen Sanders
January 23, 2020
So, the question was "what would you like to say about Joel?" My goodness, what Wasn't there to say about Joel? A more well-rounded, perfectly wonderful, funny, cute human being God never put on the earth. He was definitely one-of-a-kind! He was my nephew, but I loved him like a son. There's hardly a day goes by that I don't think of him, and not just once, during the day. I will forever miss him and his Saturday phone calls when he'd ask, "what's up, A.G.(Aunt Gayle)?" "Not much," I'd say. Then, he'd ask if I wasn't watching the Rangers game. He KNEW I didn't watch baseball. But, funny thing~next baseball season after he passed, we became avid Ranger fans! Hmmm. So, my nephew, just know that you are loved and missed and I look forward to seeing you, somewhere down the road, when God's plan comes into being. I love you, forever! A. G.
Erica Borgers Klonkowski
January 23, 2020
All these years later, and you are still thought of, Sir. Every film Jason and I see brings you to mind as you were always so quick to offer an opposing opinion to him. I miss your warmth and kindness, now especially, since so much seems to have been leached from the world we are in today.
Sharon Dwyer
February 3, 2012
Joel is an advanced soul sent here to teach love. Now he can say, "Been there; done that."
February 3, 2012
Our prayers are with the family.I know they all loved him so much and was so proud of him.We will keep you all in our prayers.Paula and Bobbie Sanders(Anderson SC.)
Jason Driver
February 3, 2012
I miss you, bro. Every minute of every day, I miss you.
John & Denise Wilson
February 3, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers to Paul and Judy , Joel will always be apart of our lives. Joel touched the lives and hearts of all in our family. Gods speed
Jeanette Beck
February 1, 2012
Joel was my friend through highschool, at church, and on past my college years into adulthood. He and I shared a sense of being "quirky" and sometimes misunderstood people because we didn't always do what everyone else was doing when we were young. He was there for me in college when I lost my father in a car accident and was supportive again when I later endured watching my mother suffer through cancer. He is honestly one of those people that is not capable of meanness or spite and who inspires others just by showing so much passion for the simple things in life. I can't wait to meet him again one day and for now I know that he will be greatly missed by his amazing family and all the friends and even acquaintances he has here on Earth. What a blessed soul he is...........
Leigh Tanner
January 31, 2012
I am forever grateful for having Joel as part of my life. He was a true friend and always had an encouraging word for me. Hanging out with him was so much fun and always an adventure. His positive attitude and love for and trust in the Lord is an inspiration.
January 31, 2012
Joel introduced my son Jeremy Eisenzopf to his future wife Kristy, when they were students at Florida State. Jeremy & Joel were roommates at the University for a period of time. What a blessing that they were able to spend time at your home shortly before his passing. He was such a special Christian to both of them. Now he is in a better place-with the Lord. Lurinda Fletcher-Midland, MIchigan
Deborah Crowder
January 31, 2012
Joel was an inspiration to all who knew him. He cared about people especially the students he worked with each day. Joel's faith and dedication was remarkable to see every day that he lived with his illness. God bless the Driver family. Joel is at peace and in the loving hands of the Lord.
Darrin Carr
January 31, 2012
Joel personified the professional counselor, empathy for and openness to others.
Choctaw HS has lost another great Big Green Indian Alum
Linda Evanchyk
January 31, 2012
I tutored Joel for a time when he was fighting his illness while a student at Choctaw HS. He had a great attitude and was a true gentleman. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. My thoughts are with his family. To his parents- you did a great job raising a fine man.
Linda Evanchyk, English Teacher, Choctaw HS
Graham & Delores Land
January 31, 2012
Joan,
Graham and I send our deepest sympathy to you and your family during this difficult time
January 31, 2012
I worked with Joel only a short while at FSU but he struck me as being a genuine down to earth caring individual. His battle on this earth is over and is now sitting at the feet of Jesus, free from all sickness and care. My prayers to the family.
Pat Reeves, Tallahassee, Florida
Jennifer Jeffocat Robbins
January 30, 2012
With a heavy heart I write to joel's wonderful parents who raised this strong christian son whose laughter and love for God, his family, and friends will always be what I remember about Joel!
Mark Lynch
January 30, 2012
I had the pleasure of watching Joel grow up from a great kid into a wonderful young man. He always had a smile and a good word to pass along despite the battles he fought. He lived his life to the fullest and will be missed by all. God Bless.
Juliette McDonald
January 30, 2012
I am thankful I had an opportunity to meet and get to know Joel. I will remember the times we were able to freely share our faith and love for the Lord. He was a model example of a disciple. I pray for the family's peace, comfort and strength. Our God is a God of all comfort.
January 30, 2012
I worked with Joel only a short while at FSU but he struck me as being a genuine down to earth caring individual. His battle on this earth is over and is now sitting at the feet of Jesus, free from all sickness and care. My prayers to the family.
BettyJo Holloway
January 30, 2012
Words can never express my feelings for the loss of such a sweet and awesome son as Joel. Our prayers are with your family during this time. God's speed Joel.
Erica Klonkowski
January 30, 2012
Joel was one of the best people I've ever known. I never met someone with such a drive to help others and I feel blessed that I was able to know him in this life. I will miss him terribly and pray God be with Joel's family as they come to terms with His taking their son/brother home early.
Gayle Sanders
January 30, 2012
When my nephew was born, I could never have imagined the wonderful man he would grow to be. He never met a stranger, was available to anyone in need, was the best friend a person ever had, and was a true child of God. I will forever be proud of him. His passing leaves a huge hole in my heart, but I wouldn't have missed him for the world! God bless you, sweet boy.
sue johnson
January 29, 2012
He touched so many lives in his short stay with us. He was always so kind and positive-thinking.
Myrna Hoover
January 29, 2012
Joel's faith and courage was an example for us all. He will always be remembered for the way he touched lives in such a positive way. My life is richer for having known him. My thoughts and prayers are with Joel's family.
January 29, 2012
My heart is broken....but I am a better person for having known Joel, He will always be in my heart and prayers.
Lisa Busch
Fort Walton Beach
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