Michael Ray Driver, 37 of Robbinsville, N.C., went home on Tuesday Dec. 6, 2022.
He was born in Cherokee, N.C., on Aug. 22, 1985.
Michael is survived by his loving mother, Lois Chekelelee of Robbinsville, N.C.
He had two daughters and one son: Makayla Driver, Savannah Driver, and Michael Driver Jr.; stepkids, Jezi Driver, Charlie Driver, Azora Driver, Louisa and Native Walkingstick, all of Cherokee, N.C.; one brother, Ted Wachacha of Robbinsville, N.C.; one sister, Kathleen Driver of Sylva, N.C.; three nieces, Crystal and Dorian Lopez, and Jaci Wachacha; one nephew, Timothy Daza; aunts, Alice Driver, Carolyne Tooni and Lucille Blackfox, all of Cherokee, N.C., Londa Chekelelee Rivera and husband Jason Rivera of Robbinsville, N.C., and Geraldine Chekelelee of Elizabethton, Tenn.; and many cousins.
Michael was preceded in death by his father, Roy David Driver, Sr.; brother, Roy David Driver, Jr.; three uncles: Joe, Norman Driver and Richard Chekelelee; one aunt, Jeanette Jumper; paternal grandparents, the Rev. John Driver and Nellie Driver; and maternal grandparents, the Rev. Wayne Chekelelee and Sarah Chekelelee.
The family received friends from 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 12, 2022 at Zion Hill Baptist Church in Robbinsville, N.C. Services began at noon Monday. The Rev. Ernie Stiles officiated.
Procession began at 3:30 p.m., from Zion Hill Baptist Church to Buffalo Baptist Church Cemetery.
All of his special friends were pallbearers: Brian Jumper, Junior Sawyer, Wayne Sawyer, Brian Teesateskie, Dylan Stewart and Ryan Stewart; “honorary” Timothy Daza and Journey Watty; friends, Chubb Chekelelee, Adrian Chekelelee, Gabe Chekelelee, Mitch Ayers, Hunter Welch, Josh Jumper, Mose Reed, Emory Littlejohn, Jessica Bedoya, Robert Jordan, Steven Rogers, Travis Orr and Randy Price, Boomer Wachacha, Brian Hardin, Lee Mayberry, Casey Freeman.
He will be sadly missed by his mother, brother, daughter and grandkids.
Crisp Funeral Home in Bryson City was in charge of all arrangements.