Joel Dee Driver

Joel Dee Driver received the devastating diagnosis of Adrenal Cortical Carcinoma (Primary) in June 2022 and died peacefully at his home in Cornelius NC on December 14, 2022 .  Joel, son of the late Helen and Jessie Driver, was born in Zebulon NC on June 25, 1950. 

A 1968 graduate of Garinger High School, Joel attended Montreat College and then followed in his father's footsteps, enjoying a lengthy career as a Licensed Optician.  Joel was an avid golfer and always looked forward to playing with his dear friends Bill, Jerry, and Jim; they especially enjoyed their many jaunts to Pinehurst.  Recognized as quite the wordsmith, Joel could conquer any crossword puzzle and also proved to be a worthy trivia opponent.  He enjoyed boating, following NASCAR and classic movies. He never missed an episode of "This Old House" and was a wonderful conversationalist.  Joel was the epitome of a gentleman as well as a gentle man. 

Joel is survived by his true love, Nancy Arthurs Caudle, his devoted sister and her husband, Linda and Ron Sossamon, his nieces, Shelley Smith and her husband David, and Julie Edwards and her husband Heath, great nieces, Savana, Lexi, Kara, Lindy and Holly, his great nephew, Zane and his wife, Katherine, and his extended family in Eastern NC.  Joel's kind heart, quick wit and loving ways will be missed by Nancy's son, KG Caudle, who was Joel's steadfast companion throughout his illness, her daughter, Pierce Moore and her grandson, Carson Moore. Joel is also survived by a son, Andy Rowland. 

The family wants to express their gratitude to Dr. Jack Faircloth, Dr. Anita Desponde, Dr. Kent Kercher, and Dr. Brenda Story, for their transparency and guidance during Joel's cancer journey.   Sincere appreciation is also extended to the staff of Hospice and Palliative Care, particularly Karen Petty and Gina Hodges, for providing comfort, care and support to Joel as his passage came to an end.  Adrenal Cortical Carcinoma (Primary) is so rare it affects only one in one million.  It is a beast and does not respond to radiation or chemotherapy and in Joel's case, was inoperable.  Yet, Joel stoically faced it head-on with dignity and grace and made the unselfish and brave decision to become a Silent Teacher by donating his body to support Adrenal Cortical Carcinoma research at Wake Forest Medical School. 

A service to honor Joel's life will be held at Idlewild Baptist Church, 12701 Idlewild Rd., Matthews, NC 28105, on January 7, 2023 at 1 PM, followed by light refreshments in the Fellowship Hall.  A future memorial service will be held at Lee's Chapel Baptist Church in Middlesex, NC. 

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Lake Norman, 705 Griffith St., Suite 203, Davidson, NC 28036.