Steven Jerome Driver

Steven Jerome Driver, 83, of Wendell, North Carolina went peacefully home to be with the Lord, surrounded by Family and his Pastor, on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. Steve was born on October 18, 1942, in Durham, North Carolina, to the late Roy Vaxton and Grace Lewis Driver.

Steve grew up on the family farm in Emit, North Carolina and graduated in 1960 from Corinth Holders High School in Zebulon, North Carolina. In 1961, he was a charter member of the Antioch Fire Department and served faithfully. After graduation, Steve worked for the State of North Carolina Archives Library and later became a Police Officer with Raleigh Police Department. He married his wife Betty on September 3, 1966. He served our Country with honor in the Military Army National Guard in both active and inactive status from 1964-1970 receiving Honorable Discharge as a Sergeant E-5 Battery A 5th Btn (HJ) 133 Artillery. He began in construction and worked hard moving up to Foreman, Superintendent and later Project Manager. His career included working at Stahl-Rider Inc., Watco, Southern Piping Mechanical, Hockaday Heating and Air, before retiring with Edwards Inc. After retirement, he enjoyed jumping on the tractor, planting beans, corn and wheat with his brother, Norman, back where it all started on the family farm.

His great love for his Family was known and felt by all. Steve loved with all his heart, first his Lord and Savior, his Family, his Church Family and dear friends. He was an active member of Watkins Chapel Baptist Church for over 72 years, teaching Sunday School, serving as Deacon/Chair, Treasurer, Building and Grounds/Chair, Baptist Men, Youth leader, Kitchen Crew, several Mission trips, sang in the choir and enjoyed helping with VBS crafts. He was a very handy man who could do anything, build anything and loved to share his knowledge. He lived an amazing life most of all serving and sharing Christ wherever he went; his presence will be missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife of more than 59 years and the love of his life, Betty Stamey Driver; children: Gregory Alan Driver (Denise), Teresa Driver Creech (Sherwood); grandchildren: Tiffany Driver, Emily Risner (Richard), Taylor Creech (Landon), Hunter Creech, Alex Driver (McKenzie), Sarah Driver; great-grandchildren: Esther Risner, Hayes Driver, Marianne Risner, Harlyn Driver; brother, Norman Lewis Driver (Shelia); many nephews and nieces; and his loyal and faithful Jack Russell, Ozzy.

In addition to his parents, Steve was preceded in death by his brothers: Sidney Millon Driver, Timothy Lee Driver; great-granddaughter, Anastasia Quinn Risner.

Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Watkins Chapel Baptist Church, 5897 NC Hwy 231, Middlesex. A Graveside service, with military honors, will follow immediately in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends and relatives prior to the service, from 9:30 to 10:45 am, at the church.